How to use this map
The world map displays all the continents of the world as well as all the oceans. In addition, the map has a compass which shows the direction and the position of the North Pole. Latitudes and Longitudes are marked across to accurately find the position of any place on the map. This map is a useful resource for school children who wish to learn about the various aspects of world geography. Moreover, this map is a useful aid for teachers and parents as well.
Continents
Land makes up 30% of the Earth's surface. This land mass on earth is divided into continents of varying shapes and sizes. The continents, all differently colored in this map are: North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica. The largest continent is Asia and the smallest Australia. Australia is the only continent which is also a country and Antarctica is the only continent which is uninhabited. Asia and Africa are joined by narrow strips of land, and so are North and South America. Europe and Asia are actually one continuous land mass as there is no water body which separates them.
Sometimes, North and South Americas are jointly referred to as the Americas, and Europe and Asia as Eurasia.
Oceans
Oceans are large bodies of water which cover two thirds of the Earth's surface. Actually these are part of just one continuous body of water which is divided by the continental landmasses. The largest and the deepest ocean is the Pacific which separates Asia from America. The other oceans are Indian, Southern, Atlantic and Arctic. The Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean are further sub divided at the equator into northern and southern parts. Atlantic separates North and South America from Europe and Africa. Indian Ocean named after India is bounded by Southern and Western Asia, Africa and Australia. Southern ocean encircles Antarctica, and Arctic Ocean-located in the Arctic polar region- is surrounded by Europe, Asia and North America. Arctic Ocean is the smallest and the shallowest of all the oceans.
Latitude and Longitude
Two imaginary sets of lines-the longitudes and latitudes- drawn around the world to make a grid, give us the geographical co-ordinates of any place. We can find out how far north, east, west and south that place is on Earth by referring to these co-ordinates.
Latitudes are horizontal lines running from east to west. The Equator which cuts the world at the center is given the value 0°. All other lines of latitudes run parallel to the Equator and are numbered in degrees north or south of the Equator.
Longitudes are vertical lines running from north to south. The Prime Meridian passing through Greenwich, London is given the value 0°. All other lines of longitude are numbered in degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian.
Last Updated on: April 22, 2024
