World Continents: Demographics, Industries, and Societies
Europe
Europe is a large Eurasian peninsula with over 700 million inhabitants. It features high life expectancy (around 78 years for women and 70 for men) and low birth rates, with an average of 1.42 children per woman. Natural vegetation is scarce due to development. Much of the population lives in cities, with about a quarter residing in rural areas.
European Economy
The European economy is primarily oriented towards industry and services. Agriculture employs a small fraction of the population but is characterized by very high productivity. The sector employing most Europeans today is services, including trade, tourism, and healthcare. While the European Union is significant, many countries on the continent are not members.
Society and Culture
European society and culture are highly developed.
Asia
Asia is home to almost 4 billion inhabitants. Population distribution is uneven, with densely populated areas alongside sparsely inhabited regions.
The Economy
Economic activities vary significantly by region:
- Agriculture: Importance varies depending on the region.
- Livestock and Fisheries: Very important sectors.
- Mining: Very important deposits of coal, petroleum, iron, copper, and lead, among others.
Different levels of development exist:
- Highly Developed: Japan, with a top technology industry, an outstanding service sector, and a high standard of living.
- Newly Industrialized Economies: Such as South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore (often associated with Japan, the United States, and Europe in trade).
- States with Market-Oriented Industries: India, Asian Russia.
- States with Limited Resources and Underdevelopment: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Laos.
Society and Culture
Asia features historically developed and distinct cultures.
Africa
Africa has over 900 million inhabitants and is growing rapidly due to high birth rates. Mortality rates, previously high due to epidemic diseases and malnutrition, remain a challenge. Life expectancy is relatively low, around 48.8 years for men and 50.3 years for women.
The Economy
The economy relies on sedentary farming and pastoralism. Large plantations, often owned by European or American companies, are devoted to producing single tropical crops like coffee or cocoa (monoculture). The continent is rich in mineral resources, being the world’s leading producer of gold and diamonds, with large deposits of oil, natural gas, uranium, phosphates, iron, copper, lead, and tin. However, infrastructure is often underdeveloped, and it is generally considered a poor continent.
Society and Culture
There are two major cultural areas:
- North Africa: Influenced by Arab culture and Islam.
- Central and Southern Africa: Predominantly Black African populations with diverse traditional/animist religions alongside Christianity.
Some hunter-gatherer communities still exist in parts of Africa.
Americas
The Americas are often divided into North America (Canada, United States) and Latin America (the rest of the territory). Over 900 million people live here. North America has a low population density (around 17 inhabitants/km²), while parts of Latin America are sparsely populated.
North America has high economic development and high life expectancy (around 77.8 years). In Latin America, life expectancy has increased, but challenges remain compared to North America. Population growth is currently rapid due to high birth rates. The urban population is significant, around 80%.
The Economy
There are sharp contrasts between the rich and developed North and the states of Latin America. Major mineral resources are exploited. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), established in 1994, allows free movement of goods between member countries. Some South American nations belong to Mercosur, a common market without barriers that favors trade. Agriculture is the main economic activity in Latin America. Livestock plays an important role, particularly in the southern part of the continent. Mining is significant, with deposits of oil, natural gas, copper, iron, and nitrates.
Society and Culture
The Americas feature a mixture of peoples and cultures. Current American societies have been formed through successive waves of immigration, resulting in a diverse cultural landscape.
Oceania
Oceania has about 33 million inhabitants. Australia has a very low population density (about 2.6 inhabitants/km²), with most people concentrated within 40 km of the coast. New Zealand has a higher density (around 14.8 inhabitants/km²). The urban population predominates.
Economic Activities
Economic activities include agriculture (especially sheep farming) and tourism, making it a very attractive tourist destination.
Society and Culture
Australia and New Zealand, with populations predominantly of Anglo-Saxon origin, have societies similar to European ones. Aboriginal populations in Australia were often relegated to desert areas and currently face marginalization. On other islands, indigenous inhabitants live alongside populations of European, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Vietnamese descent. On smaller islands, indigenous populations often have limited economic opportunities.