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| '''The Americas''' (sometimes referred to as '''America''') is the area of one ] |
'''The Americas''' (sometimes referred to as '''America''') is the area of one ] located between the ] and the ], usually subdivided in ], ] and ]. The term also usually includes the ], the islands in and around the ]. The ] of ] is usually considered geographically part of North America. The Americas are often also described collectively as the ] or the ]. | ||
| Most ] references consider there to be no separation between ] and ], but only one continent, "America". However, many Spanish speakers consider ''América del norte'' and ''América del sur'' to be separate continents. The use of ''America'' to refer to the New World as a whole is also sometimes used in English, such as in the common phrase "] discovered America". | Most ] references consider there to be no separation between ] and ], but only one continent, "America". However, many Spanish speakers consider ''América del norte'' and ''América del sur'' to be separate continents. The use of ''America'' to refer to the New World as a whole is also sometimes used in English, such as in the common phrase "] discovered America". | ||
Revision as of 20:19, 19 October 2003
The Americas (sometimes referred to as America) is the area of one continent located between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, usually subdivided in North America, Central America and South America. The term also usually includes the Caribbean, the islands in and around the Caribbean Sea. The isthmus of Central America is usually considered geographically part of North America. The Americas are often also described collectively as the Western Hemisphere or the New World.
Most Spanish language references consider there to be no separation between North America and South America, but only one continent, "America". However, many Spanish speakers consider América del norte and América del sur to be separate continents. The use of America to refer to the New World as a whole is also sometimes used in English, such as in the common phrase "Columbus discovered America".
People who live in the Americas are sometimes referred to as being American, although the word "American" is more commonly used to refer only to a citizen of the United States of America. (See also Alternate words for American)
See naming of America for a discussion of how the Americas were named.
See also Latin America.