Around the world in each issue - Special Issue

North.America

North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 4.8% of the planet's surface or about 16.5% of its land area. As of July 2008, its population was estimated at nearly 529 million people. It is the third-largest continent in area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth in population after Asia, Africa, and Europe. Although Columbus is given much credit as having discovered America, there were plenty of people already living in North America prior to the Europeans having arrived including the Aztec civilization in what is now Mexico. In the 1600's the Europeans quickly colonized and took over much of North America. The largest country in North America, the United States, was formed in the late 1700's and became a "melting pot" of people and cultures from around the world.

Fun Facts about North America:

1. The largest city in North America is Mexico City, Mexico. The largest country is the United States.
2. The longest river in North America is the Mississippi River.
3.Lake Superior is the largest fresh water lake in the world. It is located on the border between the United States and Canada.
4.The country of Greenland is the biggest island on the planet.
5.The North American and South American continents are thought to have been named after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci.