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ii. afriCa

It is the second largest continent after Asia. The Equator runs almost through the middle of
the continent. A large part of Africa lies in the Northern Hemisphere. It is in south of Europe
and is bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The Sahara Desert, the World’s largest
hot desert, is located in Africa. The continent is bound on all sides by oceans and seas. The
world’s longest river, the Nile, also flows through Africa.
iii. norTh aMeriCa

North America is the third largest continent.
It lies entirely in the Northern hemisphere. It Mount Kilimanjaro, which is 5,895 metres
extends between 7°N to 83°N latitudes and above the sea level, is the highest peak in
from 53° W to 180°W longitudes. It is linked to Africa. Though it is quite near the equator, it is
South America by a very narrow strip of land always covered with snow.
called the Isthmus of Panama. North America
is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Arctic
Ocean in the North and the Isthmus of Panama in the south.
North America has ancient plateaus, mountain ranges and extensive plains. The northern
part of North America remains under snow cover almost throughout the year. The glacial
lakes are also found in this part.
iv. SouTh aMeriCa

It is the fourth largest continent which lies in the southern hemisphere. South America
extends from 12° North to 55° South latitudes and 35° West to 81° West longitudes.

Which two oceans surround it on the east and the west?
The equator passes through the mouth of its greatest river, the Amazon.
v. anTarCTiCa

Antarctica is the fifth largest continent. It is completely in the Southern hemisphere. The
south pole lies almost at the centre of this continent. It is covered with thick ice throughout
the year, so it is also called white continent.
Antarctica is surrounded by the Pacific, the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans. Many countries have
set up research stations here. India has also set up two stations here, Maitri and Dakshin Gangotri.
Penguin, silver fox, polar bear, etc are the main animals of this region.
vi. euroPe

Europe is the sixth largest continent. It lies to the west of Asia, but not separated from Asia
by any water body. It is quite small in size, but has some of the most developed nations in the
world. It lies completely in northern hemisphere between 35° North to 75° North latitude.
It has the most indented coastline in the world; that’s why it has numerous ports and finest
harbours in the world. The Arctic Circle passes through it. It is bounded by water bodies on
three side.
vii. auSTralia

Australia is the seventh and the smallest continent that lies entirely in the Southern
Hemisphere. It is surrounded on all sides by the oceans and seas. It is called an island
continent.

22 Social Studies-6