Download Lecture - Introduction to World Regions

The 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 5,500mile (8,850-kilometer)
border, the longest and
one of the friendliest
anywhere.
Some 75 percent of the
more than 260 million people
in the United States live in
towns and cities. Yet
farmers, accounting for less
than 2 percent of the
population, lead the world in
production of soybeans and
corn.
The continent has a relatively
small population of only 319
million. The population of
Brazil almost equals that of all
the other South American
countries combined. Industry
accounts for one-third of the
continent's economic activity.
From 1990 to 1995 the
countries of Europe
mushroomed from 33 to 43,
most of which have access to
the ocean. In these countries
live 686 million people who
speak some 80 languages.
Africa is home to 53
independent
countries and 720
million people.
Africa's population is
expanding by 3
percent a year, the
highest growth rate
of any continent.
Asia consists of more than 40 countries. Its population
exceeds three billion. Asia has the distinction of having the
most populous country in the world, China.
Despite abundant
claims to the
Antarctic
landmass, in 1991
the parties to the
Antarctic Treaty
proposed rules to
safeguard the
continent's
environment and
to prohibit mining
for at least 50
years.
The vastness of the
oceans has long
isolated this country
continent. In this
land that is virtually
the same size as the
contiguous United
States, sheep
outnumber the 18
million people.