Page 143 - ABCTE Study Guide_Neat

Europe

While it may better fit the definition of a subcontinent, Europe
is usually labeled a continent. It comprises more than 40
countries and a dizzying array of languages and dialects. In
terms of population, only Africa and Asia have more people.
With its mountainous southern region, many peninsulas, and
miles of coastline, Europe is one of the most physically
complex continents. Twenty five nations make up the
European Union, an international group that decides issues

on a wide variety of public policy.
North America

Stretching from the Arctic Ocean in the north and the
Caribbean in the south, North America is the third-largest
continent. It comprises Canada, the US, Mexico, Belize,
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua,
and Panama. The region also includes many territories of the
US or other European countries. The continent is
geographically diverse, containing mountainous ranges in the
west and east, as well as prairies and deserts in the central
regions. The North American economy is dominated by the

US (about 12 trillion GDP) and Canada.

South America

More than 350 million people live in South America, making it
the fourth most populated continent. It is bordered in the
north by the Panama Canal and stretches south to Cape
Horn. South America's largest country, both in terms of area
and population, is Brazil. Its natural resources include tin,
iron ore, and oil. The economies of many South American
nations are unstable, and there is a tremendous gap
between the wealthy and the poor.