Does everyone agree on the number of continents? Who says 5, and who says 7?

I’ve noticed a lot of confusion lately regarding the "correct" number of continents.

Growing up, I feel like many people (especially older generations or those in certain countries) talked about 5 continents - likely following the Olympic model (Africa, America, Asia, Europe, Oceania). However, younger people and the modern school system seem to strictly teach that there are 7.

Is it really a "fact" now that there are 7? And for those who say 7, does everyone actually know which ones they are (splitting the Americas and counting Antarctica)?

I’m curious:

  1. How many continents were you taught in school?
  2. Where are you from?
  3. If you say 7, can the average person in your country actually name them all?

Posted May 1, 2026, 11:32 AM UTC

134
Loading comments…