North America Map
North America is the third-largest continent by area, dominated by three vast countries that span from the Arctic to the tropics. Together, Canada, the United States, and Mexico cover over 21 million square kilometers. Learn to identify each country by its distinctive shape and borders.
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Study the Countries
Canada Canada
Borders: United States
Area: 9,984,670 km² · Coastline: 202,080 km
Canada is the second-largest country in the world, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward to the Arctic Ocean. It shares the world's longest international border with the United States to the south. The landscape ranges from vast prairies and boreal forests to towering Rocky Mountains and Arctic tundra.
Shape: A massive country occupying the entire northern portion of North America, with an irregular northern coastline and a relatively straight southern border.
Fun Facts
- Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world at over 202,000 km.
- The border between Canada and the United States is 8,891 km long, the longest international border in the world.
- Canada contains more lakes than the rest of the world combined, including four of the Great Lakes.
United States United States
Borders: Canada, Mexico
Area: 9,833,520 km² · Coastline: 19,924 km
The United States occupies the central portion of North America, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The contiguous 48 states stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. The geography is extraordinarily diverse, featuring coastal plains, interior highlands, the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and western deserts.
Shape: A wide country spanning the middle of North America from coast to coast, with a rectangular western half and an irregular eastern coastline.
Fun Facts
- The United States shares borders with only two countries: Canada and Mexico.
- The Mississippi River system is the fourth-longest river system in the world at 6,275 km.
- Alaska, the largest US state, is separated from the contiguous states by Canada.
Mexico Mexico
Borders: United States, Guatemala, Belize
Area: 1,964,375 km² · Coastline: 9,330 km
Mexico is located in the southern portion of North America, bordered by the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south. The country has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Its terrain includes high plateaus, mountain ranges like the Sierra Madre, tropical lowlands, and desert regions in the north.
Shape: A horn-shaped country tapering from a wide northern border with the US down to the narrow Yucatan Peninsula in the southeast.
Fun Facts
- Mexico is home to the world's largest pyramid by volume, the Great Pyramid of Cholula.
- The border between Mexico and the United States stretches 3,145 km.
- Mexico has the most Spanish speakers of any country in the world.
Quick Reference
Test Your Knowledge
Can you identify these countries on the map?
About North America Geography
North America encompasses three countries that together form the third-largest continent. The region stretches from the Arctic Circle in northern Canada to the tropical regions of southern Mexico. Its diverse geography includes the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, the Canadian Shield, and extensive coastlines on three oceans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries are in North America?
North America has 3 sovereign countries: Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Central America and the Caribbean are sometimes considered separate regions.
Which is the largest country in North America?
Canada is the largest country in North America and the second-largest in the world, covering approximately 9.98 million km².
What is the longest border in North America?
The Canada-United States border is the longest international border in the world at 8,891 km, including the Alaska-Canada border.