Looking at a map, it feels pretty obvious where North America lies, but knowing which specific countries are part of the continent, as well as where it ends, can be difficult. Others wonder if countries not on the continent are still considered North American. Read below to see what defines North America from a land and cultural aspect.
North America
North America is the northern continent of the Americas. North America's shores touch the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans, as well as the many seas contained in those oceans Marion. One common question is whether or not Central America is part of North America. It is, North America ends and South America begins around the border shared by Panama and Columbia.
North America Places
Countries of North America
- Belize:
- Guatemala:
- El Salvador:
- Honduras:
- Nicaragua:
- Costa Rica:
- Panama:
- Canada:
- United States:
- Mexico:
North America's Symbols
North America, covering such a large area, has many cultures and countries. It's impossible to define symbols of North America similarly to what WorldGeo does for countries and other regions.
Still, there are a couple of customs, symbols, and species unique to North America that I want to highlight.
Totem Poles are intricate carvings made by peoples of the Pacific Northwest from Washington to Alaska.
Cactus - often associated with the American Southwest. If you see a Saguaro Cactus, you'll immediately begin singing an Ennio Morricone song in your head.
Jaguars - there are many big cats throughout the world; however, I have always been inspired by the focus on Jaguars in the art of those living from Arizona to the jungles of Central America.
Additionally, I've also always felt related to large amounts of people with the Maple Leaf of the Canadian flag, the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island, and the Eagle eating a snake that is part of the Mexican flag.
North America Events
The different countries' independence days are a great place to start.
- Canada : July 1, 1867 (Canada Day)
- United States of America: July 4, 1776 (Independence Day)
- Mexico: September 16, 1810 (Independence Day)
- Haiti: January 1, 1804 (Independence Day)
- Dominican Republic: February 27, 1844 (Independence Day)
- Costa Rica: September 15, 1821 (Independence Day)
- El Salvador: September 15, 1821 (Independence Day)
- Guatemala: September 15, 1821 (Independence Day)
- Honduras: September 15, 1821 (Independence Day)
- Nicaragua: September 15, 1821 (Independence Day)
- Panama: November 3, 1903 (Independence Day from Colombia)
- Belize: September 21, 1981 (Independence Day)
- The Bahamas: July 10, 1973 (Independence Day)
- Jamaica: August 6, 1962 (Independence Day)
- Barbados: November 30, 1966 (Independence Day)
- Trinidad and Tobago: August 31, 1962 (Independence Day)
- Saint Kitts and Nevis: September 19, 1983 (Independence Day)
- Antigua and Barbuda: November 1, 1981 (Independence Day)
- Dominica: November 3, 1978 (Independence Day)
- Saint Lucia: February 22, 1979 (Independence Day)
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: October 27, 1979 (Independence Day)
North America Interesting Facts
Landscapes
Its is easy to think North America only has 2 or 3 landscapes, but this area is known for many diverse environments and topographies.
From the scorching deserts of the southwest US to the frozen arctic tundra to the rainforests in the Central America. Beaches abound, both tropical and those in cooler water.
The list of destinations and envrionement experiences is long and varied. And most are offered within within a few-hours-flight to most residents of North America.
Sports
There is a worldwide passion for North American sports and their teams.
The NBA is truly an international organization, with its stars celeberated worldwid. The NFL hosts regular games outside of the United States.
Soccer is growing locally, and has been my favorite addition to the events I get to attend - I enjoy many sports, but its the outdoor one that carry the ambiance and take my enjoyment to another level.
Hockey and the NHL have always received worldwide attention, mostly for in those countries that have lakes freezing over every winter. Stanley Cup Playoff hockey offers some of the most intense competition you will ever see.
North America's Destinations
Countries in North America
- Canada
- Mexico
- United States