North America is the third-largest continent in the world, and it is home to diverse cultures, languages, and ecosystems.
It boasts some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, from the Grand Canyon to Niagara Falls. Additionally, North America’s rich history and vibrant present make it a fascinating place to explore and learn about.
From the Arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest, North America has an abundance of natural wonders and human achievements. This article will explore some interesting facts about North America, ranging from historical events to geographical features.
Amazing North America Facts:
The largest city in North America is Mexico City
With a population of over 21 million people, Mexico City is the largest city in North America. It is also one of the most populous cities in the world.
The Mississippi-Missouri River System is the fourth-longest river in the world
The Mississippi River stretches over 2,300 miles, making it the fourth-longest river in the world. It flows through 10 U.S. states and has been an important transportation route for centuries.
The Great Lakes hold 21% of the world’s freshwater
The Great Lakes in Canada and the United States contain 21% of the world’s surface freshwater. They are also the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world.
The highest point in North America is Denali
Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, is the highest point in North America. It is located in Alaska and stands at an elevation of 20,310 feet.
Mexico City is the oldest continuously inhabited city in North America
Mexico City was founded in 1325 and has been continuously inhabited ever since. It was the capital of the Aztec empire before the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
The Chihuahuan Desert is a vast and arid region in North America
The Chihuahuan Desert, which covers parts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, is the largest in North America.
It is also one of the most biologically diverse deserts in the world.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France
The Statue of Liberty, which is located in New York City, was a gift from France to the United States in 1886. It is a symbol of freedom and democracy.
The Rocky Mountains stretch over 3,000 miles
The Rocky Mountains, which run through Canada and the United States, stretch over 3,000 miles.
They are home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, and bighorn sheep.
The world’s largest coral reef system is located off the coast of Belize
The Florida Reef, which is part of the larger Caribbean coral reef system, is the largest coral reef system in the world. It is home to hundreds of species of marine life.
The Great Barrier Reef is not the only coral reef in the world
Although the Great Barrier Reef is the most famous coral reef in the world, North America has several, such as the Belize Barrier Reef and the Red Sea Coral Reef.
The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
The Panama Canal, which was completed in 1914, connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
It is an important shipping route that saves ships from sailing around the southern tip of South America.
The largest canyon in North America is the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon, which is located in Arizona, is the largest in North America.
It is over 270 miles long and up to 18 miles wide in some places.
Did You Know North America Is Home to the Largest Freshwater Fish?
The white sturgeon, which is found in the Columbia River system, is the largest freshwater fish in the world. It can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh over 1,500 pounds.
The United States has the largest prison population in the world
The United States has the highest incarceration rate globally, with over 2 million people behind bars.
This is even though the U.S. has less than 5% of the world’s population.
The Canadian Shield is the oldest rock formation on Earth
The Canadian Shield, which covers much of Canada and parts of the United States, is the oldest rock formation on Earth.
It dates back over 4 billion years and is rich in minerals such as gold, nickel, and copper.
Ever Heard That North America Is Home to the World’s Largest Sand Dunes?
The Great Sand Dunes, which are located in Colorado, are the largest sand dunes in North America and among the largest in the world.
They cover over 30 square miles and can reach heights of up to 750 feet.
The first Thanksgiving was held in North America
The first Thanksgiving was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621. It was a three-day feast that the Pilgrims and Native Americans attended.
The Great Barrier Reef was once connected to North America
The Great Barrier Reef, which is located off the coast of Australia, was once part of the supercontinent Pangaea.
It was connected to what is now North America over 200 million years ago.
The United States experiences the most tornadoes in the world
The United States experiences more tornadoes than any other country in the world. On average, there are over 1,200 tornadoes in the U.S. each year.
The largest glacier in North America is the Bering Glacier in Alaska
The Hubbard Glacier, which is located in Alaska, is the largest in North America. It is over 75 miles long and has been advancing in recent years due to climate change.
The first European settlement in North America was St. Augustine, Florida
The Norse settlement in L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, was North America’s first known European settlement. It was established around the year 1000 and was abandoned about ten years later.
The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States
The bald eagle, which is found throughout North America, is the national bird of the United States. It is a symbol of strength and freedom.
North America is home to the world’s largest rodent, the beaver
The capybara, which is found in parts of South America and Central America, is the world’s largest rodent. It can weigh up to 140 pounds and grow up to 4 feet long.
The Great Plains have the largest underground aquifer, the Ogallala Aquifer
The Ogallala Aquifer, which is located beneath the Great Plains of the United States, is the world’s largest underground aquifer.
It provides water for millions of people and is being depleted at an alarming rate.
The Caribbean Sea has over 7,000 islands
The Caribbean Sea, which is located south of Florida and east of Central America, is home to over 7,000 islands.
These islands are known for their beautiful beaches, warm weather, and diverse cultures.
North America has the longest coastline of any continent
North America’s coastline stretches over 135,000 miles, making it the continent with the longest coastline in the world.
This includes the coasts of Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
The deadliest earthquake in North American history occurred in 1906
The San Francisco earthquake of 1906, which had a magnitude of 7.8, was the deadliest in North American history.
It killed over 3,000 people and caused widespread damage throughout the city.
The tallest mountain in North America is Mount Denali
Mount Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is located in Alaska and is the tallest mountain in North America.
It stands over 20,000 feet tall and is a popular destination for mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The largest hot spring in the United States is in Yellowstone National Park
The Grand Prismatic Spring, which is located in Yellowstone National Park, is the largest hot spring in the United States.
It is over 370 feet in diameter and is known for its vibrant colors.
The United States is home to the largest military in the world
The United States has the largest military in the world, with over 1.3 million active-duty personnel.
It also has the largest defense budget, spending over $700 billion annually.
The United States has the largest economy in the world
The United States has the largest economy in the world, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of over $22 trillion.
It is also home to some of the largest companies in the world, including Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft.
North America has the longest cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave
The Mammoth Cave System, which is located in Kentucky, is the longest in the world. It is over 400 miles long and contains a variety of unique geological formations.
The United States has the largest prison system in the world
The United States has the largest prison system in the world, with over 2.3 million people currently incarcerated.
This is even though the U.S. has less than 5% of the world’s population.
Are you excited to explore the diverse and vibrant continent of North America with your kids? Our Free North America Facts Printables are the perfect way to engage young minds. With just one simple click, you can download and print these educational resources.
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I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. Here to help you with play-based learning activities for kids. ( Check my Next startup Cledemy.Com)
