Asia





Description

As the planet's largest continent, Asia covers about 30 percent of the world's landmass and includes (44) countries and assorted islands and/or dependencies.

Significant features of the continent of Asia include the world's tallest mountain, Mt Everest in Nepal (and China), rising to 29,035 ft (8,850m). It also includes the world's lowest point, found in the Dead Sea, Israel/Jordan, at 1,286 ft (392m) below sea level.

In addition, the continent includes the world's most populated countries, China and India; the world's longest coastline, the world's deepest lake; Lake Baykal, and some of the most important rivers on the planet.



























































Facts and Figures

Name Russia

(long form) Russian Federation

Population 143,420,300

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Moscow (10.9 million)

Currency Russian Ruble (RUR)

Currency Converter here

Languages Russian, numerous minority dialects

Flag here

National Day June 12

Religions Russian Orthodox, Muslim, other

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
55º 45' N, 37º 42' E

Relative Location Positioned in northern Asia, Russia is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. The country is dissected by the Arctic Circle, and also separated into two recognized landmasses by the Ural Mountains; its land west of those mountains is referred to as European Russia, and includes the capital city of Moscow.
Land Statistics

Coastline 23,396 miles (37,653 km)

Land Areas

(land) 6,562,112 sq miles (16,995,800sq km)

(water) 30,657 sq miles (79,400 sq km)

(TOTAL) 17,075,200 sq miles (6,592,769 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The broad European Plain, or Volga River Plain extends from the Ural Mountains to its western borders with Europe.
Highest Point Mt. Elbrus - 18,481 ft. (5,633 m)

Lowest Point Caspian Sea - (-92 ft.) (-28 m)

Land Divisions 48 oblasts, 21 republics, 9 autonomous okrugs, 2 federal 9 autonomous okrugs, 2 federal cities and 1 autonomous oblast.


Facts and Figures

Name Mongolia

(long form) none

Population 2,791,300

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Ulan Bator (Ulaanbaatar) (1,210,000)

Languages Khalkha Mongolian, Turkic, Russian

Flag here

National Day July 11

Official Currency Togrogs/Tugriks (MNT)

Currency Converter here

Religions Buddhism (50%), Shamanist, Christian, Muslim

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
47º 54' N, 106º 52' E

Relative Location Mongolia is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in central Asia, and bordered by the Russian Federation in the north, and China in the south.

Land Statistics

Coastline 0 (landlocked)

Land Areas

(TOTAL) 603,908 sq miles (1,564,116 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms From the Gobi Desert areas of the south, Mongolia rise into a grass-covered and generally treeless plain (steppe), punctuated by three mountain ranges. The highest point is found in the rugged Atlay Mountains of the west. Overall the country has an average elevation near 5,183 ft., (1,580 m).
Highest Point Nayramadlin Orgil in the Altay Mountains - 14,350 ft. (4,374 m)

Lowest Point Hoh Nuur - 1,699 ft. (518 m)

Land Divisions 21 provinces and 1 municipality*, including: Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan Uul, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan, Govi-Altay, Govi-Sumber, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Orhon, Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar* and Uvs.

Facts and Figures

Name Kazakhstan

(long form) Republic of Kazakhstan

Population 15,185,000

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Astana (305,000)

Currency Tenge (KZT)

Currency Converter here

Languages Kazakh (official), Russian (official)

Flag here

National Day December 16

Religions Muslim (47%), Russian Orthodox 44%)

The meaning of "stan" here!

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
51º 10' N, 73º 30' E

Relative Location Kazakhstan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. Positioned in western Asia, the country is bordered by the Russian Federation, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Land Statistics

Coastline 0 (landlocked) - shorelines of the Aral and Caspian seas total 1,842 miles (2,964 km)

Land Areas

(land) 1,030,815 sq miles (2,669,800 sq km)

(water) 18,340 sq miles (47,500 sq km)

(TOTAL) 1,049,155 sq miles (2,717,300 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Kazakhstan is mountainous along its far eastern and southeastern borders, where much of the forested Altai and Tian Shan ranges remain snowcapped throughout the year; with many elevated peaks here exceeding 6,500 meters.
Highest Point Kan Tangiri Shyngy - 22,949 ft. (6,995 m)

Lowest Point Vpadina Kaundy - (-432 ft.) (-132 m) below sea level

Land Divisions 14 provinces and 3 cities; provinces include: Almaty Oblysy, Aqmola Oblysy (Astana), Aqtobe Oblysy, Atyrau Oblysy, Batys Qazaqstan Oblysy (Oral),


Facts and Figures

Name Tajikistan

(long form) Republic of Tajikistan

Population 7,163,506

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Dushanbe (605,000)

Currency Somoni

Currency Converter here

Languages Tajik (official), Russian

Flag here

National Day September 9

Religions Sunni Muslim (85%), Shi'a Muslim (5%), others

The meaning of "stan" here!

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
38º 38' N, 68º 51' E

Relative Location Tajikistan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China and Afghanistan.

Land Statistics

Coastline 0 (landlocked)

Land Areas

(land) 55,097 sq miles (142,700 sq km)

(water) 154 sq miles (400 sq km)

(TOTAL) 55,251 sq miles (143,100 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Tajikistan is almost all mountains (93%), and dominated by the Alay Range in the north and the Pamir Mountains to the southeast. In fact, more than half of the country is higher than 3,000 m, (9,842 ft.) in elevation
Highest Point Qullai Ismoili Somoni - 24,589 ft. (7,495 m)

Lowest Point Syr Darya River - (984 ft.) (300 m)

Land Divisions 3 provinces, including: Viloyati Mukhtori Kuhistoni Badakhshon (an autonomous province), Viloyati Khatlon and Viloyati Sughd.
Facts and Figures

Name Kyrgyzstan

(long form) Kyrgyz Republic

Population 5,146,300

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Bishkek (824,000)

Currency Som

Currency Converter here

Languages Kyrgyz (official), Russian (official)

Flag here

National Day August 31

Religions Muslim (75%), Russian Orthodox (20%)

The meaning of "stan" here!

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
42º 53' N, 74º 46' E

Relative Location Kyrgyzstan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and China.

Land Statistics

Coastline 0 (landlocked)

Land Areas

(land) 73,861 sq miles (191,300 sq km)

(water) 2,780 sq miles (7,200 sq km)

(TOTAL) 76,641 sq miles (198,500 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Land Area 198,500 sq km (76,641 sq miles)

Landforms Over 90% of Kyrgyzstan is dominated by massive, rugged mountain ranges, including the Alai, Kirghiz and Tien Shan, and their associated valleys and basins. Large areas of those mountain regions are covered by glaciers.
Highest Point Jengish Chokusu - 24,406 ft.
(7,439 m)

Lowest Point Kara Daryya - (433 ft.) (132 m)

Land Divisions 7 provinces and 1 city; provinces include: Batken Oblasty, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek), Jalal-Abad Oblasty, Naryn Oblasty, Osh Oblasty, Talas Oblasty and Ysyk-Kol Oblasty (Karakol). The city is: Bishkek Shaary
Facts and Figures

Name Nepal

(long form) Kingdom of Nepal

Population 27,676,500

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Kathmandu (1.3 million)

Languages Nepali (48%), Maithali (12%), English, and over 90 additional (mother tongue) languages.

Flag here

National Day July 7

Official Currency Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

Currency Converter here

Religions Hindu (80%), Buddhist (10%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
27º 42' N, 85º 19' E

Relative Location Nepal is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's a landlocked country positioned on the Indian subcontinent of South Asia, and bordered by China (Tibet) and India.

Land Statistics

Coastline 0 (landlocked)

Land Areas

(land) 52,819 sq miles (136,800 sq km)

(water) 1,544sq miles (4,000 sq km)

(TOTAL) 54,363 sq miles (140,800 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Mountains and rugged hills cover almost 75% of Nepal’s land area, and in general terms, there are three distinct horizontal regions
Highest Point Mt. Everest - 29,035 ft. (8,850 m)

Lowest Point Kanchan Kalan, in the southeastern Tarai Region - 229 ft. (70 m)

Land Divisions 14 zones, including: Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha and Seti.






Facts and Figures

Name Bhutan

(long form) Kingdom of Bhutan

Population 2,232,300

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Thimphu (66,500)

Currency Ngultrum (BTN)

Currency Converter here

Languages Dzongkha (official), and varied Tibetan and Nepalese dialects

Flag here

National Day December 17

Religions Lamaistic Buddhist (75%), Indian and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism (25%)
Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
27º 32' N, 89º 43' E

Relative Location Bhutan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned on the Indian subcontinent, a recognized geographical region of southern Asia. This landlocked country is bordered by China and India.
Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Bhutan is a rugged lands of steep mountains and deep valleys.

It is easily divided into three main geographical areas. The lowlands front it's southern border with India; the lesser (or lower) Himalayas cover the central areas, and its northern border with China is dominated by the massive peaks of the Himalayas.
Highest Point Kula Kamgri - 24,783 ft. (7,554 m).

Lowest Point Drangme Chhu - 318 ft. (97 m)

Land Divisions 18 districts, including: Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Dagana, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa and Wangdi Phodrang.












Facts and Figures

Name Bangladesh

(long form) People's Republic of Bangladesh

Population 144,319,600

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Dhaka (11 million)

Currency Taka (BDT)

Currency Converter here

Languages Bengali (official), English

Flag here

National Day March 26

Religions Muslim (83%), Hindu (16%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
23º 43' N, 90º 22' E

Relative Location Bangladesh is in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It's positioned on the Indian subcontinent in south-central Asia, and is bordered by the Bay of Bengal, and the countries of India and Burma (Myanmar).

Land Statistics

Coastline 360 miles (580 km)

Land Areas

(land) 51,703 sq miles (133,910 sq km)

(water) 3,896 sq miles (10,090 sq km)

(TOTAL) 55,599 sq miles (144,000 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Bangladesh, a nation of rivers, is in essence a large delta comprised of three significant rivers; the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna.
Highest Point Keokradong - 4,035 ft. (1,230 m)

Lowest Point Indian Ocean - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 6 divisions; including Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet.



Facts and Figures

Name China

(long form) People's Republic of China

Population 1,306,313,800

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Beijing metro (14.2 million)

Currency Yuan (CNY)

Currency Converter here

Languages Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua,) Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan, Xiang, Gan and Hakka dialects

Flag here

National Day October 1

Religions Officially atheist, with small groups of Daoist, Buddhist, Muslim and Christian
Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (capital city)
39º 55' N, 116º 20' E

Relative Location China is located in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It occupies a huge part of eastern Asia and is bordered by the Yellow Sea, South China Sea, Pacific Ocean and by (14 countries), including North Korea, Russian Federation, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Laos and Vietnam.
Land Statistics

Coastline 9,010 miles (14,500 km)

Land Areas

(land) 3,600,945 sq miles (9,326,410 sq km)

(water) 104,460 sq miles (270,550 sq km)

(TOTAL) 3,705,405 sq miles (9,596,960 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms In the vast western reaches of China - mountains, high plateaus and deserts dominate the landscape, while central and east the land slopes into broad plains and deltas.
Highest Point Mt. Everest - 29,025 ft. (8.850 m)

Lowest Point Turpan Pendi (-154 m)

Land Divisions 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities:


Facts and Figures

Name North Korea

(long form) Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Population 23,912,200

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Pyongyang (2.6 mil) metro (3.4 mil)

Languages Korean

Flag here

National Day September 9

Official Currency North Korean Won (KPW)

Currency Converter here

Religions Buddhist, Confucianist, some Christian

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
39º 00' N, 125º 47' E

Relative Location North Korea is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It occupies the northern half of the Korean Peninsula, which extends southward from the Asian continent. North Korea is bordered by China, Russia and South Korea, and by the Korean Bay, Yellow Sea and East Sea (Sea of Japan).

