How many continents are there on Earth?

There are seven continents on Earth, which is the widely accepted number in geography. These continents are Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. This understanding of seven continents is based on the classic division of Earth's landmasses. Each continent is distinct in terms of geography, culture, and biodiversity, making this classification important for studies in various fields such as geography, history, and environmental science.

The notion of five or six continents typically arises from different cultural perspectives or educational systems, where continents may be combined or defined differently (for example, Europe and Asia are sometimes referred to as Eurasia). However, the standard view in most parts of the world categorizes Earth as having seven continents. This classification is crucial for students and anyone studying Earth's geography, as it provides a clear framework for understanding the planet's structure and the distribution of human and natural resources.