North America, the third-largest continent, occupies the northern portion of the Americas, situated primarily in the Western Hemisphere. It's bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and South America to the southeast. The continent comprises 23 countries, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and several territories. Known for its diverse geography, it features landscapes ranging from arctic tundra and vast prairies to tropical forests and deserts.
Key attractions include natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and Yellowstone National Park, alongside urban centers such as New York City and Mexico City. North America's cultural landscape is equally diverse, shaped by indigenous populations and European colonization. Recent developments include concerns about the impact of climate change, as seen with the Winter Olympics needing artificial snow, and conservation efforts such as the establishment of a new sanctuary for the endangered whooping crane along the Texas Coast.
