Continents and Oceans Overview
World Geography – Exam Preparation
Introduction: The Blue Planet
Earth is known as the “Blue Planet” because 71% of its surface is covered with water and 29% with land.
The landmasses are grouped into continents, while water bodies form oceans — both essential for understanding world geography.
Continents – The Great Landmasses
| Continent | Area (Approx.) | Population Share | Key Facts / Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | 44.5 million sq km | 60% | Largest & most populous; includes India & China |
| Africa | 30.3 million sq km | 17% | "Dark Continent"; Sahara Desert |
| North America | 24.7 million sq km | 8% | Great Lakes; developed nations |
| South America | 17.8 million sq km | 6% | Amazon Rainforest; Andes Mountains |
| Antarctica | 14.0 million sq km | 0% (No permanent population) | Ice-covered, coldest continent |
| Europe | 10.2 million sq km | 10% | "Peninsula of Peninsulas"; developed |
| Australia | 7.7 million sq km | 1% | Smallest; "Island Continent" |
Location & Hemisphere Overview
| Continent | Hemisphere(s) |
|---|---|
| Asia | Mostly Northern & Eastern |
| Africa | Both North & South (passes Equator) |
| Europe | Entirely Northern |
| North America | Entirely Northern |
| South America | Entirely Western & Southern |
| Australia | Entirely Southern & Eastern |
| Antarctica | Entirely Southern |
Oceans – The Great Water Bodies
| Ocean | Area (Million sq km) | Location / Borders | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Ocean | 165 | Between Asia & America | Largest & deepest (Mariana Trench – 11,022 m) |
| Atlantic Ocean | 106 | America & Europe–Africa | Second largest; “S”-shaped |
| Indian Ocean | 73 | Africa, Asia, Australia | Only ocean named after a country |
| Southern Ocean | 20 | Around Antarctica | Formed in 2000; very cold |
| Arctic Ocean | 14 | Around North Pole | Smallest & shallowest |
Special Geographic Features
- Highest Point: Mount Everest (Asia) – 8,848 m
- Deepest Point: Mariana Trench (Pacific Ocean) – 11,022 m
- Largest Desert: Sahara (Africa) – 9 million sq km
- Longest Mountain Range: Andes (South America) – 7,000 km
- Largest River (Volume): Amazon (South America)
- Longest River (Length): Nile (Africa) – 6,650 km
Important Lines Passing Through Continents
| Imaginary Line | Continents it Crosses |
|---|---|
| Equator (0°) | South America, Africa, Asia |
| Tropic of Cancer (23½° N) | Asia, Africa, North America |
| Tropic of Capricorn (23½° S) | South America, Africa, Australia |
| Arctic Circle (66½° N) | North America, Europe, Asia |
| Antarctic Circle (66½° S) | Antarctica only |
Interesting Facts at a Glance
- Asia + Africa = 75% of World’s Population
- Pacific Ocean = 1/3 of Earth’s surface
- Australia = Only Country + Continent
- Europe & Asia = Joined by Ural Mountains
- Antarctica = No permanent residents
- Indian Ocean = Warmest ocean
Practice Questions (Delhi Police PYQ-style)
Which is the largest continent in the world?
Options: A) Africa B) North America C) Asia D) Europe
Category: Continents
Show Answer
C) Asia
The smallest continent in the world is —
Options: A) Europe B) Australia C) Antarctica D) South America
Category: Continents
Show Answer
B) Australia
Which is the largest ocean in the world?
Options: A) Indian Ocean B) Atlantic Ocean C) Arctic Ocean D) Pacific Ocean
Category: Oceans
Show Answer
D) Pacific Ocean
The only ocean named after a country is —
Options: A) Indian Ocean B) Atlantic Ocean C) Arctic Ocean D) Pacific Ocean
Category: Oceans
Show Answer
A) Indian Ocean
Which continent is known as the “Dark Continent”?
Options: A) Asia B) Africa C) Europe D) South America
Category: Continents
Show Answer
B) Africa
The Equator passes through which of the following continents?
Options: A) Asia and Europe B) Africa and South America C) North America and Australia D) Only Africa
Category: Geographical Lines
Show Answer
B) Africa and South America
Which is the deepest point in the world?
Options: A) Dead Sea B) Mariana Trench C) Great Rift Valley D) Caspian Depression
Category: Physical Geography
Show Answer
B) Mariana Trench
Which continent has no permanent human settlement?
Options: A) Africa B) Antarctica C) Australia D) Asia
Category: Continents
Show Answer
B) Antarctica
Quick Comparison Table
| Continent | Area Rank | Population Rank | Special Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | 1 | 1 | Largest, most populous |
| Africa | 2 | 2 | Fastest-growing population |
| North America | 3 | 4 | Highly industrialized |
| South America | 4 | 5 | Amazon rainforest |
| Antarctica | 5 | 7 | Ice-covered desert |
| Europe | 6 | 3 | Developed & cultural |
| Australia | 7 | 6 | Smallest, island continent |
Exam Tricks & Mnemonics
Continents Trick:
All Animals Need Some Extra Apple Always.
(Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia)
Oceans Trick:
People Always Imagine Swimming Around.
(Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, Arctic)
Desert–Continent Trick:
Sahara–Africa, Atacama–South America, Simpson–Australia.
Rivers–Continent Trick:
Nile–Africa, Amazon–S. America, Yangtze–Asia, Mississippi–N. America.
Revision & Exam Points
Final Exam Tips
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