Atlantic Ocean Touches Five Continents — Not Three

The Atlantic Ocean borders five continents: **North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Antarctica.** The claim it touches only three is incorrect.

Continental Coasts

Why the Confusion?

• **Old definitions** sometimes grouped Southern Ocean waters differently.
• **Antarctica** is often overlooked — but the **Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean** (Weddell/Scotia) directly abuts the continent.
• **Europe/Asia/Africa** sometimes taught as "Old World" trio — but Atlantic touches only Europe & Africa (Asia via Mediterranean only).

Official Delimitation (IHO)

The **International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)** defines Atlantic limits:

• South: 60°S (Antarctic Treaty) / meridian of Cape Agulhas (20°E) to Antarctica.
• West: Americas.
• East: Europe/Africa to Strait of Gibraltar.
• North: Arctic Circle (65°N) / Davis Strait / Denmark Strait.

By the Numbers

• Area: 106.5 million km² (2nd after Pacific).
• Coastline: ~111,000 km (including marginal seas).
• Volume: 310 million km³.
• Max Depth: 8,376 m (Puerto Rico Trench).

The Atlantic is the **ocean of the "Western World"** — linking five continents, driving the AMOC (global conveyor), and shaping human history from Vikings to the slave trade to transatlantic cables.