Different approaches to the regional division

of the world

North America

South America

Asia

Australia

Africa

Europe

Antarctica

PacificOcean

Atlantic Ocean

IndianOcean

ArcticOcean

Continental regions

NORTH AMERICAThe 455 million people of North America produce more goods and consume more resources than those on any other continent. Canada and the United States share a 5,500-mile (8,850-kilometer) border, the longest and one of the friendliest anywhere.

1/25/2000

SOUTH AMERICAThe continent has a relatively smallpopulation of only 319 million. Thepopulation of Brazil almost equals thatof all the other South Americancountries combined. Industry accountsfor one-third of the continent'seconomic activity.

From 1990 to 1995 the countries of Europe mushroomed from 33 to 43, most of which haveaccess to the ocean. In these countries live 686 million people who speak some 80 languages.

RUSSIA AND THE INDEPENDENT NATIONS OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNIONA few years back the Soviet Union was the biggest country in the world, dominating the Eurasian landmass from the Baltic Sea to thePacific Ocean. In 1991 the former communist colossus fragmented into Russia and 14 other countries, which are now coping with politicaland economic dislocation. Yet Russia remains the world's biggest nation, comprising more than 6,500,000 square miles (17,000,000 sq km).

1/25/2000

Asia consists of more than 40countries. Its population exceedsthree billion. Asia has thedistinction of having the mostpopulous country in the world,China.

RUSSIA AND THEINDEPENDENT NATIONSOF THE FORMER SOVIETUNION(SEE MAP OF EUROPE FORDETAILS)

1/25/2000

Africa is home to 53 independent countries and 720million people. Africa's population is expanding by 3percent a year, the highest growth rate of any continent.

1/25/2000

ANTARCTICADespite abundantclaims to theAntarctic land-mass, in 1991 theparties to theAntarctic Treatyproposed rules tosafeguard thecontinent's environ-ment and to pro-hibit mining for atleast 50 years.

The United Nations geoscheme 

Tourism Regions of the World

by World Tourism Organization (WTO)

WTO regions

International Air Transport Association

(IATA) World geography

IATA has divided world into three areas: TC1, TC2, TC3