For ages, people have travelled from their countries hoping for better lands, safety and a new home…… a new world. They headed up to North America. Keep reading to learn more about North America Facts and secrets.
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On The Land
Most of the countries in North America lie in the Northern Hemisphere and the Western Hemispheres. The continent has 32 independent countries. Most of the continent is covered by three nations which are Canada, USA and Mexico. Canada is the largest country in North America by area as it covers 9.985 million km² making it the second-largest country in the world after Russia. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in North America as it only covers 261 km² (101 mi²).
Pin on the map
North America has many rivers. These include The Mississippi, Ohio, Rio Grande, Colorado, Hudson rivers. However, The Missouri River is the longest river on the continent. The Missouri flows for around 3,767 km in the US.
North America has plains, forests, deserts, lakes, mountains and even volcanoes. The Rocky Mountains are the longest mountain range in the continent. It stretches through two countries, Canada and USA. However, the highest peak in the continent lies in The Alaska Mountains. It’s called Mount Denali which reaches a height of 20,310 ft (6190 m) above sea level.
Meet the people
More than 364 million people live in North America. The United States is the most inhabited nation in North America with more than 329.5 million people living there. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the least inhabited country on the continent with only around 50.000 people living there! Mexico City, Mexico is the most populated city in North America with more than 9 million people living in it.
North America is a VERY diverse continent. Millions of people immigrated to the continent over the years making the area a pot of cultures. This wide range of cultures affected all parts of life from music to food. Many types of music were born in North America. These include Blues and Jazz in the US, and the Mariachi and Ranchera in Mexico.
Food plays a big part in the lives of people in North America. Canadians love to eat Poutine, Bannock and butter tarts. The Mexican cuisine is famous for its spices. Chilaquiles, empanadas and fajitas make the mouths of many Mexicans water. The US is considered by many to be the founder of Fast Industry. Many Fast food brands were born in the US, such as KFC, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.
People in North America also love their sports. It’s almost impossible to turn on your TV and not find a match to watch. American football is the most popular sport in the US. The super bowl is the biggest game of this sport. It’s usually the most-watched event on TV. The fun doesn’t stop here. American football is popular in America. But the NBA is huge all over the WORLD. It’s the most-watched basketball league. People from all around wake up early or stay up late just to see the magic of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, James Harden and other hoops stars.
Away from The US, Mexicans are CRAZY about soccer. Thousands of Fans gather in stadiums to support their local clubs and, of course, the national team. The Mexican men’s soccer team won the most titles of The CONCACAF Gold Cup (11 titles). In Canada, Ice hockey is the most popular team in the country. The Canada men’s national ice hockey team won 9 gold medals in the winter Olympics and the women won 4!
Speaking about the Olympics, The United States has been the most successful nation on that huge world stage winning more than 2,600 medals. Not only that! America is also home to the most successful Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps. The legendary swimmer won 28 medals, including 23 gold ones. The US has also hosted the Olympics eight times, that’s more than any other country in the world! In 2028, the Summer Olympics will return to The US, as the event will be held in Los Angeles! Canada and Mexico have also hosted the Summer Olympics, Canada in 1976 and Mexico in 1968.
North America is also known for Tech companies. Many major companies saw the light on its soil. They include Apple, Facebook, Alphabet (Google), Amazon and Tesla. Silicon Valley in California is home to tons of major companies and start-ups. The technological rush started early in North America. The continent has always been a haven for scientists and inventors. Thomas Alva Edison was one of America’s greatest inventors. The US was also the first country to send a man to the moon. That happened on July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked here.
People in North America celebrate many holidays. Halloween is very popular in The US, especially with children who enjoy Trick-or-treating. This spooky holiday is celebrated on the night of October 31. A similar day is marked in Mexico. Día de Muertos (English: Day of The Dead) is celebrated in the southern country. Other popular holidays in North America include Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Take a Walk
North America is a beautiful land of beaches, forests, deserts, lakes, waterfalls, mountains and everything in between. Here are our picks of North America’s many hidden gems.
Big Bend National Park, USA
If you head west in the American state of Texas, you will find this mesmerizing 801,163 -acre- park. Big bend was officially a national park on June 12, 1944. It’s home to many species of plants, mammals, reptiles and birds. The park took its name from its location. As it lies on a big bend in the Rio Grande River. Some people enjoy hiking, biking or fishing in the area. While adventure seekers love taking river trips or riding horses there.
Spotted Lake, Canada
Some people call the spotted lake “the most magical place in Canada”. To enjoy the beauty of this lake located in Osoyoos, Canada, you have to visit it in the summer. During this season, the water of the lake evaporates leaving behind yellow, green and blue spots. The spots are collections of minerals and salt that run off the surrounding hills. In the past, indigenous groups believed that each spot has different healing powers. Nowadays, people can’t touch the water of the lake but can still enjoy its fascinating view.
Man-Made Wonders
People in North America have built wonders over the years. Here are some man-made sites you should consider visiting.
Hollywood’s World of Illusions, The US
Los Angeles, California has one the coolest place on earth; the museum has 4 breathtaking experiences that will set your imaginative mind free.
Spiderman isn’t the only one who can walk on walls or hang from the ceiling, get ready to defy gravity and have your world turned upside down in “The Upside Down House”.
Your next stop would be the museum of illusions with all the 3D artwork that will blow your mind and your Instagram profile. You can also visit the Giant’s house see the world with a super extra-large magnifying glass with over 31 mega items that will make you feel so tiny.
Stressed? Not anymore with the “Smash It!” room where you can blow off some steam; just write down what’s stressing you out on a plate and throw it against the wall as hard as you can. The “Smash It” room is restricted to +12 years old only.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Before the European’s arrival to North America, Chichen Itza was the most vibrant city in the Yucatan Peninsula, which later became a part of Mexico. Chichen Itza shows the great civilization of the Mayans. Till now, people come from all over the world to see the remains of the Mayan people including the El Castillo pyramid. The famous pyramid is the crown jewel of the site. In the past, the structure was used as a temple. It has 4 staircases that all lead to the top.
Take a bite
Between Two North American countries, a flavorsome meal was born. Fajita is one of the most popular meals in Mexico and North America in general. It was created in the 1930s by Mexican workers in Texas. Back then, some workers were paid with meat, so the workers used their salary to make this famed meal.
Nowadays, fajitas are made in many ways. One of these ways is to grill strips of steak with opinions and peppers. It’s served hot with tortillas, sour cream and salsa. Some people use chicken to make fajitas. And if you are a vegetarian, don’t worry! You can still make delicious fajitas with just vegetables.
North America has much more to offer. Keep following us to know more about The continent.
