Geography of North America
North America is the third largest continent in the world. It is known for its
mountain ranges, large rivers, developed countries, mineral resources, forests,
and important industries. North America plays a major role in world economy,
trade, technology, and politics. Questions related to North America are frequently
asked in competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, Banking, Defence,
PSC, and various GK examinations.
North America at a Glance
| Topic |
Information |
| Continent |
North America |
| Area |
About 24.71 Million km² |
| Population |
More than 600 Million |
| Number of Countries |
23 Independent Countries |
| Largest Country |
Canada |
| Smallest Country |
Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Largest City |
Mexico City |
| Highest Peak |
Denali (Mount McKinley) |
| Longest River |
Mississippi–Missouri River System |
| Largest Lake |
Lake Superior |
| Largest Island |
Greenland |
| Main Oceans Around North America |
Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Arctic Ocean |
Location and Boundaries of North America
| Direction |
Bordering Water Body / Region |
| North |
Arctic Ocean |
| South |
Caribbean Sea and South America |
| East |
Atlantic Ocean |
| West |
Pacific Ocean |
| North-West |
Bering Strait |
Important Countries and Capitals of North America
| Country |
Capital |
| United States of America |
Washington, D.C. |
| Canada |
Ottawa |
| Mexico |
Mexico City |
| Cuba |
Havana |
| Jamaica |
Kingston |
| Panama |
Panama City |
| Costa Rica |
San José |
| Guatemala |
Guatemala City |
| Haiti |
Port-au-Prince |
| Dominican Republic |
Santo Domingo |
Major Physical Divisions of North America
| Physical Division |
Important Features |
| Western Cordilleras |
Contains Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada |
| Great Plains |
Major agricultural grassland region |
| Canadian Shield |
Rich in mineral resources |
| Appalachian Highlands |
Old mountain system in eastern region |
| Coastal Plains |
Located along Atlantic and Gulf coasts |
Major Mountain Ranges of North America
| Mountain Range |
Important Fact |
| Rocky Mountains |
Longest mountain range in North America |
| Appalachian Mountains |
Old fold mountains in eastern USA |
| Sierra Nevada |
Located in western USA |
| Alaska Range |
Contains Denali Peak |
| Coast Mountains |
Located in western Canada |
Major Rivers of North America
| River |
Important Fact |
| Mississippi River |
Major river of the USA |
| Missouri River |
Longest tributary of Mississippi |
| St. Lawrence River |
Important trade route between USA and Canada |
| Mackenzie River |
Longest river in Canada |
| Colorado River |
Created the Grand Canyon |
| Rio Grande |
Forms part of USA–Mexico border |
Important Lakes of North America
| Lake |
Important Fact |
| Lake Superior |
Largest freshwater lake by area |
| Lake Michigan |
Located entirely in USA |
| Lake Huron |
Part of Great Lakes system |
| Lake Erie |
Important industrial region |
| Lake Ontario |
Connected with St. Lawrence River |
| Great Bear Lake |
Largest lake entirely in Canada |
Major Deserts of North America
| Desert |
Location |
| Mojave Desert |
USA |
| Sonoran Desert |
USA and Mexico |
| Chihuahuan Desert |
Mexico and USA |
| Great Basin Desert |
Western USA |
Climate of North America
| Region |
Climate Type |
| Northern Canada |
Polar Climate |
| Central Plains |
Continental Climate |
| South-Eastern USA |
Humid Subtropical Climate |
| Western Coastal Region |
Mediterranean Climate |
| Mountain Regions |
Highland Climate |
Natural Resources of North America
| Resource |
Important Area |
| Petroleum |
Texas, Alaska, Gulf of Mexico |
| Coal |
Appalachian Region |
| Iron Ore |
Canadian Shield |
| Natural Gas |
USA and Canada |
| Forests |
Canada |
Important Organizations and Trade Agreements
| Organization |
Headquarters / Members |
| USMCA |
USA, Canada, Mexico Trade Agreement |
| NATO |
USA and Canada are important members |
| OAS |
Organization of American States |
Important One-Liner GK Facts About North America
| Question |
Answer |
| Third largest continent in the world |
North America |
| Largest country in North America |
Canada |
| Longest river system |
Mississippi–Missouri River System |
| Highest peak in North America |
Denali |
| Largest freshwater lake by area |
Lake Superior |
| Country known as Maple Leaf Country |
Canada |
| Famous canyon created by Colorado River |
Grand Canyon |
| Industrial heartland of USA |
Great Lakes Region |
| Largest island in the world |
Greenland |
| Most populous city in North America |
Mexico City |