how many continents in the world?

[lizwizz]

Is it 5 or 7?

[scotstone]

Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia, North and South America, Antarctica = 7

[seabrook]

I know that number of continents is always given as 7 now but when I was at school (long time ago now I must admit) we were taught 5 so when was it changed to 7 and why ? Be interested to know the answer.

[scotstone]

See here

[seabrook]

Thanks Scotstone. Have put that site on my favourites in case my grandchildren need to consult their wise!! old Nanny.

[Bowler900]

A small but subtle amendment.

I think strictly speaking Australia is not a continent, rather Australasia is 9which is how I was taught all those years ago). The difference is in the fact that outlying islands to Australia are part of the same land mass as Australia, not part of Asia. Even on the map in Wikipedia those islands are shown in the same colour as Australia.

[scotstone]

I think you will find, Bowler, from most encyclopedia that Australia is a continent whereas Australasia is a geographical area like Oceania. In fact Tasmania and New Zealand are not part of the continent but are part of Australasia.

[Bowler900]

Which is what I think I said??? The fact is that Tasmania and New Zealand are part of Australasia, as is Australia. So the name of the continent is Australasia, not Australia. Otherwise Tasmania, New Zealand etc will be continentless (for want of a better word)