Americas facts for kids
The Americas are a huge landmass in the Western Hemisphere. They are also known as the New World. This big area includes two main continents: North America and South America. It also has many islands nearby. The Americas cover about 8.3% of Earth's total surface, which is a big chunk of its land area (28.4%).
Most people think of the countries in Central America as part of North America.
While the word American often means someone or something from the United States, which is the most populated country in the Americas, sometimes it can mean people or things from any part of the Americas.
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What are the Americas?
The Americas are a vast land area that includes both North America and South America. These two continents are connected by a narrow strip of land called Central America. Together, they form a huge part of the Earth's land.
North and South America
The Americas are divided into two main continents. North America is in the northern part of the Western Hemisphere. It includes countries like Canada, the United States, and Mexico. South America is in the southern part. Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Peru are found there.
Many people consider the countries in Central America, such as Honduras and Costa Rica, to be part of North America. This region connects the two larger continents.
Where does the name "America" come from?
The name "America" comes from an Italian explorer named Amerigo Vespucci. He was one of the first Europeans to realize that the lands Christopher Columbus had reached were not part of Asia, but a completely new continent. Because of his discoveries, mapmakers started naming the new lands after him.
What does "American" mean?
When you hear the word "American," it usually refers to someone or something from the United States of America. This is because the U.S. is the most populated country in the Americas. However, the term "American" can also mean anything or anyone from any country in North, Central, or South America. For example, a person from Brazil or Canada is also an American in the broader sense.
Related pages
Images for kids
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America is named after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci.
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Christopher Columbus leads expedition to the New World, 1492.
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Map showing the dates of independence from European powers. Black signifies areas that are dependent territories or parts of countries with a capital outside the Americas.
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Satellite photo of the Americas on Earth
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Climate zones of the Americas in the Köppen climate classification system.
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Languages spoken in the Americas
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Mexico City – Largest metropolitan area in the Americas, with a population of 22,300,000 in 2017
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São Paulo – Largest city in the Americas, with a population of 12,038,175 (city) in 2016
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New York City – Largest urban area in the Americas, with a population of 18,351,295 in 2010
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See also
In Spanish: América para niños
