List of Smallest Continent in the World [Updated]

Smallest Continent in the World: Australia is the smallest continent in the world with a covering area of about 7.7 million sq. km and 26,570,436 as of Tuesday, January 2, 2024, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data. There are seven total 7 continents in the world and Australia is the smallest among all. On a planet filled with landmasses and territories, Australia emerges as the smallest continent with its surrounding islands collectively known as Oceania.

There are a total of seven continents in the world which includes Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, and Antarctica. In this article, we have covered the List of the smallest continents in the world sorted by Area and population, Specifications about each continent, and more.

let’s get a closer look at the smallest continents in the world on Map.

Australia- Smallest Continent

List of Smallest Continents in the World

Smallest Continent in the World

Australia is the smallest continent, which covers an area of about 7.7 million sq. km and a population of about 26.7 million. The Following is the list of Smallest Continents in the World sorted by Area and Population

Continents in the world	Area (in million sq. km)	Area (in million sq. mi)	Population
Australia	7.7	3	26.7 million
Europe	9.9	3.8	741 million
Antarctica	14.2	5.5	1,000-5,000 (seasonal)
South America	17.8	6.9	441 million
North America	24.5	9.4	379 million
Africa	30	11.6	1.4 billion
Asia	44.6	17.2	4.75 billion

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List of Smallest to Biggest Continents by Population

Antarctica is the smallest continent by population. The following is the List of continents in the world sorted by Population and % World’s Population:

List of Continents of the World	Population	% World’s Population
Antarctica	4,490	0.00%
Australia	26,570,436	0.50%
South America	403,464,140	5.61%
North America	563,485,525	7.83%
Europe	605,148,242	8.41%
Africa	1,125,307,147	15.64%
Asia	4,460,032,418	62.00%
TOTAL	7,193,746,959

List of Smallest to Biggest Continent by Area

Asia is the largest continent by land area with 43,800,000 (km2) & represents more than 29% of the total land area on Planet Earth. The following is the list of is the list of Smallest to Biggest Continents in the world by Area:

Continents of the World	Area (km²)	Area (mi²)	% World’s Land Mass
Australia	9,008,598	3,478,238	6.03%
Europe	10,189,745	3,934,281	6.82%
Antarctica	13,729,854	5,301,124	9.19%
South America	17,844,711	6,889,879	11.94%
North America	24,496,933	9,458,315	16.39%
Africa	30,375,489	11,728,037	20.32%
Asia	43,826,647	16,921,556	29.32%
TOTAL	149,471,977	57,711,429

Australia – Smallest Continent in the World

Located in Earth’s southern hemisphere, Australia is the smallest continent, it stands at the 6th position by population. Located in the southern hemisphere, it is surrounded by ocean on all sides. Dating back to James Cook’s discovery in 1770 AD, Australia has a rich history, encompassing 23 smaller islands along with its mainland. The Tropic of Capricorn passes through Australia. It is part of the world’s oldest land mass, Gondwana land.

Australia

The continent is a country by itself. Australia is sometimes referred to as Oceania, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia & other tiny islands of the Central Pacific & South Pacific. However, Australia as a continent includes the nation of Australia, the nation of Papua New Guinea & the island nation of New Zealand. “Down Under” is another name of this island. The Australian continent comprises the island of Tasmania & numerous smaller islands like Kangaroo Island.

Australia is an island because it’s surrounded by water but at the same time, it is also large enough to be considered a continent, making it the largest island in the world. Australia is also comparatively the driest, most arid continent of the seven & has the most dangerous & exotic creatures outside of the Amazon rainforest of South America.

Geographical Diversity of Australia

Small size of Australia does not diminish its geographical significance. It has a diverse range of natural features like mountains, rivers, deserts & lush wetlands. Australian land is rich in natural minerals & resources, which enhances its global trade relations. As it is a part of the world’s oldest land mass, the Gondwana landmass, Australia carries the echoes of prehistoric times within its geological formations. The Tropic of Capricorn passes through it.

Intersecting facts about Smallest Continent: Australia

Here is some Interesting facts about Astrala:

• The only continent entirely surrounded by ocean on all sides.

• Majority of countries present within the Australian continent are actually islands, underscoring the diverse array of cultures & ecosystems present.

Australia

• It is the home of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea.

• Its coastal boundaries has the Indian Ocean on one side & the Pacific Ocean on the other, which adds to its unique maritime influence.

• Australia is the largest country that shares no land boundary with any other country.

Continents of the world facts

There are seven continents on Earth which cover one third of the world, with oceans covering the other two thirds.

The 7 Continents of the World includes:

1. ASIA 2. AFRICA 3. AUSTRALIA 4. ANTARCTICA 5. EUROPE 6.NORTH AMERICA 7. SOUTH AMERICA

1. Largest Continent in the World: ASIA

Asia biggest in terms of both size and population. Here is some facts about Asia:

• In terms of size & population, Asia is the world’s largest continent. It covers one-third of the Earth’s surface.

• It has 30 per cent of world land area & about 60 per cent of population.

• Russia, the world’s largest country is in Asia & even the world’s two most populous countries, China & India are located in Asia.

• The highest point on earth – Mount Everest, is also in Asia.

• Asia has the 10 highest peaks in the world.

• The Great Wall of China, the only man made structure that can be seen from space is located in Asia.

• Asia is the origin of the Harappan & Chinese civilisation.

• Religions like Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism & Christianity first began here.

• Major animals: Reticulated pythons, Tiger, Panda, Yaks, Indian rhinoceroses

2. Second largest continent in the world: AFRICA

Here is some facts about Second largest continent in the world:

• Africa is the second largest continent in the world.

• It was known as ‘Dark Continent’ earlier because it had inhabitable terrains.