Land Statistics

Coastline 1,550 miles (2,495 km)

Land Areas

(land) 46,491sq miles (120,410 sq km)

(water) 50 sq miles (130 sq km)

(TOTAL) 46,541 sq miles (120,540 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Most of North Korea is a series of medium-sized mountain ranges and large hills, most separated by deep, narrow valleys. The highest peak is located on its northern border with China.
Highest Point Paektu-san - 9,002 ft. (2,744 m)

Lowest Point Sea of Japan - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 9 provinces, including: Chagang-do (Chagang Province), Hamgyong-bukto (North Hamgyong Province), Hamgyong-namdo (South Hamgyong Province), Hwanghae-bukto (North Hwanghae Province), Hwanghae-namdo (South Hwanghae Province), Kangwon-do (Kangwon


Facts and Figures

Name South Korea

(long form) Republic of Korea

Population 48,422,600

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Seoul (9.8 mil) metro (20.5 mil)

Languages Korean, English

Flag here

National Day August 15

Official Currency South Korean Won (KRW)

Currency Converter here

Religions No affiliation (46%), Buddhist (26%) Christian (26%)

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
37º 32' N, 127º 00' E

Relative Location South Korea is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, which extends southward from the Asian continent. South Korea is bordered by North Korea, and by the Yellow Sea, East Sea (Sea of Japan) and the Korea Strait.

Land Statistics

Coastline 1,499 miles (2,413 km)

Land Areas

(land) 37,911 sq miles (98,190 sq km)

(water) 112 sq miles (290 sq km)

(TOTAL) 38,023 sq miles (98,480 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms South Korean is very hilly and mountainous in the east, where the Taebaek Mountains dominate the landscape.

The hilly land (central) slopes west into undulating (flatter) coastal plains, where most of its people live, and useable agricultural land is found.


Highest Point Mt. Halla-san - 6,398 ft. (1,950 m)

Lowest Point Sea of Japan - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 9 provinces and 7 metropolitan cities; provinces include: Cheju-do, Cholla-bukto, Cholla-namdo, Ch'ungch'ong-bukto, Ch'ungch'ong-namdo, Kangwon-do, Kyonggi-do, Kyongsang-bukto and Kyongsang-namdo: metropolitan cities include: Inch'on, Kwangju, Pusan, Seoul, Taegu, Taejon and Ulsan.

Facts and Figures

Name Japan

(long form) none

Population 127,417,200

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Tokyo (8.3 mil ) metro (31.8 mil)

Currency Yen (JPY)

Currency Converter here

Languages Japanese

Flag here

National Day December 23

Religions Buddist and Shinto (85%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
35º 45' N, 139º 30' E

Relative Location Japan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. Positioned off the eastern coast of Asia, east of the Korean Peninsula, this island country is bordered by the Philippine Sea, East China Sea, Sea of Japan (East Sea), Sea of Okhotsk and the North Pacific Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 18,486 miles (29,751 km)

Land Areas

(land) 144,689 sq miles (374,744 sq km)

(water) 1,194 sq miles (3,091 sq km)

(TOTAL) 145,883 sq miles (377,835 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms A long ridge of rugged mountains run through the heart of Japan, punctuated by steep tree-lined slopes, and deep valleys on the Pacific Ocean side, and lowers hills and mountains along the Sea of Japan side.


Highest Point Mt Fuji - 12,388 ft. (3,776m)

Lowest Point Lake Hachirogata - (-13 ft.) (-4 m) below sea level

Land Divisions 47 prefectures; including: Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka, Fukushima, Gifu, Gumma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto,
Facts and Figures

Name Philippines

(long form) Republic of the Philippines

Population 87,857,500

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Manila (10.8) metro (14.9 mil)

Currency Philippine Peso (PHP)

Currency Converter here

Languages Filipino (official), English (official)

Flag here

National Day June 12

Religions Catholic (81%), Muslim (5%), Christian (5%), and others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
14º 37' N, 120º 58' E

Relative Location The Philippines are located in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. Positioned off the southeastern coast of Asia, directly east of Vietnam and northeast of Malaysia, this island nation is literally surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, and many smaller bodies of water including the Philippine Sea, Celebes Sea, Sula Sea and South China Sea.

Land Statistics

Coastline 22,549 miles (36,289 km)

Land Areas

(land) 115,831 sq miles (300,000 sq km)

(water) 707 sq miles (1,830 sq km)

(TOTAL) 115,124 sq miles (298,170 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The Philippine islands, positioned on the Ring of Fire, are subject to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Highest Point Mt. Apo - 9,692 ft. (2,954 m)

Lowest Point Philippine Sea - (0 ft.) (0 m)

Land Divisions 79 provinces and 115 chartered cities. Provinces include: Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Bataan,



Facts and Figures

Name Brunei

(long form) Negara Brunei Darussalam

Population 372,400

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Bandar Seri Begawan (83,500)

Currency Bruneian Dollar (BND)

Currency Converter here

Languages Malay (official), English, Chinese

Flag here

National Day February 3

Religions Muslim (67%), Buddhist (13%), others
Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
04º 53' N, 114º 56' E

Relative Location Brunei is in both the eastern and northern hemispheres, just a few degrees north of the Equator. It's positioned in Southeast Asia, a recognized geographical region of the Asian continent. The country occupies a small portion of the Island of Borneo, and is bordered by the South China Sea, and the country of Malaysia.

Land Statistics

Coastline 100 miles (161 km)

Land Areas

(land) 2,035 sq miles (5,270 sq km)

(water) 193 sq miles (500 sq km)

(TOTAL) 2,228 sq miles (5,770 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Most of Brunei is a fertile, hilly lowland, with the exception being the mountainous areas in the east.

Numerous rivers drain the land, including the Belait, Pandaruan and Tutong. Subsequently, the coastal areas along the South China Sea are a wide swampy plain.

Highest Point Bukit Pagon - 6,069 ft. (1,850 m)

Lowest Point South China Sea - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 4 districts, including Belait, Brunei and Muara, Temburong and Tutong.
Facts and Figures

Name Cambodia

(long form) Kingdom of Cambodia

Population 13,607,100

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Phnom Penh (1.75 million)

Currency Riel (KHR)

Currency Converter here

Languages Khmer (official) (95%), French, English

Flag here

National Day November 11

Religions Theravada Buddhist (95%)
Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
11º 35' N, 104º 55' E

Relative Location Cambodia is in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It's positioned in Southeast Asia, a recognized geographical region of the Asian continent. The country is bordered by the Gulf of Thailand, and the countries of Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

Land Statistics

Coastline 275 miles (443 km)

Land Areas

(land) 68,155 sq miles (176,520 sq km)

(water) 1,745 sq miles (4,520 sq km)

(TOTAL) 69,900 sq miles (181,040 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Much of Cambodia's overall land area is a series of rolling plains, north to south.

Its most striking landforms include Tonle Sap Lake, and the Mekong River, which crosses the entire country as it flows through the Mekong Lowlands and on to the South China Sea.

Two mountains ranges of note include the Dangret range on its northern border with Thailand, and the Cardamom range in the west.

Highest Point Phnum Aoral - 5,938 ft. (1,810 m)

Lowest Point Gulf of Thailand - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 20 provinces, including Banteay Mean Chey, Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Koh Kong, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Otdar Mean Chey, Pouthisat, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanakir, Siem Reab, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng and Takao.

Facts and Figures

Name Malaysia

(long form) none

Population 23,953,100

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Kuala Lumpur (1.5 mil) metro (3.8 mil)

Currency Ringgit (MYR)

Currency Converter here

Languages Bahasa Melayu (official), English, assorted Chinese dialects and other indigenous languages.

Flag here

National Day August 31

Religions Muslim, Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu, Christian, others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
03º 10' N, 101º 42' E

Relative Location Malaysia is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. The country is immediately north of the Equator, and positioned on both the Malay Peninsula and on the northern edges of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It's bordered by the waters of the South China Sea, assorted smaller seas, and the countries of Brunei, Burma (Myanmar) and Thailand.

Land Statistics

Coastline 2,905 miles (4,675 km)

Land Areas

(land) 126,854 sq miles (328,550 sq km)

(water) 463 sq miles (1,200 sq km)

(TOTAL) 127,317 sq miles (329,700 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Malaysia consists of the Peninsular Malaysia, which is part of mainland Southeast Asia, and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern edges of the island of Borneo.

Highest Point Gunung Kinabalu -13,451 ft.
(4,100 m)

Lowest Point South China Sea - (0 ft.) (0 m)

Land Divisions 13 states, including: Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and Terengganu; and one federal territory (wilayah persekutuan) with three components, the cities of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya.

Facts and Figures

Name Singapore

(long form) Republic of Singapore

Population 4,608,167 (2008 est)

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Singapore

Currency Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Currency Converter here

Languages Mandarin (35%), English (23%), Malay (14.1%), Hokkien (11.4%), Cantonese (5.7%) and other Chinese dialects

Flag here

National Day August 9

Religions Buddhist (43%), Muslim (15%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
01º 22' N, 103º 48' E

Relative Location Singapore is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. The country is immediately north of the Equator, and positioned off the southern edge of the Malay Peninsula between Malaysia and Indonesia. It's separated from Malaysia by the Strait of Johar, and from Indonesia by the Strait of Singapore.

Land Statistics

Coastline 120 miles (193 km)

Land Areas

(land) 263 sq miles (683 sq km)

(water) 4 sq miles (10 sq km)

(TOTAL) 267 sq miles (693 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The country of Singapore consists of one main island and over 60 small islands (islets).

The middle of the m Highest Point JBukit Timah - 545 ft. (166 m)

Lowest Point Strait of Singapore - (0 ft.) (0 m)

Land Divisions none ain island contains a number of rounded hills; west and southwest the land is a series of low ridges, while east and southeast, the land is generally flat.

Facts and Figures

Name Indonesia

(long form) Republic of Indonesia

Population 214,973,900

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Jakarta (8.9 mil) metro (18.1 mil)

Currency Indonesian Rupee (IDR)

Currency Converter here

Languages Bahasa Indonesia (official), English, Dutch and many local dialects.

Flag here

National Day August 17

Religions Muslim (88%), Protestant, others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
06º 08' S, 106º 45' E

Relative Location Indonesia, located on both sides of the Equator, is therefore in both the northern and southern hemispheres, as well as the eastern hemisphere. It's positioned just to the north of Australia in far Southeast Asia, and bordered by the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, over a dozen regional seas, and the countries of Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor.

Land Statistics

Coastline 33,999 miles (54,716 km)

Land Areas

(land) 705,192 sq miles (1,826,440 sq km)

(water) 35,907 sq miles ( 93,000 sq km)

(TOTAL)741,099 sq miles (1,919,440 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms This archipelagic nation contains over 18,000 islands. Of those, the larger islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Irian Jaya are quite mountainous, with some peaks reaching 12,000 ft. The highest elevations (over 16,000 ft) are found on Irian Jaya in the east.

Highest Point Puncak Jaya - 16,502 ft. (5,030 m)

Lowest Point Indian Ocean - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 30 provinces, including: Bali, Banten, Bengkulu, Gorontalo, Irian Jaya Barat, Jambi, Jawa Barat, Jawa Tengah, Jawa Timur, Kalimantan Barat, Kalimantan Selatan


Facts and Figures

Name Thailand

(long form) Kingdom of Thailand

Population 65,444,371

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Bangkok (6.8 mil) metro (9.2 mil)

Currency Baht (THB)

Currency Converter here

Languages Thai, English, local dialects

Flag here

National Day December 5

Religions Buddhist (95%), Muslim (4.5%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
13º 44' N, 100º 30' E

Relative Location Thailand is in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It's positioned in Southeast Asia, a recognized geographical region of the Asian continent. The country is bordered by the Andaman Sea, Gulf of Thailand, Indian Ocean and the countries of Burma (Myanmar), Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia.

Land Statistics

Coastline 2,000 miles (3,219 km)

Land Areas

(land) 197,595 sq miles (511,770 sq km)

(water) 861 sq miles (2,230 sq km)

(TOTAL) 198,456 sq miles (514,000 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Thailand's terrain includes relatively high mountains in the north, that extend southward (in a narrow strip) along its Burma border to the northern edges of Malaysia.
Highest Point Doi Inthanon - 8,451 ft. (2,576 m)

Lowest Point Gulf of Thailand - (0 ft.) (0 m)

Land Divisions 76 provinces, Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum,





Facts and Figures

Name Maldives

(long form) Republic of the Maldives

Population 349,100

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Malé (76,000)

Currency Rufiyaa (MVR)

Currency Converter here

Languages Maldivian Dhivehi, English

Flag here

National Day July 26

Religions Sunni Muslim

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
04º 00' N, 73º 28' E

Relative Location The Maldives is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. This island country is immediately north of the Equator, with a few minor atolls just south of the Equator. It's bordered by the waters of the Indian Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and Laccadive Sea.

