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:
- How many continents were you taught in school?
- Where are you from?
- If you say 7, can the average person in your country actually name them all?
Posted May 1, 2026, 11:32 AM UTC
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