• Nile river is the world’s longest river & Sahara desert is the world’s largest desert are in Africa.

• Ethiopia, the world’s hottest place -is located in Africa.

• The equator passes through Africa’s middle & it receives direct sunlight throughout the year.

• Its said that Africa is the place where Homo sapiens originated & then migrated to all the other continents of the World.

• More than 50 % of the World’s gold & 95 per cent of the World’s diamonds come from Africa.

• 66 % of chocolate comes from Africa.

• Major animals: Cheetah, African elephant, Lion, Zebra, Egyptian mongoose, Giraffe, Addax

3. AUSTRALIA: Smallest Continents in the world

Here is some facts about continent in the world AUSTRALIA:

• Australia is the world’s smallest continent & is also known as an ‘island continent’ as it is surrounded by water on all sides.

• The official name of Australia is the Commonwealth of Australia. Its also called Sahul, Australinea or Meganesia.

• Australia lies entirely on the south of the equator & is often called “down under” .

• The name Australia comes from the Latin word ‘australis’ meaning ‘southern’

• Australia stands at the top of wool production & import in the World.

• Around 500 varieties of eucalyptus trees are found here.

• Two-thirds of Australia is Desert land.

• The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the World’s largest coral reef.

• Unique animals in Australia: Kangaroo, Emu, Platypus

4. ANTARCTICA

Here is some facts about continent in the world ANTARCTICA:

• Antarctica is the coldest, highest, driest, windiest & emptiest in the World.

• 75 % of the World’s ice & 70 % of the Earth’s fresh water is located in Antarctica, also known as the White Continent or the Frozen Continent.

• Antarctica sees half a year of light & half a year of complete darkness – summer months of December to February give 24 hours of light, while the winter months of late March to late September are pitch dark the whole day.

• No time zones in Antarctica.

• Belgica Antarctica is the largest land animal of Antarctica.

• The only permanent settlements in Antarctica are where the scientists have set up their the research bases for their work.

• Penguins are mainly found in Antarctica.

5. EUROPE

Here is some facts about continent in the world EUROPE:

• Europe is separated from Asia by the Ural mountains & the Caspian Sea.

• Mt. Elbrus is the highest mountain of Europe.

• Europe is surrounded by water on three sides — Mediterranean Sea in the South, Atlantic Ocean in the West, & Arctic Ocean in the North.

• Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, is in Europe.

• Major rivers: Danube, Elbe, Loire, Oder, Dnieper & Don

• The longest rail route in the world – the Trans-Siberian Rail Route is found in Europe, it connects St Petersburg in the West & Vladivostok in the East.

• Major foodcrops: Maize, Barley, Rice & Oilseeds

• Three-fourth of the World’s potatoes grow in Europe.

• Volga is the longest river in Europe.

• Danube, second longest river of Europe passes through the Capital Cities of the Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest & Belgrade.

• Major animals: Hedgehog, Roe Deer, Wild Boards, Blue Tit, European Tree Frog.

6. NORTH AMERICA

Here is some facts about continent in the world NORTH AMERICA:

• North America has five time zones & is the only continent with every type of climate.

• It is also called the “New World”.

• Lake Superior, the largest fresh water lake in the world is in North America.

• Mississippi, the world’s third longest river is here.

• USA, the world’s largest economy, is a part of North America.

• The world’s largest producer of maize, wheat & soyabean is North America

• Cuba, the world’s largest sugar exporter is located in North America.

• Elf, the world’s smallest owl is found here.

• Major animals: Brown Bears, Hummingbirds, Bald Eagles, Bullfrogs

7. SOUTH AMERICA

Here is some facts about continent in the world SOUTH AMERICA:

• Amazon river, the world’s largest river is in South America.

• The Angel Falls, world’s highest waterfalls is here.

• Green Anaconda, the world’s largest snake & the second longest also is in South America.

• Mt. Cotopaxi & Mt. Chimborazo, highest volcanoes of the world is in South America.

• Major languages spoken: Portuguese & Spanish

• Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni salt flats), the largest salt lake in the world is found in South America.

• Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest lake & South America’s largest lake.

• Andes of South America form the second highest mountain range in the world.

James Cook discovered this continents way back in 1770 AD. Except for Australia, the continent has 23 small Inland countries. The Tropic of Capricorn passes through it.

The Earth’s surface consists of about 71% of water and 29% consists of continents and islands. The Continents formed by the complex geological process of plate tectonics, Over time It resulted in elevation as well as the creation of substantial land mass, which ultimately makes the continents.

FAQs on Smallest Continents in the World

Which is the smallest continent in the world?

Among the seven continents of the world, Australia is the smallest continent, with covering an area of about 7.7 million sq. km and with population of about 26.7 million.

Which is the second smallest continent in the world?

Europe is the second smallest continent in terms of area withvering an area of about 9.9 million sq. km & it is the smallest continent in terms of population.

What is the sequence from the largest continents to the smallest continents?

There are seven continents in the whole world. The largest continents are Asia and Africa. The sequence of the largest continents to the smallest continents is as follows: Asia-> Africa-> North America-> South America-> Antarctica-> Europe-> Australia.

Why is Australia an island?

Australia is an island because it’s surrounded by water on all the sides but it is also large enough to be considered a continent, making it the largest island in the world.

What is Australia also known as?

Australia is sometimes referred to as Oceania, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia and other tiny islands of the Central Pacific & South Pacific. However, Australia as a continent which includes the nation of Australia, the nation of Papua New Guinea and the island nation of New Zealand. “Down Under” is another name of this island. The Australian continent comprises the island of Tasmania and andnumerous smaller islands like Kangaroo Island.

Which continent has the smallest countries?

The smallest countries in the world is Vatican City which is located in Europe.  Vatican City has landmass of just 0.49 square kilometers and It is an independent state surrounded by Rome.