Editing North America (section)

== Geography ==

North America extends from the Arctic region in the north to the narrow land connection with South America in the south. The continent includes large mainland areas, island groups, coastal shelves, inland plains, mountain systems, and major river basins.

The western side of the continent is shaped by the Pacific coast and mountain chains including the [[Rocky Mountains]], the [[Sierra Nevada]], and other ranges. The eastern side is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and includes coastal lowlands, older mountain regions, ports, and large population centers. The central part contains plains, agricultural regions, river corridors, and major transport routes.

The continent includes several important maritime regions. The [[Gulf of Mexico]], the [[Caribbean Sea]], the North Atlantic coast, the Pacific coast, and Arctic waters all shaped settlement, trade, migration, naval movement, and later logistical planning.