Land Statistics

Coastline 400 miles (644 km)

Land Areas

(land)116 sq miles (300 sq km)

(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)

(TOTAL) 116 sq miles (300 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The Maldives is a flat series (or chain) of coral atolls, consisting of coral reefs and sand bars. There are no rivers and no lakes.

Highest Point Unnamed location on Wilingili Island in the Addu Atoll - - 7.87 ft. (2.4 m)

Lowest Point Indian Ocean - (0 ft.) (0 m)

Land Divisions 19 atolls, including: Alifu, Baa, Dhaalu, Faafu, Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Lhaviyani, Meemu, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa and Vaavu; and the administrative division of Maale.


Facts and Figures

Name Macau

(long form) Macau SAR

Population 450,000

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City None, as Macau is a Special Administrative "Region" of China

Currency Pataca (MOP)

Currency Converter here

Languages Cantonese (88%), Hokkien, others

Flag here

National Day October 1

Religions Buddhist (50%), Catholic (15%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Macau)
22º 12' N, 113º 33' E

Relative Location Macau is located in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It's positioned in Asia, along the southeast coast of mainland China in the Guangdong Province. It's bordered by the South China Sea, and of course, the country of China.

Land Statistics

Coastline 25 miles (41 km)

Land Areas

(land) 9.8 sq miles (25.4 sq km)

(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)

(TOTAL) 9.8 sq miles (25.4 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The Macau Peninsula, gradually formed by the Pearl River and West River estuaries, and by land reclamation, is mostly flat land, but there are a few elevated spots.

Some steep, rolling hills are located on the island of Coloane, and along the southern coastline of the island of Taipa.

Highest Point Coloane Alto - 567 ft. (173 m)

Lowest Point South China Sea - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions None
Facts and Figures

Name East Timor

(long form) Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

Population 1,040.900

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Dili (56,900)

Currency US Dollar (USD)

Currency Converter here

Languages Tetum (official) Portuguese (official), English and numerous indigenous languages.

Flag here

National Day May 20

Religions Catholic (90%), Muslim, others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
08º 35' S, 125º 35' E

Relative Location East Timor is located in both the eastern and southern hemispheres. Positioned to the north of Australia, it sits in Southeast Asia, at the southeastern edge of the Indonesian archipelago on the island of Timor. It's directly bordered by Indonesia (West Timor), and by the Sava Sea and Timor Sea.

Land Statistics

Coastline 439 miles (706 km)

(land) 5,794 sq miles (15,007 sq km)

(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)

(TOTAL) 5,794 sq miles (15,007 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The country is surrounded by a flat plain that rise abruptly into the foothills of the rugged mountains that runs through its heart. The loftiest peaks are found in the Ramelau Range, where the country's highest point it located.

Meandering rivers have formed deep gorges through the mountains. The most significant rivers are the Lakla, Lies and Seical. In addition, dozens of smaller rivers drain the land.

Highest Pt. Foho Tatamailau - 9,721 ft. (2,963 m)

Lowest Pt. Timor Sea - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions The country divides itself into 13 administrative districts; including Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro (Maliana), Cova-Lima (Suai), Dili, Ermera, Lautem (Los Palos), Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi (Same), Oecussi (Ambeno) and Viqueque.









Facts and Figures

Official Name Andaman & Nicobar Islands, a territory of India since 1947

Population 370,000

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Port Blair (104,000)

Currency Rupee (INR)

Currency Converter here

Languages Hindi, Nicobarase, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, English

Flag here

National Day January 17

Religions Hinduism (67%), Christian, Islam

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
11º 40' N, 92º 44' E

Relative Location The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. They're positioned in the Indian Ocean, and bordered by the Andaman Sea and the southern reaches of the Bay of Bengal, between India and Burma (Myanmar).

Land Statistics

Land Area (all countries) here

Land Area 8,249 sq km, (3,184 sq miles)

Landforms The islands are the tops of an Indian Ocean mountain range, and most of them are hilly, with heavy rain forests.

Highest Point Saddle Peak, at 2,395 ft. (730 m)

Lowest Point Indian Ocean, 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions N.A.









Facts and Figures

Official Name Russian Federation

Population 145,934,000

Capital City Moscow (8.4 million)

Largest Cities (metro areas) Moscow (12 million), St. Petersburg (4.8 million), Nizhnij Novgorod (1.9 million), Novosibirsk (1.4 million), Sverdlovsk (1.4 million)

Languages Russian (official), others

Official Currency Ruble

Currency Converter (here)

Religions Russian Orthodox, others

Flag here

Land Area The country is approximately 5,592 miles, (9000km) west to east, with a total land area of 17,075,400 sq km, (6,592,812 sq miles)

Latitude/Longitude 55º 75N, 37º 62E

Land Borders 36,388 miles (58,562 km), with 8,845 miles (14,253 km) bordering countries, and 27,532 miles (44,309 km) bordering oceans and seas.

Landforms The broad European Plain, or Volga River Plain extends from the Ural Mountains to its western borders. In the far southwest the Caucasus Mountains slice across the land. The country's highest point, Mt. Elbrus, is located here


Land Divisions The Russian Federation is divided into 21 republics, 6 krays (federal territories), 2 federal cities, 49 regions (oblasts), 1 autonomous region and 10 autonomous areas. It has 1,067 major cities, with 13 having a population of one million, or more.


















Facts and Figures

Name Uzbekistan

(long form) Republic of Uzbekistan

Population 26,851,195

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Tashkent (2.2 million)

Currency Uzbekistani Soum (UZS)

Currency Converter here

Languages Uzbek (74%), Russian (14%), others

Flag here

National Day September 1

Religions Muslim, mostly Sunnis (88%), Eastern Orthodox (9%), others

The meaning of "stan" here!

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
41º 16' N, 69º 13' E

Relative Location Uzbekistan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.

Land Statistics

Coastline 0 (landlocked)

Land Areas

(land) 164,248 sq miles (425,400 sq km)

(water) 8,494 sq miles (22,000 sq km)

(TOTAL) 172,742 sq miles (447,400 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The topography of Uzbekistan is about 80% sandy, scrubby desert, including the massive Kyzyl Kum



Highest Pt. Adelunga Toghi - 10,298 ft. (4,301 m)

Lowest Pt. Uzbekistan's portion of Sarykamish Lake; here low points vary throughout the year - to recorded lows near (-12 m) below sea level along its shoreline.

Land Divisions 12 provinces, 1 autonomous republic and 1 autonomous city; provinces include: Andijon Viloyati, Buxoro Viloyati, Farg'ona Viloyati, Jizzax Viloyati,
Facts and Figures

Name India

(long form) Republic of India

Population 1,080,264,400

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City New Delhi (10.8 million)

Currency Indian Rupee (INR)

Currency Converter here

Languages Hindi, Bengali and 13 other (official) languages, including Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Punjabi, Assamese, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and Sanskrit. Hindustani is widely spoken in the north, and English is, for the most part, the language of modern business.

Flag here

National Day January 26

Religions Hindu (80%), Muslim (13%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
28º 37' N, 77º 13' E

Relative Location India is in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It's positioned on the Indian subcontinent in south-central Asia. It's bordered by the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar, Indian Ocean, and the countries of Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Burma (Myanmar).

Land Statistics

Coastline 4,350 miles (7,000 km)

Land Areas

(land) 1,147,955 sq miles (2,973,190 sq km)

(water) 121,390 sq miles (314,400 sq km)

(TOTAL) 1,269,345 sq miles (3,287,590 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The Himalayas form the highest mountain range in the world, and slope southward into a large fertile plain that covers much of India.


Highest Point Kanchenjunga - 28,208 ft. (8,598 m)

Lowest Point Indian Ocean - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 28 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, , Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh,


Facts and Figures

Name Sri Lanka

(long form) Democratic Socialist Rep. of Sri Lanka

Population 20,064,800

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Colombo (710,000) metro (2.5 mil)

Currency Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Currency Converter here

Languages Sinhala (official), Tamil, others

Flag here

National Day February 4

Religions Buddhist (70%), Muslim, Hindu, others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
06º 55' N, 79º 52' E

Relative Location Sri Lanka is in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It's positioned on the far southern edge of the Indian subcontinent in south-central Asia. It's bordered by the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar. Note: There is no land connection between India and Sri Lanka.

Land Statistics

Coastline 832 miles (1,340 km)

Land Areas

(land) 25,332 sq miles (65,610 sq km)

(water) 336 sq miles (870 sq km)

(TOTAL) 25,332 sq miles (65,610 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Most is Sri Lanka is ringed by (almost endless) sandy beaches, and small, irregular lagoons. The coastal areas merge into a flat coastal plain, one that gently rises




Highest Point Pidurutalagala - 8,261 ft. (2,518 m)

Lowest Point Indian Ocean - (0 ft.) (0 m)

Land Divisions 8 provinces, including: Central, North Central, North Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva and Western.

AMERICA



Description North America, the planet's 3rd largest continent, includes (23) countries and dozens of small island possessions and territories - mostly in the Caribbean. It contains all Caribbean and Central America countries, Canada, Mexico and the United States of America - three of the largest countries on the planet, as well as Greenland - the world's largest island.

Continent Size:
24,474,000 sq km
9,449,460 sq miles

Percent of Earth's Land: 16.5%

Population: 501,500,000

Highest Point: Mt McKinley in Alaska, 20,322ft (6,194m)

Lowest Point: Death Valley in California, -282 ft (-86m) below sea level.














Caribbean

Indians were the first inhabitants here, and then, in 1492, Christopher Columbus began his exploration of these islands, becoming the first European to venture into the area.

After reportedly landing in the Bahamas, Columbus named these islands the Indies, because he thought he had finally reached Asia (and the East Indies).

Numerous explorers followed in his path, then settlers arrived from the Americas and Europe. Included in that mix were religious outcasts, slaves from Africa, and a small army of pirates.

Great military powers would fight for control of the islands, and finally, a blended mix of African and European cultures and languages transformed this large group of islands and its peoples into one of the premier tourist destinations on the planet.

Long called the West Indies, the overall area is now commonly referred to as the Caribbean, a name that became popular after World War II.

Note: In reality the Bahamas are not considered a part of the Caribbean, however, we show them here because of their cultural, geographical and political associations with the Greater Antilles, and other Caribbean Islands.



























Details

The Dutch built a small fort on Anguilla in 1631. Then, in the mid-17th Century, English settlers arrived and colonized the island.

Anguilla is known as a quiet, peaceful island, with miles and miles of white sand beaches, all ringed by crystal clear waters.

Tourism is the major industry, and visitors (many coming to scuba dive), arrive by air, while some take one of the convenient ferries linking Anguilla with Marigot, St. Martin.

Anguilla is mostly flat land, with the highest point only 213 ft. above sea level. There are no rivers or streams, and the average high temperature is near 80º.

Facts and Figures

Official Name Anguilla, a British dependent territory, claimed in 1650

Population 12,300

Capital City The Valley

Languages English (official)

Official Currency East Caribbean Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Anglican, Methodist, others

Flag and description here

Land Area 39 sq miles (102 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 18º 15N, 63º 10W

Highest Point Crocus Hill, 213 ft. (65m)








Details

As the headquarters for the British fleet in the Caribbean during the 18th and 19th centuries, Antigua is an historic and very popular tourist destination. Cruise ships use the deep water port at St John's and its international airport serves jumbo jets from around the world.

The island is known for its low humidity, shopping bargains, a passion for cricket by the locals, sugar cane fields, rain forests and small, scenic coastal villages.

Barbuda, (a dependency) 26 miles to the north, is sparsely populated and famous for hunting and diving venues. Redonda (a dependency) 25 miles to the southwest, is an uninhabited rock.

Facts and Figures

Official Name Antigua and Barbuda

Capital City St. John's

Languages English (official), local dialects

Official Currency East Caribbean Dollar

Religions Anglican, Protestant, Catholic

Flag and description here

Population 67,897 (July 2003 est.)

Land Area 443 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km) (Barbuda 161 sq km) (Redonda (2 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 17º 03N, 61º 48W

Highest Point Boggy Peak (402 meters)


























Details

The wind-swept island of Aruba was discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, later acquired by the Dutch in 1636.

Once part of the Netherlands Antillies, Aruba withdrew, and subsequently became an independent member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Oil refining (even gold mining) were the major industries here, but then tourism developed, and the economy of Aruba changed. In fact, Aruba remains one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.

This sunshiny place of balmy (some say perfect) weather, sandy beaches, duty-free shopping, and one of the most fascinating ecosystems on the planet, is surrounded by the warm, aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Official Name Aruba, an autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Population 71,500

Capital City Oranjestad (22,000)

Languages Dutch (official), Papiamento, English

Official Currency Aruban Guilder

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic, Protestant, others

Flag and description here

Land Area 74 sq miles (193 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 12º 30N, 69º 58W

Highest Point Mt. Yamanota, 620 ft. (188m)























Details

The Bahamas, a wide-spread archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean located off the eastern coastlines of Florida and Cuba, includes over 700 islands, along with dozens of cays and hidden coves.

Columbus first sighted these islands in 1492, and at that time they were the established home of the Lucayan Indians.

Over the next few centuries the Indian population was decimated, and the islands became a major launching base for the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean, as well as the American mainland.

In the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, American and British factions gained control of this valuable real estate, until the Bahamas finally gained total independence on July 10, 1973.

These low-lying islands (all similar in appearance) are ringed by coral reefs and aqua-green waters that teem with sea life of all descriptions.

Today tourism is the major industry, and these stunning islands of gregarious people, beautiful scenery and sunny skies are one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean, and for that matter - the world.

Read more about the Bahamas here!

Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Commonwealth of the Bahamas

Capital City Nassau (222,000)

Languages English, Creole

Flag and description here

Official Currency Bahamian Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Baptist, Anglican, Catholic, others

Population 320,000

Land Area 10,010 sq km (3,864 sq miles)

Latitude/Longitude 24º 15N, 76º 00W


















Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Barbados

Population 264,000

Capital City Bridgetown (99,000)

Languages English

Flag and description here

Official Currency Barbados Dollar

Religions Protestant, others

Population 264,000

Land Area 430 sq km (166 sq miles)

Latitude/Longitude 13º 10N, 59º 32W

Highest Point Mt. Hillaby 1,102 ft. (336m)






























Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Bermuda

Capital City Hamilton

Flag here!

Latitude/Longitude 32° 20'N, 64° 45'W

Languages English, Portuguese

Official Currency Bermudian Dollar

Religions non-Anglican Protestant 39%, Anglican 27%, Roman Catholic 15%, other 19%

Population 67,837 (2009 est)

Land Area 53.3 sq km (20.5 sq miles)

Landforms generally flat land rising to low hills. It includes about 140 offshore coral islands and/or islets. There! are no rivers or lakes.

Land Divisions 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smith's, Southampton, Warwick.






























Island Details

Mexico's Isla Cozumel is located in the western Caribbean, 12 miles off the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, about 45 miles south of Cancun.

The island (mostly flat land) is approximately 30 (48km) miles long and 10 (16km) miles wide.

Famed for its numerous Maya ruins, pristine reefs and diving venues, sandy beaches, duty-free shopping and perfect weather, it has developed into a significant cruise ship port-of-call.

From Cozumel (by ferry or airplane), there's easy access to the many attractions of the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun, Chichen Itza and Tulum.

Major Town San Miguel de Cozumel

Population 66,000 (2003 est)

Languages Spanish, English

Official Currency Mexican Peso

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic, others

Land Area 243 sq miles

Latitude/Longitude 20º 29N, 86º 54W



























Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Cayman Islands, a British dependent territory, claimed 1670

Population 45,000

Capital City George Town (29,000)

Languages English

Flag and description here

Official Currency Caymanian Dollar

Religions Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, others

Land Area 260 sq km

Latitude/Longitude 19º 30N, 80º 30W





















Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Republic of Cuba

Population 11,822,800

Capital City Havana (2.3 million)

Languages Spanish

Flag and description here

Official Currency Cuban Peso

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic, others

Land Area 110,860 sq km

Latitude/Longitude 21º 30N, 80º 00W































Details

Dominica was the last Caribbean island to be colonized by the Europeans, due in part to its rugged topography, and the fierce resistance of the native Carib Indians. Approximately 3,000 Carib descendants still live on the island.

The British took control in 1763, and Dominica became a colony in 1805, finally gaining total independence in 1978.

Called the "Nature Island," Dominica is certainly that, and much more. It's literally covered with thick green jungle, punctuated by sharp-edged volcanic peaks, mountains, lakes, rivers, hot springs and waterfalls and a wide variety of green vegetation and wildlife.

It's a popular cruise ship destination, and a magnet for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The offshore reefs attract divers from around the world.

Agriculture is the major industry here, followed closely by tourism. Travelers fortunate to visit this Eden will tell you that Dominica is a true paradise, wonderfully preserved for all to see.

Official Name Commonwealth of Dominica

Population 70,500

Capital City Roseau (20,000)

Languages English (official)

Flag and description here

Official Currency East Caribbean Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic, Protestant, others

Land Area 290 sq miles (750 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 15º 25N, 61º 20W

Highest Point Mt. Diablotin, 4,747 ft. (1,447m




















Detail.

The island of Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Caribbean, contains two separate countries; the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Columbus claimed Hispaniola in 1492, and it later became the major launching base for the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean, as well as the American mainland.

Subsequently, disease and slavery were introduced by the Spanish conquistadors, and the indigenous Arawak peoples were destroyed.

In the 17th Century, with the Spanish in control, the French established a colony on the island. The Spanish later ceded the western third of Hispaniola in 1697, which in 1804 became known as Haiti.

The remainder of the island, then known as Santo Domingo, declared its independence in 1821, however, it was immediately occupied by Haiti. It finally gained total independence in 1844, and became the Dominican Republic.

Ruled by a series of dictators for the next 134 years, democracy was finally introduced in 1978. Today this beautiful island of gregarious people and stunning scenery is a popular Caribbean destination, as unlike its neighbor to the west, the country's economy is one of the fasting growing in the western hemisphere.

Read more about the Dominican Republic here!

Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Dominican Republic

Population 9,219,800

Capital City Santo Domingo (2.25 million)

Languages Spanish (official)

Flag and description here

Official Currency Dominican Peso

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic (95%)

Latitude/Longitude 19º 00N, 70º 40W

Land Area 48,730 sq km (18,815 sq miles)

Highest Pt. Pico Duarte, 10,417 ft. (3,175 m)

Landforms The Dominican Republic, occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, is mountainous in the central and west, while extensive lowlands dominate the east.








Details

Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Guadeloupe on November 3, 1493 - and over 500 years later - it's one of the most popular travel destinations in the Caribbean.

Though initial efforts to colonize the area failed, it was finally annexed by the French in 1674, and declared an official overseas department in 1946.

The Guadeloupe Archipelago includes the large islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, the nearby islands of Marie-Galante and La Desirade and numerous smaller islands.

It also includes the island of Saint Barthelemy (not shown), and the French controlled part of the island of Saint Martin (not shown).

The Guadeloupe cuisine and surroundings are decidedly French, and the beaches, casinos and nightlife are all first-class.

Pigeon Island and the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Park are considered one of the world's best dive destinations, and local sailing conditions are unrivaled in the Caribbean.

The bustling port city of Pointe-A-Pitre is the main entry point, and it's crammed with local markets, shops and cruise ship passengers.

The Guadeloupe pages and maps are currently being revised, however you can read more about it here!

Facts and Figures

Official Name Guadeloupe, a French overseas department

Population 440,000

Capital City Basse-Terre (12,000)

Flag here

Languages French (official), Creole Patois, English is common in most hotels and visitor areas

Latitude/Longitude 16º 15N, 61º 35W

Currency Euro

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic (95%), others

Land Area 629 sq miles (1,629 sq km)

Landforms Basse-Terre is lush, with dense forested areas. It's dominated by a single (still-active) volcano, La Soufriere. It stands at 4,687 ft. (1,484m).








Details

Columbus landed on Martinique (near Le Carbet) in 1502. The French arrived in 1635, built permanent settlements, began the cultivation of sugarcane, and the importation of slaves from Africa.

After brief periods of bloody battles with Carib Indians, and numerous English occupations, the French finally took firm control in 1815.

In 1848, the French government signed an Emancipation Proclamation document, which ended all slavery in the French West Indies.

On May 8, 1902, Mt. Pelee erupted, destroying the once thriving capital city of Saint Pierre, and killing its 30,000 residents in less than three-minutes.

A long-time French colony, Martinique was declared an official French overseas department in 1946, and the island's beauty, charm and historical sites attract visitors from around the world.

Fort-de-France, fronted by lush, green mountains, surrounds a yacht-filled harbor, and is one of the most strikingly beautiful ports in the Caribbean.

Point du Bont is the island's main resort area, offering a wide selection of hotels, along with casinos, great golf, shopping and night life.

The Martinique pages and maps are currently being revised, however you can read more about it here!

Facts and Figures

Official Name Martinique, a French overseas department

Population 391,000

Capital City Fort-de-France (97,000)

Flag here

Languages French (official), Creole Patois

Flag and description here

Latitude/Longitude 14º 40N, 61º 00W

Currency Euro

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic (95%), others

Land Area 426 sq miles (1,060 sq km)

Landforms Martinique is dominated by single (active) volcano, Mt. Pelee. It stands at 4,583 ft. (1,397m).







Details

On his third voyage to the New World in 1498, Columbus sailed by Grenada and named it Concepcion.

The British attempted a small settlement in 1609, but it was the French that successfully battled the cannibalistic Carib Indians, finally driving them off the island in 1651.

Military and political struggles continued on the islands for two centuries, with Grenada finally becoming an independent country in 1974.

Then, in 1983, Grenada was seized by a Marxist military group. This action facilitated an invasion by US forces and those of six other Caribbean nations; they captured the ringleaders and hundreds of Cuban advisers and free elections were reinstituted the following year.

Grenada (the country) includes the large island of Grenada, and a few islands on the southern edge of the Grenadines, with Carriacou and Petit Martinique the most significant.

Volcanic in origin, Grenada is dominated by a central ridge of mountains, all covered with lush rainforests. The island is blessed with numerous bays and harbors, and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.

Once famed only for its indigenous spices (namely mace and nutmeg), Grenada's modern focus is tourism, and the islands are deservedly garnering the attention of the travel industry.

Official Name Grenada

Population 94,000

Capital City St. George's (4,500)

Languages English (official), French patois

Flag and description here

Official Currency East Caribbean Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic, Anglican, others

Land Area 133 sq miles (345 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 12º 06N, 61º 74W

Highest Point Mt. St. Catherine, 2,756 ft. (840m)











Details

Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Guadeloupe on November 3, 1493 - and over 500 years later - it's one of the most popular travel destinations in the Caribbean.

Though initial efforts to colonize the area failed, it was finally annexed by the French in 1674, and declared an official overseas department in 1946.

The Guadeloupe Archipelago includes the large islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, the nearby islands of Marie-Galante and La Desirade and numerous smaller islands.

It also includes the island of Saint Barthelemy (not shown), and the French controlled part of the island of Saint Martin (not shown).

The Guadeloupe cuisine and surroundings are decidedly French, and the beaches, casinos and nightlife are all first-class.

Pigeon Island and the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Park are considered one of the world's best dive destinations, and local sailing conditions are unrivaled in the Caribbean.

The bustling port city of Pointe-A-Pitre is the main entry point, and it's crammed with local markets, shops and cruise ship passengers.

The Guadeloupe pages and maps are currently being revised, however you can read more about it here!

