This page highlights regional travel and tourism resources that describe
and illustrate selected tourist attractions in selected nations around the world.
World Travel Conceptualization
The Earth's Continents
The word continent is derived from the Latin phrase
terra continens, which literally means "connected land". The
term generally applies to a large, contiguous landmass that is mostly,
or entirely, surrounded by water. However, the geological structure
of planet Earth does not enable this definition to be uniformly applied.
Geologically, Europe and Asia form the single continent of Eurasia,
but from a travel perspective, Europe and Asia are usually considered
separate continents.
Africa, the second-largest continent, occupies about 20.3 percent of the world's land area.
In 2008, Africa's population was estimated at 1.033 billion persons, and
Africa's busiest airport is OR Tambo International Airport.
Geographically, Asia forms the larger, eastern part of the Eurasian continent,
but for cultural and historical reasons, Asia is considered a distinct continent.
In 2008, Asia's population was estimated at 4.167 billion persons, and
Asia's busiest airport is Beijing Capital International Airport.
Australia, the smallest continent, occupies about 5.2 percent of the world's land area.
In 2008, Australia's population was estimated at 36 million persons, and
Australia's busiest airport is Sydney Airport.
Geographically, Europe forms the smaller, western part of the Eurasian continent,
but for cultural and historical reasons, Europe is considered a distinct continent.
In 2008, Europe's population was estimated at 733 million persons, and
Europe's busiest airport is London Heathrow Airport.
North America is the larger, northern component in the double continent of America.
In 2008, North America's population was estimated at 352 million persons, and
North America's busiest airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
South America is the smaller, southern component in the double continent of America.
In 2008, South America's population was estimated at 393 million persons, and
South America's busiest airport is Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport.