Welcome to our quiz on geography of North America.
North American Landmass
North America is the third-largest continent on the planet with a territory of almost 25 million square kilometers. 80% of this landmass is administered by Canada and the United States. Topography of the continent is very diverse with extensive plains, mighty rivers, immense lakes, woodlands, forests, plateaus, highlands and very high mountain ranges with expansive glaciers. North America's lowest point is Badwater Basin in western California at 86 meters below the sea level; its highest is the majestic Denali in Alaska reaching the elevation of 6 190 meters. The continent is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. It is separated from South America by the Darien Mountains and the Caribbean Sea.
North American Population
North America has a steadily increasing population, now approaching 600 million. While, its numerous indigenous communities still thrive maintaining their native languages and traditions, the economic and political power enjoyed by the continent has been built by immigrants arriving in large numbers from all over the world. The continent is a melting pot of world's cultures, best represented by the cosmopolitan megacities of the New York City and Toronto. The United States is by far the most populous state in North America, home to almost 350 million people. The median age in North America is reported at 38 years. Despite a low fertility rate across the continent, its population is expected to each one billion before end of the century because of very positive net migration .
North American Flora and Fauna
The immense territory of North America offers diverse ecosystems and supports numerous plant and animal species. Its mountains are covered by pine, fir, spruce and giant sequoias, while lowlands teem with beech, birch, oak and maple. Wild bison, musk ox, reindeer, moose and elk roam its plains with grey wolves, cougars and several species of bears managing their populations. Thousands of species of birds, small mammals and reptiles add to this great biodiversity.
Invitation to North America
We hope you will enjoy our quiz on North America, further your interest in this diverse continent and maybe even embark on a trip for an in-person experience. North America's extensive tourist infrastructure and numerous top destinations cater to a variety of interests. The continent attracts hundreds of millions of visitors each year, continually growing its tourist appeal.
Yellowstone sits on a super-volcano.
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the world. It is located in the western United States mostly within the territory of Wyoming but also extending into Montana and Idaho. Its scenic landscapes full of unique geological features have captivated minds of both indigenous and settler populations, inspiring the idea of a protecting them for future generations. On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, establishing the first American national park and the first such park in the world.
While the early explorers comprehended uniqueness of this natural phenomenon and the need of protecting it, they certainly had no idea that the entire setting is powered by a massive super-volcano, still active deep beneath the surface. The immense caldera measuring 70 by 45 kilometers attests to the site's violent past with evidence of three cataclysmic eruptions over the last two million years, spewing millions of cubic meters of ash, rock and pyroclastic materials high into the air. It is the largest caldera in North America and one of the largest in the world.
Yellowstone is a melting pot of savage beauty, created by biggest explosions ever to rock the Earth and its violent heart still smolders. Blowing off steam through some 300 geysers, more than anywhere else in the world. The most famous geyser, Old Faithful, hurls hot water 150 feet into the air, venting its rage every 60 to 90 minutes. That's how long it takes to build up enough pressure to turn groundwater into explosive steam.
Although the super-volcano is considered dormant, frequent earthquakes and numerous hot geysers manifest volcanic activity still raging beneath Yellowstone. Geologists agree that this activity will result in another catastrophic event in the future, some even believe an eruption is overdue.
