Eastern hemisphere facts for kids

The Eastern Hemisphere is a geographical term for the half of the Earth that is east of the Prime Meridian and west of the 180th Meridian. It is the opposite of the Western hemisphere. This part of the world includes Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and Oceania.

The eastern hemisphere of Earth, highlighted in yellow.

Eastern hemisphere

What is the Eastern Hemisphere?

The Earth is a sphere, like a giant ball. To make it easier to study, geographers divide it into halves, called hemispheres. The word "hemisphere" means "half a sphere."

Where is the Eastern Hemisphere Located?

The Eastern Hemisphere is defined by two important imaginary lines that go around the Earth:

• The Prime Meridian (also called the Greenwich Meridian) is the starting line for measuring longitude. It runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, passing through Greenwich, London.
• The 180th Meridian is exactly opposite the Prime Meridian on the other side of the Earth.

So, the Eastern Hemisphere includes all the land and water between the Prime Meridian and the 180th Meridian, when you travel east.

Which Continents are in the Eastern Hemisphere?

Most of the world's land and people live in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is home to several large continents:

• Africa: The second-largest continent, known for its diverse wildlife and ancient civilizations.
• Asia: The largest continent, home to the highest mountains, vast deserts, and more than half of the world's population.
• Europe: A continent known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and many different countries.
• Australia: A continent and a country, famous for its unique animals like kangaroos and koalas.
• Oceania: This region includes Australia and thousands of islands spread across the Pacific Ocean.

Why is the Eastern Hemisphere Special?

The Eastern Hemisphere is special because it contains most of the Earth's landmass. This means it is where most of the world's population lives. It has been home to many ancient civilizations and has played a huge role in human history and development.

See also

In Spanish: Hemisferio oriental para niños