Facts and Figures

Official Name Guadeloupe, a French overseas department

Population 440,000

Capital City Basse-Terre (12,000)

Flag here

Languages French (official), Creole Patois, English is common in most hotels and visitor areas

Latitude/Longitude 16º 15N, 61º 35W

Currency Euro

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic (95%), others

Land Area 629 sq miles (1,629 sq km)

Landforms Basse-Terre is lush, with dense forested areas. It's dominated by a single (still-active) volcano, La Soufriere. It stands at 4,687 ft. (1,484m).







Details

The island of Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Caribbean, contains two separate countries; the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Columbus claimed Hispaniola in 1492, and it later became the major launching base for the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean, as well as the American mainland.

Subsequently, disease and slavery were introduced by the Spanish conquistadors, and the indigenous Arawak peoples were destroyed.

In the 17th Century, with the Spanish in control, the French established a colony on the island. The Spanish later ceded the western third of Hispaniola in 1697, which in 1804 became known as Haiti, at the conclusion of the Haitian Slave Revolt.

Since then, Haiti has been ruled by a seemingly-endless line of dictators; who imposed absolute obedience to their authority. That political turmoil has continually divided Haiti into a very small and wealthy elite, and a large underclass of people with little or no economic or political power.

At the beginning of the 21st century, Haiti did struggle to establish the legitimacy of its government and to improve the economic and social conditions of its people.

In 2004, once again, the people revolted, as they continued to search for freedom and equality - long absent in their beloved country of Haiti.

Read more about Haiti here!

Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Republic of Haiti

Population 8,490,200

Capital City Port-au-Prince (1.4 million)

Languages French (official), French Creole (official)

Flag and description here

Official Currency Gourde

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic (80%), others

Latitude/Longitude 18º 54N, 72º 34W

Land Area 27,400 sq km (10,569 sq miles)

Landforms Haiti, occupying the western third of the island of Hispaniola, consists of two peninsulas, separated by the Gonave Gulf.




Country Details

Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494, Jamaica remained a Spanish colony until captured by the English in 1655. It gained its independence in 1962, and is an important force in the tourism economy and politics of the Caribbean.

It's about the size of the U.S. State of Connecticut, and measures 4,400 square miles. It's 145 miles from east to west, and 20 and 50 miles from north to south.

Jamaica is dominated by mountains, mostly covered with lush, green forests. Blue Mountain is the highest point, at 7,402 feet.

White beaches suround this tropical island, and over 100 small rivers (mostly streams) flow from the mountains to the Caribbean coast.

Located 95 miles south of Cuba, Jamaica is known for many things - but certainly on top of any list are the numerous idyllic beach resorts, local pirate history, Reggae music, culture and food, and of course, delicious Blue Mountain Coffee.

Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Jamaica

Capital City Kingston (590,000)

Languages English, Creole

Flag and description here

Official Currency Jamaican Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Protestant, others

Population 2,772,000

Land Area 10,830 sq km (4,181 sq miles)

Latitude/Longitude 18º 15N, 77º 30W

Highest Point Blue Mountain (2,256 meters)













Details

Isla de Margarita (Margarita Island) is a somewhat mountainous island, located about 40 miles north of the Venezuela mainland. Together with Isla de Coche and Isla de Cubagua, they collectively form the Venezuelan state of Nueva Esparta.

The island is fabled for consistently sunny weather, and some of the most desirable beaches in the Caribbean.

Official Name Isla de Margarita
(an island territory of Venezuela)

Population 352,000

Capital City La Asuncion

Languages Spanish (official)

Flag and description here

Official Currency Bolivars

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic, others

Land Area 413 sq miles (1071 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 10º 30N, 64º 10W

Highest Point unavailable, however some mountain peaks reaching up to 3000 ft. (1000 m)





















Details

Soufriere Hills, a volcano on the island of Montserrat, began erupting on July 18, 1995.

This is the first recorded eruption of the volcano in modern times, and that eruption spread ash across the island.

Most of Montserrat (the Emerald Isle) was devastated and more than two-thirds of the population left.

Looking at beautiful Montserrat today, it would appear that the eruption never happened, even though the southern two-thirds of the island is closed.

However, in the north, homes and commercial buildings are clean of ash and debris, roads are clear, and gardens and crops have been replanted.

In short, Montserrat is going through a complete resurgence, as this once popular (and very proud) Caribbean tourism destination is fighting to get back on its feet, and it appears to be winning the battle.

Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Montserrat,
British dependent territory, claimed 1632

Capital City Plymouth (abandoned in 1997) Note that temporary government buildings have been built along the northwest edge of the island.

Languages English (official)

Flag and description here

Official Currency East Caribbean Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic, Anglican, others

Population 7,300

Land Area 102 sq km

Latitude/Longitude 16º 45N, 62º 42W





















Details

The Netherlands Antilles are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the islands within were granted full internal-affairs autonomy in 1954, however, the Netherlands is still responsible for their defense.

It includes the individual islands of Bonaire and Curacao, (just off the coast of South America), as well as Saba, St. Eustatius and Sint Maarten in the northeastern Caribbean.

Note that it no longer includes Aruba, as that island seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986, and became a separate (yet autonomous) member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Official Name Netherlands Antilles, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Capital City Willemstad, Curacao

Languages Dutch (official), English, others

Official Currency Netherlands Antillean Guilder

Currency Converter here

Religions Baptist, Catholic, Protestant, others

Flag and description here

Population 216,000

Land Area 960 sq km
















Facts and Figures

Official Names
St. Martin: a dependency of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe
Sint Maarten: a part of the Netherlands Antilles

Populations
St. Martin: 44,600
Sint Maarten: 40,100

Capital Cities
St. Martin: Marigot
Sint Maarten: Philipsburg

Flag
St. Martin here
Sint Maarten here

Languages
St. Martin: French, English
Sint Maarten: Dutch, English

Latitude/Longitude 17º 59N, 63º 10W

Currency
St. Martin: Euro
Sint Maarten: Netherlands Antilles florin
Note: U.S, Dollar widely accepted

Currency Converter here

Religions
St. Martin: Catholic
Sint Maarten: Catholic, Protestant, others

Land Area (Island) 33 sq miles (85 sq km)
St. Martin: 20 sq miles (52 sq km)
Sint Maarten: 13 sq miles (33 sq km)

Landforms The island is famed for its white sandy beaches and secluded coves. The interior is a vibrant green mix of hills and valleys. The highest points are in the 1,200 ft. range. There are no significant rivers.








Details

St. Eustatius, commonly called Statia (stay-sha) is today a part of the Netherlands Antilles. Over its long history, it changed hands more than 20 times.

Vocanic in origin, and quite rugged along the coastal areas, it was once one of the busiest and most powerful commercial ports in the Caribbean.

As a result of the British blockade during America's Revolutionary War, most goods destined for the new colonies flowed into St. Eustatius. It was not uncommon to see hundreds of supply ships off Oranjestad.

When that war ended and mail and supplies were sent directly to the new United States, the economy of St. Eustatius changed dramatically.

Tourism is the major industry today, and the island is a favorite destination for scuba diving aficionados and nature lovers.

Official Name St. Eustatius

Population 2,400

Capital City Oranjestad

Languages Dutch (official), English, others

Flag and description here

Official Currency Netherlands Antillean Guilder

Currency Converter here

Religions Baptist, Catholic, Protestant, others

Land Area 8 sq miles (21 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 17º 49N, 62º 98W

Highest Point Mt. Mazinga, 1,968 ft. (602m)










Details

Saba, the smallest island in the Netherlands Antilles group, is the remains of a dormant volcano, and juts abruptly out of the blue Caribbean Sea.

Mt. Scenery is the highest point, and it dominates the island's beautiful and rugged terrain.

Saba is famous for its numerous scuba diving venues, lack of commercialism, and relaxing, isolated solitude.

This somewhat little-known speck of land remains one of the favorite honeymoon destinations in all of the Caribbean.

Official Name Saba

Population 1,500

Capital City The Bottom

Languages Dutch (official), English, others

Official Currency Netherlands Antillean Guilder

Currency Converter here

Religions Baptist, Catholic, Protestant, others

Flag and description here

Land Area 5 sq miles (13 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 17º 38N, 63º 13W

Highest Point Mt Scenery, 2,855 ft. (871m)











Island Details

After Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493, the island was colonized in 1508, and the capital city of San Juan founded in 1521.

As a result of the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico was relinquished to the USA by Spain in 1898. Today it is a self governing (very independent-minded) territory of the USA, and enjoys much autonomy.

The narrow coastal plain rises into green (low) hills and mountains central and south. A few small rivers and lakes dot the landscape.

The climate is usually hot and humid, with some lower temperatures found in the higher elevations. Like most Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico is subject to an occasional hurricane warning (May - October).

The island is a mecca for Caribbean cruise ships and tourists from around the world. Old San Juan is the most popular destination.

Compared to other islands in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has a high standard of living with a vibrant industrialized economy.

Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Puerto Rico, Commonwealth territory
of the USA, claimed 1898

Population 3,949,000 (July 2003 est.)

Capital City San Juan (434,000)

Languages Spanish, English

Flag and description here

Official Currency US Dollar

Religions Catholic, Protestant

Land Area 9,100 sq km

Latitude/Longitude 18º 15N, 66º 30W

Highest Point Cerro del Punta at 4,389 ft. (1,338m)











Details

It is widely believed that St. Barts was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, and he named it in honor of his brother Bartolomeo. In the mid-1600s, the French arrived, took control from the indigenous indians, and built small settlements.

In 1784 it was sold (traded) to Sweden, and even though the French bought it back in 1878, some Swedish influences remain, including the name of the its capital, Gustavia.

The island is part of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe, and the French influence and style are everywhere.

It is considered by many to be the Caribbean's most beautiful island, with dozens of white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a green, hilly landscape punctuated by numerous lagoons.

St. Barts is definitely upscale, and a favorite of the rich and famous. The island is chic and simply stunning. Gustavia, a duty-free port, is a picturesque place of red-roofed buildings, boutiques, a yacht-filled harbor, and a very relaxed lifestyle.

The St. Bart's pages and maps are currently being revised, however you can read a bit more about it here!

Facts and Figures

Official Name Saint Barthelemy, a sub-prefect of Guadeloupe, a French overseas department.

Population 6,900 (est)

Capital City Gustavia

Languages French (official), English, others

Flag and description here

Latitude/Longitude 17º 50N, 62º 50W

Currency Euro

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic, Protestant, others

Land Area 8 sq miles (21 sq km)

Landforms St. Barts is not of volcanic origin, but rather a hilly island of ancient coral reefs. In fact, the island is almost completely surrounded by shallow-water reefs. The island's highest point is Mt du Vitet, at 938 ft. There are no significant rivers or lakes.





Details

Discovered by Columbus in 1493, St. Kitts and Nevis were settled by the British and French in the early 17th Century.

Using St. Kitts (St. Christopher) as a "Mother Colony" base of operations, British and French explorers traveled the Caribbean, colonizing a wide assortment of islands.

Long associated with Britain, St. Kitts and Nevis gained their total independence in 1983, becoming a (very proud) individual country.

Both of these mountainous islands are volcanic in origin, and covered with lush rain forests, green valleys and miles and miles of pristine beaches.

St. Kitts is today a (growing in popularity) cruise ship destination, and the surrounding waters are a magnet for scuba divers and snorkelers.

Separated by a narrow channel from St. Kitts, Nevis is dominated by the remnants of a single volcano, and famed for its restored sugar plantations (now secluded inns), black sand beaches and local charms.

Both islands are known for their low-key, relaxed atmosphere, and for their welcoming hospitality.

Official Name Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Population 38,500

Capital City Basseterre (11,500)

Languages English (official)

Flag and description here

Official Currency East Caribbean Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Anglican, Protestant, Catholic

Land Area 104 sq miles (269 sq km)
St. Kitts: (68 sq miles) Nevis: (36 sq miles)

Latitude/Longitude 17º 20N, 62º 45W

Highest Point Mt. Misery (Liamuiga), 3,793 ft. (1,156m)







Details

After driving the indigenous Arwak peoples off St. Lucia, the Carib Indians were eventually wiped out by disease inadvertently introduced to the island by the French in the 17th Century.

