North America is not only the USA, Mexico and Canada: in total, 23 countries are located on the mainland and nearby islands, 16 of which belong to Latin America, and another 7 to Central America. In addition to independent states, this region has the so-called dependent territories – modern colonies of the countries of Europe and both Americas. North America is a continent unique in its ethnic, natural, climatic and cultural composition, which can be explored endlessly.
Tourism in North America
America is the second largest destination after Europe in terms of the number of foreign tourists. Half of international flights are to the United States and Canada, the second place is occupied by the Caribbean Islands, which receive 12 million tourists a year. The main types of tourism are beach, sports, sightseeing, business tourism.
There are 5 tourist zones:
- Eastern (northeastern United States and southern Canada) attracts travelers with architectural and historical monuments and the culture of local peoples.
- The Western zone is untouched wilderness, national parks of the USA and Canada, famous ski resorts.
- The central zone is occupied by agricultural crops, there are no bright sights here, so the flow of travelers is small.
- The northern (Alaska and northern Canada) zone is the choice of those who admire the harsh nature, love ski resorts, the exotic, and are interested in the historical heritage and modern development of the region.
- The southern zone is the coast of the Pacific and AtlanticIt has a mild climate, bright sun, warm water in the seas and oceans, so tourists come here who prefer a beach holiday, exoticism and traditional cordiality and hospitality.
Geography
North America is washed by three oceans – the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Arctic; It is separated from Eurasia by the Bering Strait, and from South America by the Isthmus of Panama. The western part of the mainland is occupied by the Cordillera mountain system, where the highest point of the mainland is located – Mount McKinley (6194 m). The lowest point is Death Valley (86 m below sea level). The most famous natural monuments of North America are the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River, Yellowstone Park, Niagara Falls, Great Lakes.
The total territory of North America is 24.25 million km², the population is about 579 million people (8% of the world’s population). Most are immigrants from Europe. Also, a significant part of the inhabitants of the mainland is occupied by representatives of the Mongoloid race – both immigrants from Asia and the indigenous population – Indians, Aleuts and Eskimos. African Americans make up another 20 million of the population, many mulattoes.
As before, significant areas remain uninhabited – this applies to both the mountainous areas in the west of the continent and the northern lands of Alaska. The southern part of the mainland, the islands of the Caribbean, the Great Lakes region and the Pacific coast are more densely populated.
The main types of tourism are beach, sports, sightseeing, business tourism.
North American countries
According to Countryaah, North America has the following countries:
Continental States
It is North America that includes independent states on exotic Caribbean islands: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti, Grenada, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Canada, Cuba, Mexico, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica.
One of the most interesting (and largest) countries on this mainland is the USA. There are a lot of national parks, many directions of domestic tourism and the world-famous resorts of Florida, Hawaii, California. Alaska and the northern states attract lovers of ski slopes. Those who come to the USA for the first time cannot deny themselves the pleasure of visiting Las Vegas casinos, Hollywood and Disneyland in California or Florida. Popular US cities among tourists are New York, Washington, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas.
Canada is the center of ethnographic and ecological tourism: the country’s coasts are not very suitable for a beach holiday. But there are a lot of national parks, forests, lakes that attract nature lovers, and many slopes await lovers of skiing. Here is the famous Niagara Falls, a fantastically beautiful archipelago of the Thousand Islands at the head of the St. Lawrence River – the famous resort of the early 20th century. And lovers of antiquity are attracted by the historical sights of Ottawa, Quebec, Toronto.
Mexico can be called an ideal tourist destination: here are some of the best beaches in the world, the most beautiful national parks, three thousand years of cultural and spiritual heritage of the Mayans, Aztecs and Olmecs. And Mexico is also known for excellent service, hospitality and many opportunities for ecotourism, rafting, diving, etc.
America is the second largest destination after Europe in terms of the number of foreign tourists. Half of international flights are to the United States and Canada, the second place is occupied by the Caribbean Islands, which receive 12 million tourists a year.
island states
Cuba is famous for its beaches, the best of which are located in the vicinity of the country’s capital Havana and the resort center of Varadero. There are many caves on the island, the most interesting of which is located near the city of Matanzas. Those interested in history will be attracted by a variety of attractions : Trotsky’s house, Chapultepec Palace, which looks like a castle, the San Francisco Monastery, and connoisseurs of American literature will certainly visit the Ernest Hemingway Museum near Havana.
Jamaica is one of the largest islands of the Caribbean archipelago, located in the very center of the Caribbean Sea, at a distance of 145 km south of Cuba. Once a famous island of pirates, Jamaica is now a beach paradise. Especially popular with tourists are the recreation area near Montego Bay, the resorts of Negril, Ocho Rios, and Port Antonio. The local underwater park attracts fans of deep-sea swimming.
The Bahamas are located north of Cuba, not far from the United States. This is no less famous tourist area. The capital of the Nassau archipelago is a resort center, one of the largest casinos operates here. In addition, the Bahamas are famous for their national parks and historical museums, where monuments of ancient Indian culture are exhibited. The underwater observatory “Coral World” has recently been opened.
The Dominican Republic is a very fashionable resort in the last decade, located in the eastern part of the island of Haiti. Mountains, evergreen forests, beaches, always fresh tropical fruits and clear waters of the Caribbean Sea attract more than 2 million tourists every year. It was this island that Columbus saw at the end of his famous journey. In honor of him, a grandiose memorial was built on the coast – a monument and a museum in the form of a truncated pyramid.
Haiti is a state in the western part of the island of the same name in the Caribbean. It is the most mountainous country in the Caribbean and is known for its magnificent landscapes and fantastic beaches.
Barbados combines the beauty of nature, the romance of beaches, secluded relaxation and exciting adventures. The island is famous for its rum and the architecture of Bridgetown, on one of the streets of which there is a monument to Admiral Nelson. In the national parks of the island, unique species of tropical plants and animals have been preserved in the wild, and not far from the coast, divers can admire coral reefs. However, even if you are reluctant to leave the beach, you will still appreciate the uniqueness of the local landscape: the sand on the coast of Barbados is pink!
Trinidad and Tobago is an island nation in the southern Caribbean Sea, not far from Venezuela. Recreation on the sandy beaches in the north of the island of Trinidad and eco-tourism are very popular here – the flora and fauna here are very diverse. Exotic lovers come here in late February – early March for an exotic carnival.
The following states are located on the Lesser Antilles group in the Caribbean Sea:
- Antigua and Barbuda,
- Grenada,
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
- Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic!),
- Saint Lucia,
- Saint Kitts and Nevis.
In addition, there are dependent territories and colonies of North America: the American Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Aruba, the British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, Curaçao, Martinique, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, St. Barthélemy, Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos. Most of them are islands of volcanic origin, most often dormant volcanoes. Thanks to them, there are many geysers, hot springs and small lakes with “boiling” water. The coastline has black and yellow sand beaches. The resorts of Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Saint Lucia, Curacao and others are considered the most fashionable.
- Greenland
- Canada
- USA
