Continents and Oceans
“The Earth is divided into large landmasses called continents and huge water bodies called oceans. Together, they shape the geography of our planet.”
Continents of the World
There are 7 continents on Earth. They vary in size, population, and geographical features.
- Asia: Largest continent by area and population. Includes China, India, Russia, etc.
- Africa: Second-largest, known for the Sahara Desert and the Nile River.
- North America: Includes countries like the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
- South America: Known for the Amazon rainforest and Andes mountains.
- Antarctica: Coldest continent, mostly covered in ice.
- Europe: Known for history, culture, and being the smallest after Australia.
- Australia: Smallest continent, also referred to as Oceania with nearby islands.
Oceans of the World
The Earth has 5 major oceans which cover about 71% of the planet’s surface.
- Pacific Ocean: Largest and deepest ocean, located between Asia and the Americas.
- Atlantic Ocean: Second-largest, between the Americas and Europe/Africa.
- Indian Ocean: Lies between Africa, Asia, and Australia.
- Southern Ocean: Surrounds Antarctica.
- Arctic Ocean: Smallest and shallowest, located around the North Pole.
Important Points
- Asia and Europe: Together form the landmass called Eurasia.
- Panama Canal: Connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- Suez Canal: Connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea.
- Mariana Trench: Deepest point in the world's oceans (Pacific).
- Mount Everest: Highest point on Earth (Asia).
Previous Year Questions
- SSC CGL 2019: Which is the largest continent by area?
- Asia
- RRB NTPC 2018: The smallest continent is?
- Australia
- HSSC CET 2022: The deepest ocean is?
- Pacific Ocean
- SSC CHSL 2020: Which ocean lies between Africa, Asia and Australia?
- Indian Ocean
- SSC CGL 2021: The continent with the highest number of countries is?
- Africa
- SSC JE 2019: Which is the coldest continent?
- Antarctica
- RRB Group D 2019: Which ocean is located near the North Pole?
- Arctic Ocean
- SSC MTS 2021: Mount Everest is located on which continent?
- Asia
- HSSC 2019: Which two continents are connected by the Isthmus of Suez?
- Asia and Africa
- RRB ALP 2017: The longest mountain range is in which continent?
- South America (Andes)
- SSC CPO 2020: Which continent is entirely in the Southern Hemisphere?
- Australia
- SSC CHSL 2022: Panama Canal joins which two oceans?
- Atlantic and Pacific
- SSC JE 2021: Which continent is known as the ‘Dark Continent’?
- Africa
- RRB JE 2018: Name the continent with no permanent population.
- Antarctica
- SSC GD 2022: The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea and?
- Red Sea
- SSC MTS 2023: Which ocean surrounds Antarctica?
- Southern Ocean
- HSSC 2021: Which ocean has the Bermuda Triangle?
- Atlantic Ocean
- SSC CGL 2023: Which continent has the maximum desert area?
- Africa
- RRB Group D 2016: Eurasia is a combination of which two continents?
- Europe and Asia
- SSC CHSL 2020: Which continent is known as the “Island continent”?
- Australia
Tip: To easily remember oceans’ size order: P-A-I-S-A – Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, Arctic.