After changing hands between the British and French (14 times), the Brits finally took control of St. Lucia in 1814, and the island gained independence in 1979.

Agricultural industries were the mainstay on St. Lucia for decades, but Caribbean tourism made this (simply stunning island) famous. The two towering volcanic cones on the southwest coast, Gros Piton and Petit Piton (shown to the right) remain navigational aides for mariners, and are regarded as one of the Caribbean's most famous landmarks.

Volcanic in origin, St. Lucia is dominated by dense jungle and a central ridge of forested mountains. The island is ringed with sandy beaches, friendly villages and spectacular scenery at every turn.

The capital city of Castries and the surrounding resorts, as well as the coastal village of Soufriere and the nearby nature attractions are the major draws for visitors.

Official Name Saint Lucia

Population 150,000

Capital City Castries (50,000)

Languages English, French Patois

Official Currency East Caribbean Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic, Protestant, others

Flag and description here

Land Area 238 sq miles (616 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 13º 54N, 60º 50W

Highest Point Mt. Gimie, 3,145 ft. (959m)











Facts and Figures

Official Names
St. Martin: a dependency of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe
Sint Maarten: a part of the Netherlands Antilles

Populations
St. Martin: 44,600
Sint Maarten: 40,100

Capital Cities
St. Martin: Marigot
Sint Maarten: Philipsburg

Flag
St. Martin here
Sint Maarten here

Languages
St. Martin: French, English
Sint Maarten: Dutch, English

Latitude/Longitude 17º 59N, 63º 10W

Currency
St. Martin: Euro
Sint Maarten: Netherlands Antilles florin
Note: U.S, Dollar widely accepted

Currency Converter here

Religions
St. Martin: Catholic
Sint Maarten: Catholic, Protestant, others

Land Area (Island) 33 sq miles (85 sq km)
St. Martin: 20 sq miles (52 sq km)
Sint Maarten: 13 sq miles (33 sq km)

Landforms The island is famed for its white sandy beaches and secluded coves. The interior is a vibrant green mix of hills and valleys. The highest points are in the 1,200 ft. range. There are no significant rivers.







Details

St. Eustatius, commonly called Statia (stay-sha) is today a part of the Netherlands Antilles. Over its long history, it changed hands more than 20 times.

Vocanic in origin, and quite rugged along the coastal areas, it was once one of the busiest and most powerful commercial ports in the Caribbean.

As a result of the British blockade during America's Revolutionary War, most goods destined for the new colonies flowed into St. Eustatius. It was not uncommon to see hundreds of supply ships off Oranjestad.

When that war ended and mail and supplies were sent directly to the new United States, the economy of St. Eustatius changed dramatically.

Tourism is the major industry today, and the island is a favorite destination for scuba diving aficionados and nature lovers.

Official Name St. Eustatius

Population 2,400

Capital City Oranjestad

Languages Dutch (official), English, others

Flag and description here

Official Currency Netherlands Antillean Guilder

Currency Converter here

Religions Baptist, Catholic, Protestant, others

Land Area 8 sq miles (21 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 17º 49N, 62º 98W

Highest Point Mt. Mazinga, 1,968 ft. (602m















Details

Saba, the smallest island in the Netherlands Antilles group, is the remains of a dormant volcano, and juts abruptly out of the blue Caribbean Sea.

Mt. Scenery is the highest point, and it dominates the island's beautiful and rugged terrain.

Saba is famous for its numerous scuba diving venues, lack of commercialism, and relaxing, isolated solitude.

This somewhat little-known speck of land remains one of the favorite honeymoon destinations in all of the Caribbean.

Official Name Saba

Population 1,500

Capital City The Bottom

Languages Dutch (official), English, others

Official Currency Netherlands Antillean Guilder

Currency Converter here

Religions Baptist, Catholic, Protestant, others

Flag and description here

Land Area 5 sq miles (13 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 17º 38N, 63º 13W

Highest Point Mt Scenery, 2,855 ft. (871m)





















Island Details

After Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493, the island was colonized in 1508, and the capital city of San Juan founded in 1521.

As a result of the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico was relinquished to the USA by Spain in 1898. Today it is a self governing (very independent-minded) territory of the USA, and enjoys much autonomy.

The narrow coastal plain rises into green (low) hills and mountains central and south. A few small rivers and lakes dot the landscape.

The climate is usually hot and humid, with some lower temperatures found in the higher elevations. Like most Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico is subject to an occasional hurricane warning (May - October).

The island is a mecca for Caribbean cruise ships and tourists from around the world. Old San Juan is the most popular destination.

Compared to other islands in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has a high standard of living with a vibrant industrialized economy.

Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Puerto Rico, Commonwealth territory
of the USA, claimed 1898

Population 3,949,000 (July 2003 est.)

Capital City San Juan (434,000)

Languages Spanish, English

Flag and description here

Official Currency US Dollar

Religions Catholic, Protestant

Land Area 9,100 sq km

Latitude/Longitude 18º 15N, 66º 30W

Highest Point Cerro del Punta at 4,389 ft. (1,338m




Details

It is widely believed that St. Barts was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, and he named it in honor of his brother Bartolomeo. In the mid-1600s, the French arrived, took control from the indigenous indians, and built small settlements.

In 1784 it was sold (traded) to Sweden, and even though the French bought it back in 1878, some Swedish influences remain, including the name of the its capital, Gustavia.

The island is part of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe, and the French influence and style are everywhere.

It is considered by many to be the Caribbean's most beautiful island, with dozens of white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a green, hilly landscape punctuated by numerous lagoons.

St. Barts is definitely upscale, and a favorite of the rich and famous. The island is chic and simply stunning. Gustavia, a duty-free port, is a picturesque place of red-roofed buildings, boutiques, a yacht-filled harbor, and a very relaxed lifestyle.

The St. Bart's pages and maps are currently being revised, however you can read a bit more about it here!

Facts and Figures

Official Name Saint Barthelemy, a sub-prefect of Guadeloupe, a French overseas department.

Population 6,900 (est)

Capital City Gustavia

Languages French (official), English, others

Flag and description here

Latitude/Longitude 17º 50N, 62º 50W

Currency Euro

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic, Protestant, others

Land Area 8 sq miles (21 sq km)

Landforms St. Barts is not of volcanic origin, but rather a hilly island of ancient coral reefs. In fact, the island is almost completely surrounded by shallow-water reefs. The island's highest point is Mt du Vitet, at 938 ft. There are no significant rivers or lakes.






Details

Discovered by Columbus in 1493, St. Kitts and Nevis were settled by the British and French in the early 17th Century.

Using St. Kitts (St. Christopher) as a "Mother Colony" base of operations, British and French explorers traveled the Caribbean, colonizing a wide assortment of islands.

Long associated with Britain, St. Kitts and Nevis gained their total independence in 1983, becoming a (very proud) individual country.

Both of these mountainous islands are volcanic in origin, and covered with lush rain forests, green valleys and miles and miles of pristine beaches.

St. Kitts is today a (growing in popularity) cruise ship destination, and the surrounding waters are a magnet for scuba divers and snorkelers.

Separated by a narrow channel from St. Kitts, Nevis is dominated by the remnants of a single volcano, and famed for its restored sugar plantations (now secluded inns), black sand beaches and local charms.

Both islands are known for their low-key, relaxed atmosphere, and for their welcoming hospitality.

Official Name Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Population 38,500

Capital City Basseterre (11,500)

Languages English (official)

Flag and description here

Official Currency East Caribbean Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Anglican, Protestant, Catholic

Land Area 104 sq miles (269 sq km)
St. Kitts: (68 sq miles) Nevis: (36 sq miles)

Latitude/Longitude 17º 20N, 62º 45W

Highest Point Mt. Misery (Liamuiga), 3,793 ft. (1,156m)





Facts and Figures

Official Names
St. Martin: a dependency of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe
Sint Maarten: a part of the Netherlands Antilles

Populations
St. Martin: 44,600
Sint Maarten: 40,100

Capital Cities
St. Martin: Marigot
Sint Maarten: Philipsburg

Flag
St. Martin here
Sint Maarten here

Languages
St. Martin: French, English
Sint Maarten: Dutch, English

Latitude/Longitude 17º 59N, 63º 10W

Currency
St. Martin: Euro
Sint Maarten: Netherlands Antilles florin
Note: U.S, Dollar widely accepted

Currency Converter here

Religions
St. Martin: Catholic
Sint Maarten: Catholic, Protestant, others

Land Area (Island) 33 sq miles (85 sq km)
St. Martin: 20 sq miles (52 sq km)
Sint Maarten: 13 sq miles (33 sq km)

Landforms The island is famed for its white sandy beaches and secluded coves. The interior is a vibrant green mix of hills and valleys. The highest points are in the 1,200 ft. range. There are no significant rivers.








Details

Columbus sailed past these islands in 1492, and for another 130 years the thickly forested landscape of St. Vincent deterred any serious European exploration and settlements.

For most of the 18th Century, the British, French and Carib Indians fought for control. There were numerous bloody battles, with the British gaining total control in 1790s, as all of the remaining Caribs were shipped to Central America.

St. Vincent & The Grenadines are some 32 islands and cays stretching south (about 48 miles) to the country of Grenada.

The big island of St. Vincent (volcanic in origin) has a rugged mountainous terrain, lush forests and many uncluttered beaches and inlets. The port city of Kingstown is one of the most picturesque in the Caribbean.

The Grenadines includes Bequia, Canouan, Mustique and Union, and a group of smaller (many unpopulated) islands. All are low-lying, ringed by coral reefs, and famed for some of the best beaches and sailing conditions on the planet.

The overall economy of the St. Vincent & The Grenadines revolves around agriculture, with bananas and coconut palms the major cash crops.

Tourism is a growing business (especially on St. Vincent), but on the outer islands, smaller crowds, isolated beaches and quiet days are the norm.

Official Name Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Population 121,000

Capital City Kingstown (17,600)

Languages English (official), French patois

Flag and description here

Official Currency East Caribbean Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, others

Land Area 150 sq miles (389 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 13º 16N, 61º 23W

Highest Point Mt. Soufriere, (active volcano)




Details

San Andres is located 90 miles off the eastern coastline of Nicaragua. This series of cays and islands also includes the larger islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina.

All of them belong to the country of Colombia, 480 miles to the southeast.

Facts and Figures

Official Name San Andres

Population 75,000

Major Town/Island San Andres (55,200)

Languages Spanish, English

Official Currency Colombian Peso, U.S. Dollaer

Currency Converter here

Religions varied...

Land Area (all islands and cays) 47 sq km

Latitude/Longitude 12º 58N, 81º 68W
























Details

Trinidad and Tobago came under British control in the 19th century, then gaining their independence in 1962.

The country is one of the most prosperous island nations in the Caribbean, primarily due to its offshore petroleum and natural gas production and processing.

Tourism is a significant industry here, with most visitors favoring the idylic island of Tobago.

Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Population 1,362,000 Tobago (75,000)

Capital City Port-of-Spain (45,300)

Languages English (official), Hindi, others

Flag and description here

Official Currency Trinidad and Tobago Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Catholic, Hindu, others

Land Area 5,128 sq km

Latitude/Longitude 11º 00N, 61º 00W














Details

The Turks and Caicos includes 45 islands and cays. It's believed that Columbus' first landfall in the New World was on Grand Turk island.

These islands, once annexed by both the Bahamas and Jamaica, have long been associated with the UK, and today are still a British overseas territory.

This group of flat islands (southeast of the Bahamas) are favored by scuba divers and fisherman, and renown for turquoise waters and endless white-sand beaches.

Tourism is becoming the major business here, but these islands are also a recognized offshore tax haven for worldwide investors.

Official Name Turks and Caicos Islands, a British overseas territory.

Population 18,700

Capital City Cockburn Town (5,000)

Languages English (official)

Flag and description here

Official Currency U.S. Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, others

Land Area 193 sq miles (500 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 21º 48N, 71º 13W

Highest Point Blue Hills xxx (49m)










Details

The British Virgin Islands, about 50 (mostly uninhabited) islands and cays, are one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations.

