The Seven Continents and Four Oceans: A Geographic Framework

How We Divide the Planet

Seven Continents

1. Africa
2. Antarctica
3. Asia
4. Australia (Oceania)
5. Europe
6. North America
7. South America

Four Oceans (Traditional Model)

1. Arctic Ocean
2. Atlantic Ocean
3. Indian Ocean
4. Pacific Ocean

Note: Many geographers now recognize a fifth ocean—the Southern Ocean encircling Antarctica—defined by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

Definitions

• Continent: Large, continuous landmass, often defined by geological plates and cultural coherence.
• Ocean: Vast saline water body covering ~71% of Earth; interconnected but conventionally divided by continents and currents.

This framework organizes our understanding of biogeography, climate zones, human settlement, and political geography—though boundaries can be debated (e.g., Europe/Asia, ocean limits).