The American Continent - North America

Study Notes

First Inhabitants: Native Americans
- Native Americans, or American Indians, were the continent's first inhabitants.
- They belonged to diverse tribes, including the Caribs, Mayans, and Incas, each with distinct languages.
- Ancestors of Native Americans migrated from regions like Siberia and Alaska.
European Arrival Impact
- European explorers, including Christopher Columbus, arrived unaware they had reached America, mistaking it for the East Indies.
- New diseases from Europeans caused significant Native American casualties.
- Native Americans faced violence, land dispossession, enslavement, and forced lifestyle changes.
Reasons for European Exploration
- Europeans sought wealth, land expansion, and new resources.
- Introduced new plant and animal species, tools, and technologies to the continent.

Size and Location
- North America is the third-largest continent, covering about 16.5% of Earth's surface.
- Located primarily in the Northern Hemisphere.
Climate and Biodiversity
- Hosts a wide range of climates, from cold (Arctic) to tropical, supporting diverse ecosystems.
Major Countries
- Includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as Greenland (politically associated with Denmark).
- Encompasses Central America and the Caribbean as distinct regions.

Geographical and Demographic Overview
- The USA ranks fourth in size globally and has a capital in Washington, D.C.
- Comprised of 50 states, with Alaska (49th) and Hawaii (50th) as the last states to join.
Cultural Diversity
- Population includes Asian Americans, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans (Latinos), with various linguistic backgrounds.
Economic Significance
- Major global economic power, relying heavily on the service sector (healthcare, finance, etc.) and manufacturing (aviation, electronics, agriculture).
- Abundant natural resources, including minerals and fertile farmlands producing crops like corn and wheat.

Geographical Overview
- Largest country in North America and second largest globally, with Ottawa as the capital and Toronto as the largest city.
Official Languages and Governance
- Has ten provinces and recognizes both English and French as official languages.
Commonwealth Membership
- Member of the Commonwealth of Nations, promoting global peace and equality.
- Part of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, fostering French language and culture.

Geographical Location
- Situated between the United States and Central America, in the seismically active Ring of Fire.
Cultural Diversity
- Population largely composed of “mestizos”, with mixed European and Native American ancestry.
- Predominantly Spanish-speaking, with the largest Spanish-speaking population globally.
Economic Overview
- Mexico City serves as the capital, with a strong economy and significant political power in Latin America.
- Cultural richness includes historical sites such as Chichén Itzá, an ancient wonder of the world.