Fought over for centuries, they were finally controlled by the British in the mid-1600s, and later became an official British colony.

Tourism is a major business in the islands, as it generates an estimated 45% of the national income. The BVI economic structure is similar to that of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and both use the U.S. Dollar as their local currency.

Steeped in the history of the British Navy, the islands are ringed by shipwrecks; the most famous of these - The RMS Rhone - is now a national marine park, and a favorite scuba diving point.

Road Town, the capital city, is crammed with markets, boutiques and restaurants, and remains a favorite stop for experienced cruise ship passengers.

Ferry service to the outer-islands is convenient and economical, but outer-island air service is limited.

Official Name British Virgin Islands, (BVI) a British dependent territory, claimed in 1672

Population 22,700

Capital City Road Town (9,400)

Languages English (official)

Flag and description here

Official Currency U.S. Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Protestant, others

Land Area 59 sq miles (153 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 18º 30N, 64º 30W

Highest Point Mt Sage, 1,780 ft. (521m)













Details

The British Virgin Islands, about 70 (mostly uninhabited) islands and cays, are one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations.

Fought over for centuries, they were finally controlled by the British in the mid-1600s, and later became an official British colony.

Tourism is the major business, and the BVI are closely associated with the economy and culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Steeped in the history of the British Navy, the islands are ringed by shipwrecks; the most famous of these - The RMS Rhone - is now a national marine park, and a favorite scuba diving point.

Road Town, the capital city, is crammed with local markets and boutiques, restaurants, government buildings, and cruise ship passengers.

Ferry service to the outer-islands is convenient and economical, but outer-island air service is limited.

Official Name British Virgin Islands, (BVI) a British dependent territory, claimed in 1672

Population 22,530

Capital City Road Town (19,000 est.)

Languages English (official)

Official Currency U.S. Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Protestant, others

Flag and description here

Land Area 59 sq miles (153 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 18º 30N, 64º 30W

Highest Point Mt Sage, 1,780 ft. (521m)











Details

Named by Christopher Columbus in 1493, the Virgin Islands are famed for white sand beaches, crystal-blue waters and idyllic sailing venues.

Steeped in maritime history, and the remnants of the Danish, Dutch, English, French and Spanish cultures, the Virgin Islands are one of the busiest cruise and vacations destinations in the Caribbean.

The U.S. Virgin Islands (almost 50 cays and islands), includes the large islands of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.

Tourism is the major business, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are closely associated with the economy and culture of the British Virgin Islands.

Covered with red-roofed buildings and houses, the capital city of Charlotte Amalie sits amidst lush green hills, and is widely considered the most beautiful port in the Caribbean. The duty-free shopping, hotels and restaurants on St. Thomas and St. Croix are second to none.

Air and ferry service to all major islands is convenient and economical.

Official Name U.S. Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory of the USA, claimed 1917

Population 119,000

Capital City Charlotte Amalie (12,100)

Languages English (official)

Flag and description here

Official Currency U.S. Dollar

Currency Converter here

Religions Baptist, Catholic, others

Land Area
St. Croix: 84 sq miles (216 sq km)
St. John: 20 sq miles (52 sq km)
St. Thomas: 32 sq miles (83 sq km)

Latitude/Longitude 18º 20N, 64º 50W

Highest Point Mt Crown, on St. Thomas, at 1,556 ft. (474m)















WEST INDIES

The West Indies is a large group of islands that separate the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. They comprise three main island groups:

Bahamas (north)
Greater Antilles (central)
Lesser Antilles (southeast)

The Bahamas consist of over 3,000 individual islands and reefs.

The Greater Antilles include the island countries of Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic (Hispaniola), and Puerto Rico.

The Lesser Antilles are the much smaller islands to the southeast, and they are divided into two (2) groups, the Leeward Islands and Windward Islands.

Indians were the first inhabitants, and then, In 1492, the explorer Christopher Columbus became the first European to arrive at the islands. It's believed by historians that he first stepped foot in the Bahamas. Columbus called these islands the Indies because he thought he had finally reached Asia (and the East Indies). Spain, when Columbus' mistake was discovered, (pardon the pun) renamed them the West Indies, to distinguish them from the Spice Islands in the Pacific Ocean, (the East Indies) which we now call Indonesia.

Today the West Indies, better know as the Caribbean, is comprised of many island countries, dependencies and territories, and (as a group) remain one of the premier tourist destinations on the planet.































Description South America, the planet's 4th largest continent, includes (12) countries and (3) major territories. It contains the massive Amazon River and surrounding basin - the largest tropical rain forest in the world; the toothy-edged Andes Mountains, that stretch the entire length of the continent, and some of the most diverse and spectacular landforms on the planet.

Continent Size:
17,819,000 sq km
6,879,000 sq miles

Percent of Earth's Land: 12%

Population: 379,500,000

Highest Point: Cerro Aconcagua
Andes Mountains, Argentina - 22,833 ft (6,959m).

Lowest Point: Peninsula Valdes
Argentina coastline -151 ft (-40m) below sea level.













Facts and Figures

Name Argentina

(long form) Argentine Republic

Population 39,537,900

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Buenos Aires (11.5 mil)

Currency Argentine peso (ARS)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish, English, Italian, others

Flag here

National Day May 25

Religions Catholic (92%), Protestant, others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
34º 36' S, 58º 27' W

Relative Location Argentina is positioned in both the western and southern hemisphere. It's located in southern South America, and bordered by Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Country Dialing Code 54

Electricity Argentina uses 220 volts AC (50 Hz)

Electrical adapters, products and tips here

Travel Warnings here












Facts and Figures

Name Bolivia

(long form) Republic of Bolivia

Population 8,857,900

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City La Paz (seat of government) (812,000); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary) (224,000)

Currency Boliviano (BOB)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, others

Flag here

National Day August 6

Religions Catholic (95%), Protestant (5%)

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
16º 30' S, 68º 10' W

Relative Location The landlocked country of Bolivia is positioned in the southern and western hemispheres. It's located in west-central South America, and bordered by Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile.

Land Statistics

Coastline 0 miles (0 km) (landlocked)

Land Areas

(land) 418,685 sq miles (1,084,390 sq km)

(water) 5,479 sq miles (14,190 sq km)

(TOTAL) 424,164 sq miles (1,098,580 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Bolivia's western half is covered by the Andes, as three meandering high mountain chains dominate the landscape.












Facts and Figures

Name Brazil

(long form) Federative Republic of Brazil

Population 186,112,800

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Brasilia (2.2 mil)

Currency Real (BRL)

Currency Converter here

Languages Portuguese (official), and most widely spoken language. Less common languages include Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages.

Flag here

National Day September 7

Religions Catholic (74%), Protestant (15%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
15º 45' S, 47º 57' W

Relative Location Brazil, dissected by both the Equator and Tropic of Capricorn, is positioned in the northern, southern and western hemispheres. Covering almost 50% of South America, Brazil is bordered by Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the Atlantic Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 4,655 miles (7,491 km)

Land Areas

(land) 3,265,075 sq miles (8,456,510sq km)

(water) 21,411 sq miles (55,455 sq km)

(TOTAL) 3,286,486 sq miles (8,511,965 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Brazil is divided into five primary geographic areas: the northern Guiana Highlands; Brazilian Highlands (or plateau) central and east; the massive Amazon River Basin; Pantanal wetland areas of the southwest, and the Southern Highlands - to the west and south of Curitiba.









Facts and Figures

Name Chile

(long form) Republic of Chile

Population 15,980,912

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Santiago (6.3 million in metro area)

Currency Chilean Peso (CLP)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish

Flag here

National Day September 18

Religions Catholic (89%), Protestant (11%)

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
33º 27' S, 70º 40' W

Relative Location Chile is positioned in both the western and southern hemispheres. It's located on the western and southwestern coast of South America, and bordered by Argentina, Bolivia and Peru, and by the Pacific Ocean






Land Statistics

Coastline 3,998 miles (6,435 km)

Land Areas

(land) 289,113 sq miles (748,800 sq km)

(water) 3,147 sq miles (8,150 sq km)

(TOTAL) 292,261 sq miles (756,950 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms With a toothy coastline of almost 4,000 miles, pencil-thin Chile is wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Andes, the world's longest mountain range. This land of incredible and unusual contrasts is also home to the numerous beaches, fjords, deep sea channels, glaciers and icebergs - and the Atacama Desert - a virtually rainless plateau made up of salt basins and lava flows.

Facts and Figures

Name Colombia

(long form) Republic of Colombia

Population 42,954,279

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Bogota (6.1 million)

Currency Colombian Peso (COP)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish

Flag here

National Day July 20

Religions Catholic (90%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
04º 38' N, 74º 05' W

Relative Location Colombia is positioned in the northern, southern and western hemispheres. It's located on the northwestern corner of South America, and bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Central America and the country of Panama, and by the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 1,993 miles (3,208 km)

Land Areas

(land) 401,044 sq miles (1,038,700 sq km)

(water) 38,691 sq miles (100,210 sq km)

(TOTAL) 439,735 sq miles (1,138,910 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Fronted by the Caribbean and Pacific lowlands, as well as the eastern Amazon lowlands that extend to its borders with Brazil and Venezuela, the western third of Colombia is crossed by three rugged parallel ranges of the Andes Mountains, namely the Eastern, Central, and Western Cordilleras.

Highest Pt. Cristobal Colon - 18,947 ft. (5,775 m)

Lowest Pt. Pacific Ocean - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 32 departments and 1 capital district: departments include; Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca,

Facts and Figures

Name Ecuador

(long form) Republic of Ecuador

Population 13,363,600

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Quito (1.4 mil)

Currency U S dollar (USD)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish, Amerindian

Flag here

National Day August 10

Religions Catholic (95%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
2º 00' S, 77º 30' W

Relative Location Ecuador sits directly on the Equator, and subsequently is positioned in the northern, southern and western hemispheres. It's located on the northwestern edge of South America, and bordered by Colombia, Peru and the Pacific Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 1,390miles (2,237 km)

Land Areas

(land) 106,888 sq miles (276,840 sq km)

(water) 2,595 sq miles (6,720 sq km)

(TOTAL) 109,483 sq miles (283,560 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Ecuador is divided into four regions: the coastal lowlands and mountains areas; the central Andes Mountains and it's two major chains (Cordillera Occidental in the west) and the (Cordillera Oriental in the east); the lower mountains that fade into rolling hills and lowlands of the east, and the territory of the Galapagos Islands - officially called the Archipiélago de Colón - located about 1,000 km to the west.


Highest Pt. Mt. Chimborazo - 20,561 ft. (6,267 m)

Lowest Pt. Pacific Ocean at 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 22 provinces, including: Azuay, Bolivar, Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Sucumbios, Tungurahua and Zamora-Chinchipe.




Facts and Figures

Name Guyana

(long form) Co-operative Republic of Guyana

Population 765,300

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Georgetown (250,000)

Currency Guyanese dollar (GYD)

Currency Converter here

Languages English, Amerindian, Creole, others

Flag here

National Day February 23

Religions Christian (50%), Hindu (35%), Muslim (10%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
06º 46' N, 58º 10' W

Relative Location Guyana is positioned in the northern and westernhemisphere. It's located on the northern edge of South America, and bordered by Suriname, Brazil, Venezuela, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 285 miles (459 km)

Land Areas

(land) 76,004 sq miles (196,850 sq km)

(water) 6,996 sq miles (18,120 sq km)

(TOTAL) 83,000 sq miles (214,970 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Guyana can be divided into four main geographical regions; there's a narrow and swampy coastal plain, a hillier sandy region in the east; the (15,000 sq km) Rupununi Savannah of the south, and the tropical rain forests and interior highlands - central and west.



Facts and Figures

Name Paraguay

(long form) Republic of Paraguay

Population 6,347,900

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Asuncion (508,000)

Currency Guarani (PYG)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish, Guarani

Flag here

National Day May 15

Religions Catholic (90%), Mennonite and other Protestant (10%)

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
25º 16' S, 57º 40' W

Relative Location Paraguay, dissected by the Tropic of Capricorn, is located in both the southern and western hemisphere.. It's positioned in central South America, and bordered by Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil.

