Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Earth's equator divides the planet into northern and southern hemispheres. Five of the world's seven continents lie partially or entirely south of this imaginary line, creating diverse climates, ecosystems, and human settlements across the Southern Hemisphere.
The majority of South America sits south of the equator, with only its northernmost regions (northern Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil) crossing into the Northern Hemisphere. The continent spans from the Caribbean coast to Tierra del Fuego at 56°S latitude.
Approximately one-third of Africa lies south of the equator. The equator crosses seven African nations: Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Southern Africa includes diverse regions from the Congo Basin rainforests to the Kalahari Desert and Cape Agulhas at 34°S.
The only continent entirely within the Southern Hemisphere, Antarctica surrounds the South Pole. Its northernmost points reach approximately 60°S at the Antarctic Peninsula, while the geographic South Pole sits at 90°S. The continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System.
Australia's mainland lies entirely south of the equator, spanning from approximately 10°S (Cape York) to 43°S (South East Cape, Tasmania). The broader Oceania region includes numerous Pacific island nations, some of which straddle the equator.
Only a small portion of Asia extends south of the equator—primarily Indonesia's southern islands (including parts of Sumatra, Java, Bali, and the Lesser Sunda Islands) and East Timor. The vast majority of Asia's landmass and population reside in the Northern Hemisphere.
For completeness, North America and Europe lie entirely north of the equator, though both extend into the Arctic Circle.