Continent

North America

A continent of contrasts — Arctic wilderness in the north, Caribbean islands in the south, and vast plains, mountains and cities in between.

Countries23
Population621M
Area24.7M km2
Known forNational parks, cities, diversity

Overview

Area24.7 million km2
Population621 million
Population ranking#4
Share of world population7.8%
Countries23
Largest countryCanada
Smallest countrySaint Kitts and Nevis
Time zonesUTC -10 to -3

Key Stats

Human development
High
Safety index
52
Internet access
79%
Life expectancy
75 years
GDP nominal
$29T

Sources: UN, World Bank, Numbeo.

Top 5 Countries by Population

USA
335M
Mexico
130M
Canada
39M
Guatemala
18M
Cuba
11M

Landscape & Nature

6,190 mHighest point
33%Forest cover
202,000 kmCoastline
7Climate zones

Top 3 Highest Mountains

Denali6,190 m
Mount Logan5,959 m
Pico de Orizaba5,636 m

Regions

NorthCanada and Alaska — boreal forests, Arctic tundra, Great Lakes and vast wilderness
CentralUnited States — diverse landscapes, major cities and the world’s largest economy
CaribbeanTropical islands, warm climate year-round, beaches and vibrant cultures
MesoamericaRainforests, volcanoes, Maya heritage sites and Pacific and Caribbean coasts

Why North America?

National parksYellowstone, Grand Canyon, Banff and hundreds of protected wilderness areas.
Major citiesNew York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto and Mexico City among the world’s leading cities.
Diverse landscapesRockies, Great Plains, deserts, Arctic tundra and tropical islands.
Tech & cultureSilicon Valley, Hollywood, Broadway and global sports leagues.
Road tripsRoute 66, Pacific Coast Highway and cross-country drives through iconic scenery.