Land Statistics

Coastline 0 miles (0 km) (landlocked)

Land Areas

(land) 153,398 sq miles (397,300 sq km)

(water) 3,659 sq miles (9,450 sq km)

(TOTAL) 157,057 sq miles (406,750 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Paraguay is landlocked and criss-crossed by many rivers. The three largest - the Paraguay, Parana and Pilcomayo - form over 75% of the country's borders



Facts and Figures

Name Peru

(long form) Republic of Peru

Population 27,925,600

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Lima (6.9 mil)

Currency Nuevo Sol (PEN)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, others

Flag here

National Day July 28

Religions Catholic (81%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
10º 00' S, 76º 00' W

Relative Location Peru, just to the south of the Equator, is positioned in both the western and southern hemispheres. It's located on the western coast of South America, and bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and by the Pacific Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 1,500 miles (2,414 km)

Land Areas

(land) 494,211 sq miles (1,280,000 sq km)

(water) 2,015 sq miles (5,220 sq km)

(TOTAL) 496,226 sq miles (1,285,220 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The rugged Andes Mountains cover almost 40% of Peru. Hundreds of snowcapped peaks jut skyward here, with many exceeding 20,000 ft.


Facts and Figures

Name Suriname

(long form) Republic of Suriname

Population 438,100

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Paramaribo (250,000)

Currency Surinam dollar (SRD)

Currency Converter here

Languages Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo, others

Flag here

National Day November 25

Religions Hindu (27%), Protestant (25%), Catholic (23%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
5º 50' N, 55º 10' W

Relative Location Suriname is positioned in the northern and western hemispheres. It's located on the northern edge of South America, and bordered by Guyana, French Guiana, Brazil, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 240 miles (386 km)

Land Areas

(land) 62,343 sq miles (161,470 sq km)

(water) 695 sq miles (1,800 sq km)

(TOTAL) 63,038 sq miles (163,270 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Suriname can be divided into two main geographic regions; the coastal lowlands of the north, and the tropical rainforests and savanna of the west and south.





Facts and Figures

Name Uruguay

(long form) Oriental Republic of Uruguay

Population 3,415,900

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Montevideo (1.3 mil)

Currency Uruguayan peso (UYU)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish, Portunol

Flag here

National Day August 25

Religions Catholic (66%), Protestant (2%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
34º 53 S, 56º 11' W

Relative Location Uruguay is positioned in both the southern and western hemisphere. It's located on the southeastern coast of South America, and bordered by Brazil, Argentina and the Atlantic Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 410 miles (660 km)

Land Areas

(land) 67,035 sq miles (173,620 sq km)

(water) 1,004 sq miles (2,600 sq km)

(TOTAL) 68,039 sq miles (176,220 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The eastern, southern, and western plains in Uruguay eventually flow into the rolling hills and low mountains of the interior.





Facts and Figures

Name Venezuela

(long form) Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Population 25,375,300

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Caracas (1.8 mil)

Currency Bolivar (VEB)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish, others

Flag here

National Day July 5

Religions Catholic (96%), Protestant, others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
10º 30' N, 66º 55' W

Relative Location Venezuela is positioned in both the northern and western hemispheres. It's located on the northern edge of South America, and bordered by Guyana, Brazil, Colombia and the southern waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Land Statistics

Coastline 1,740 miles (2,800 km)

Land Areas

(land) 340,561 sq miles (882,050 sq km)

(water) 11,583 sq miles (30,000 sq km)

(TOTAL) 352,144 sq miles (912,050 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The Orinoco River and Venezuela's mountain ranges divide the country into some distinct regions, all with different climates.





Description Central America, a part of North America, is a tropical isthmus that connects North America to South America. It includes (7) countries and many small offshore islands. Overall, the land is fertile and rugged, and dominated through its heart by a string of volcanic mountain ranges that are punctuated by a few active and dangerous volcanos.

Population of Central America: 41,135,300

Population all countries here

Highest Point: Volcan Tajumulco in Guatemala - 13,816 ft (4,211 m)

Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean 0 ft (0 m)




















Facts and Figures

Name Belize

(long form) none

Population 287,730

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Belmopan (52,000)

Currency Belizean Dollar (BZD)

Currency Converter here

Languages English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna, Creole

Flag here

National Day September 21

Religions Catholic (50%), Protestant (27%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
16º 13' N, 88º 48' W

Relative Location Belize is positioned in both the northern and western hemispheres. Located in North America on the northern edge of the Central America isthmus - a somewhat narrow strip of land that connects North and South America - the country is bordered by Guatemala, Mexico, the Gulf of Honduras and the Caribbean Sea.

Land Statistics

Coastline 240 miles (386 km)

Land Areas

(land) 8,805 sq miles (22,806 sq km)

(water) 62 sq miles (160 sq km)

(TOTAL) 8,867 sq miles (22,966 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Belize is divided into four main geographic regions, including the relatively low Maya Mountains of the south that dominate all but the narrow coastal plain; the northern lowlands and its many rivers and streams; the flat and swampy coastal plain, and the almost countless cayes, islands and lagoons that fringe its Caribbean coastline.

Facts and Figures

Name Costa Rica

(long form) Republic of Costa Rica

Population 4,016,200

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City San Jose (300,000)

Currency Costa Rican Colon (CRC)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish (official), English

Flag here

National Day September 15

Religions Catholic (76.3%), Evangelical (13.7%), none (3.2%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
9º 56' N, 84º 05' W

Relative Location Costa Rica is positioned in both the northern and western hemispheres. Located in North America on the Central America isthmus - a somewhat narrow strip of land that connects North and South America - the country is bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Land Statistics

Coastline 802 miles (1,290 km)

Land Areas

(land) 19,560 sq miles (50,660 sq km)

(water) 170 sq miles (440 sq km)

(TOTAL) 19,730 sq miles (51,100 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Most of Costa Rica is dominated by the Sierra Madre mountains, literally fractured into individual ranges and valleys by violent volcanic eruptions over eons of time.

And speaking of volcanoes, the country's most active one (cone-shaped Arenal), located in the Tilaran Mountains erupts in some measure almost everyday. To the southeast, the Poas, Barva, Irazu and many other volcanoes form the Central Mountain's most spectacular landforms, while the higher Talamanca Mountains front its southern border with Panama.

Facts and Figures

Name El Salvador

(long form) Republic of El Salvador

Population 6,822,378

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City San Salvador (592,000)

Currency U.S. Dollar (USD)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish (official), Nahua

Flag here

National Day September 15

Religions Catholic (83%), Protestant, others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
13º 40' N, 89º 10' W

Relative Location El Salvador is positioned in both the northern and western hemispheres. Located in North America on the western edge of the Central America isthmus - a somewhat narrow strip of land that connects North and South America - the country is bordered by Guatemala, Honduras and the Pacific Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 191 miles (307 km)

Land Areas

(land) 12,875 sq miles (20,720 sq km)

(water) 199 sq miles (320 sq km)

(TOTAL) 13,074 sq miles (21,040 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms El Salvador is a mountainous country with two parallel ranges bordering a central plateau. In the south, the land lowers into a coastal plain.
Highest Pt. Cerro El Pital - 8,957 ft. (2,730 m)

Lowest Pt. Pacific Ocean - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 14 departments; including Ahuachapan, Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union, Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, San Vicente, Santa Ana, Sonsonate and Usulutan


Facts and Figures

Name Guatemala

(long form) Republic of Guatemala

Population 14,655,200

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Guatemala City (973,049)

Currency Quetzal (GTQ), US dollar (USD), others accepted in major cities

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish, Amerindian

Flag here

National Day September 15

Religions Catholic, Protestant, Mayan beliefs

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
14º 38' N, 90º 31' W

Relative Location Guatemala is positioned in both the northern and western hemispheres. Located in North America on the northwestern edge of the Central America isthmus - a somewhat narrow strip of land that connects North and South America - the country is bordered by Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, the Gulf of Honduras, Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 249 miles (400 km)

Land Areas

(land) 41,865 sq miles (108,430 sq km)

(water) 178 sq miles (460 sq km)

(TOTAL) 42,043 sq miles (108,890 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Guatemala, except for the coastal areas, is a mountainous country of rolling hills, plateaus, deep river valleys, and numerous volcanoes - some active.
Highest Pt. Volcan Tajumulco - 13,816 ft.
(4,211 m)

Lowest Pt. Pacific Ocean - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 22 departments; including Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten, Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan and Zacapa.



Facts and Figures

Name Honduras

(long form) Republic of Honduras

Population 6,975,200

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Tegucigalpa (1,435,000)

Currency Lempira (HNL)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish, Amerindian dialects

Flag here

National Day September 15

Religions Catholic (97%), Protestant (3%)

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
14º 06' N, 87º 13' W

Relative Location Honduras is positioned in both the northern and western hemispheres. Located in North America in the middle of the Central America isthmus - a somewhat narrow strip of land that connects North and South America - the country is bordered by Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and the Gulf of Honduras, Gulf of Fonseca, Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 510 miles (820 km)

Land Areas

(land) 43,201 sq miles (111,890 sq km)

(water) 77 sq miles (200 sq km)

(TOTAL) 43,278 sq miles (112,090 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Honduras has three major topographical regions, including a vast interior plateau of hills and mountains that dominate the landscape; the Caribbean lowlands, and the Pacific lowlands- fringing the Gulf of Fonseca.
Highest Pt. Cerro Las Minas - 9,416 ft.
(2,870 m)

Lowest Pt. Caribbean Sea - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 18 departments; including Atlantida, Choluteca, Colon, Comayagua, Copan, Cortes, El Paraiso, Francisco Morazan, Gracias a Dios, Intibuca, Islas de la Bahia, La Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle and Yoro.
Facts and Figures

Name Nicaragua

(long form) Republic of Nicaragua

Population 5,465,100

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Managua (1.5 million)

Currency Gold Cordoba (NIO)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish (official), Miskito and others

Flag here

National Day September 15

Religions Catholic (73%), Evangelical (15%), Moravian (1.5%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
12º 09' N, 86º 17' W

Relative Location Nicaragua is positioned in both the northern and western hemispheres. Located in North America in the middle of the Central America isthmus - a somewhat narrow strip of land that connects North and South America - the country is bordered by Honduras, Costa Rica, the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 565 miles (910 km)

Land Areas

(land) 46,430 sq miles (120,254 sq km)

(water) 3,568 sq miles (9,240 sq km)

(TOTAL) 49,998 sq miles (129,494 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms Nicaragua is geographically divided into three major areas, including the Pacific Ocean Lowlands and Lakes, the Central Highlands and the Caribbean Lowlands.
Highest Pt. Mogoton - 7,999 ft. (2,438 m)

Lowest Pt. Pacific Ocean - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 15 departments and two autonomous regions; the departments are: Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan and Rivas. The autonomous regions: Atlantico Norte and Atlantico Sur.





Facts and Figures

Name Panama

(long form) Republic of Panama

Population 3,039,200

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Panama City (451,000)

Currency Balboa (PAB), U S dollar (USD)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish (official), English

Flag here

National Day November 3

Religions Catholic (85%), Protestant (15%)

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
8º 58' N, 79º 32' W

Relative Location Panama is positioned in both the northern and western hemispheres. Located in North America on the southern edge of the Central America isthmus - a somewhat narrow strip of land that connects North and South America - the country is bordered by Colombia, Costa Rica, the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 1,547 miles (2,490 km)

Land Areas

(land) 29,340 sq miles (75,990 sq km)

(water) 853 sq miles (2,210 sq km)

(TOTAL) 30,193 sq miles (78,200 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The most dominate features of Panama are the forested, volcanic-in-origin, mountains that extend from its Costa Rican border to Colombia, South America. Significant ranges include the lengthy Central Mountains, as well as the San Blas, Talamanca and Tabasara.
Highest Pt. Volcan Baru - 11,401 ft. (3,475 m)

Lowest Pt. Pacific Ocean - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions 9 provinces and 1 territory; the provinces include Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama and Veraguas; the territory is San Blas (Kuna Yala).