North & Central America

Strictly geographically speaking North America streches all the way from Alaska to the Panama Canal, but due to cultural differences (one factor which muddles up continental boundaries too often) the southern part of North America is dubbed Central America. The question of the boundaries of Central America is, however, an unresolved one. Trying to suggest to any Mexican that Central America stretches from the Rio Grande to Panama, will usually upset them since the vast majority of the Mexicans see only the southernmost parts of their country as Mesoamerican with the rest of it being safely on the North American side. But local believes, customs and traditions aside, North and Central America form one geographic unit with flora, fauna and people freely crossing the imaginary boundary dividing the continent into its Northern and central part. North America is the world's third largest continent and its fourth most populated landmass. Economically, it is an exceptionally well developed continent, by and large, thanks to world's largest economy - The United States of America - with very large national economies found in both Canada and Mexico too. Apart from being the world's richest nation, the USA are also the third most visited country on Earth, welcoming more than 56 million foreign visitors annually. Another continental superpower, when it comes to tourism, is Mexico with its Atzec and Mayan legacy as well as some of world's most spectacular beaches. Due to its relatively low population density North America boasts wonderfully unspoiled nature and plenty of spectacular landscapes. This pristine state may, however, not last as the United States (together with China) continue being Earth's greatest polluter.