North America is a large continent with many different countries and places. From cold areas in the north to tropical beaches in the south, North America has a lot to offer.
Quick Facts
Population
Approximately 600 million
- United States: About 332 million
- Mexico: Around 130 million
- Canada: Roughly 38 million
- Central America and the Caribbean (combined): About 100 million
- Most populated country: United States
- Least populated areas: Northern Canada, Greenland, and small Caribbean islands
Area
Approximately 24.7 million square kilometers (9.54 million square miles)
- 3rd largest continent in the world (after Asia and Africa)
- Canada — about 9.98 million sq km
- United States — about 9.83 million sq km
- Mexico — about 1.96 million sq km
- Includes 23 countries and several territories across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean
- Stretches from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Caribbean Sea in the south, and from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west
Main languages
English — Most widely spoken language (USA, Canada, Caribbean)
- Spanish — Second most spoken (Mexico, parts of the USA, Central America, Caribbean)
- French — Official in parts of Canada (especially Quebec) and some Caribbean islands (like Haiti)
- Indigenous languages — Spoken by Native communities across Canada, the USA, Mexico, and Central America (e.g., Navajo, Nahuatl, Maya languages)
- Other languages — In immigrant communities (e.g., Chinese, Tagalog, Hindi, Arabic) especially in large cities
Caribbean & North American Travel Highlights
Explore the best of North America and the Caribbean in one vibrant travel snapshot! 🌎✈️
United States 🇺🇸 – Iconic city skylines like NYC and LA meet epic adventures in national parks and world-famous attractions like Disney. Culture, thrills, and urban buzz all in one.
Mexico 🇲🇽 – Crystal-clear beaches in Cancún and Cabo, rich cultural heritage, and awe-inspiring ancient ruins from the Maya and Aztec civilizations—Mexico is a colorful journey through time and paradise.
Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 – Dreamy all-inclusive resorts, soft white sand, and turquoise waters define Punta Cana’s tropical bliss. It’s relaxation and sunshine, redefined.
Cuba 🇨🇺 – Step into a time capsule of vintage cars, colonial charm, and vibrant colors in Havana and Varadero. A cultural treasure with Caribbean flair
🧳 Tourist Entry Requirements for North American Countries
| Country | Visa-Free for Many? | Travel Authorization Required | Typical Stay Limit | Notes / Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | ✅ Yes (VWP countries) | ✅ ESTA (Visa Waiver) | 90 days | Passport must be valid; return ticket required |
| Canada | ✅ Yes (many countries) | ✅ eTA (for air travel) | Up to 180 days | Sufficient funds & return ticket often required |
| Mexico | ✅ Yes (EU, US, etc.) | ❌ None | Up to 180 days | Entry form (FMM); may be issued on arrival |
| Cuba | ❌ No (for most) | ❌ None | 30–90 days | Tourist Card & medical insurance required |
| Bahamas | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | Up to 90 days | Proof of funds, accommodation, and return ticket |
| Jamaica | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | Up to 90 days | Hotel info or invitation may be required |
| Dominican Republic | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | Up to 30–60 days | E-ticket form online before arrival |
| Costa Rica | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | Up to 90 days | Proof of funds, exit ticket |
| Panama | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | 90–180 days | Entry requirements depend on nationality |
| Belize | ✅ Yes (select nations) | ❌ None | Up to 30 days | May need proof of funds |
| Honduras | ✅ Yes (some countries) | ❌ None | Up to 90 days | Proof of onward travel |
| Guatemala | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | Up to 90 days | Part of CA-4 visa agreement |
| Nicaragua | ✅ Yes (some) | ❌ None | Up to 90 days | Tourist card on arrival ($10 USD) |
| El Salvador | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | Up to 90 days | CA-4 visa agreement applies |
| Trinidad & Tobago | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | 90 days | May require onward ticket & funds |
| Barbados | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | Up to 180 days | Passport must be valid for stay duration |
| Saint Lucia | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | 6–42 days | Extension possible |
| Antigua & Barbuda | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | Up to 180 days | Onward ticket & sufficient funds required |
| Haiti | ❌ No (most need visa) | ❌ None | 90 days | Political instability may affect entry |
| Greenland | ❌ (part of Denmark) | ❌ (Visa via Denmark) | Varies | Apply through Danish embassy |
✈️ Airlines Operating in North America
| Region / Country | Major Airlines |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines |
| JetBlue Airways, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines | |
| SkyWest Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Republic Airways | |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Sunwing, Swoop, Porter Airlines, Flair Air |
| Air Canada Rouge | |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | Aeroméxico, Volaris, VivaAerobus, Interjet (suspended), Magnicharters |
| Calafia Airlines, TAR Aerolíneas, Aeromar (ceased operations in 2023) | |
| 🇵🇦 Panama | Copa Airlines |
| 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | SANSA Airlines, Nature Air (suspended), Volaris Costa Rica |
| 🇬🇹 Guatemala | TAG Airlines |
| 🇸🇻 El Salvador | Avianca El Salvador (formerly TACA Airlines) |
| 🇭🇳 Honduras | CM Airlines (regional), Avianca Honduras |
| 🇧🇿 Belize | Tropic Air, Maya Island Air |
| 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic | Air Century, Sky High Aviation Services, Arajet |
| 🇨🇺 Cuba | Cubana de Aviación, Aerogaviota |
| 🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago | Caribbean Airlines |
| 🇧🇸 Bahamas | Bahamasair, Western Air |
| 🇧🇧 Barbados | Caribbean Airlines, InterCaribbean |
| 🇯🇲 Jamaica | Caribbean Airlines, InterCaribbean |
| 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico (U.S.) | JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Southwest, Silver Airways |
| Eastern Caribbean | LIAT (Antigua), InterCaribbean Airways, SVG Air |
🌍 International Airlines That Serve North America
| Airline Name | Region/Country of Origin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | United Kingdom | Serves major U.S. and Canadian cities |
| Lufthansa | Germany | Extensive U.S. and Mexico routes |
| Air France | France | Flies to U.S., Canada, Mexico |
| KLM | Netherlands | Amsterdam to North America routes |
| Emirates | United Arab Emirates | U.S., Mexico, Canada, Caribbean (via JFK) |
| Qatar Airways | Qatar | U.S., Canada |
| Turkish Airlines | Turkey | Wide U.S. coverage |
| Air New Zealand | New Zealand | LAX, SFO, and Vancouver |
| Singapore Airlines | Singapore | U.S. West Coast & JFK routes |
Planning a trip to North America? Start by checking visa requirements—many travelers can use an ESTA for the U.S., an eTA for Canada, or a tourist card for Mexico and the Caribbean. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
Pack smart by bringing layers, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a power adapter, as North America’s climates vary widely. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for tips and small purchases—remember, tipping 15–20% is expected in the U.S..
Stay connected with a local SIM card or an international roaming plan, and download helpful apps like Google Maps, Uber, and a currency converter. Be cautious and stay safe by avoiding risky areas, securing your belongings, and using official transportation.
Drink bottled water outside the U.S. and Canada, and enjoy local foods with care, especially street food. In big cities, public transport is convenient, but for rural areas or road trips, renting a car is best.
Don’t forget travel insurance, as healthcare can be expensive in North America. The best time to visit is during spring or fall, and try to avoid hurricane season from June to November.
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