Ch, what century is this map from? Asia doesn't even look drawn to scale

why would people consider north and south america one continent? don't tell me that's because they both are called "america"

But the thing is....there is no such continent named Australia. There's an Oceania continent that has a COUNTRY named Australia in it along with the likes of New Zealand, Fiji, and such.


Who was taught that Australia was a continent in school? I'm sort of curious at this answer. This is news to me.

North, Central and South America are taught as subcontinents in Latin American schools. It shows how diverse the world is. No need to laugh like some people did. Except for that idiot who doesn't consider Mexico as part of North America.

I was taught Australia was the only country that is also its own continent

What map is this? From back when people thought the world was flat?

For anyone who cares to know how continents are taught according to geographical regions...





Continents are actually determined by their land mass and political/cultural affiliation... America is two continens under both scenarios where Asia and Europe are technically one "geographical" plate, and therefore considered one continent known as Eurasia... But due to cultutral differences they're mostly considered two continents

I just read up, apparently it's still debated about today. Some people like you mentioned you were, are taught that it's a country and continent, also that "Oceania" is a term used for the geographical region. WOW, you learn something new each day. !

I was taught Australia was a continent.... and included the surrounding islands and New Zealand. Though I have to say they also once taught us that there was an ocean called "Southern Ocean". Either way, Oceania or Australia that's my vote... and I don't care how many deadly creatures live there.

Exactly, ignore the troll, dude probably don't even know who Americo Vespuccio is.

I need to go visit there. The scenery that Oprah has shown of the country looks absolutely stunning.

I think it should be called Australia because there's only one country on what I consider a continent. Other territories surrounding it are islands.

And looks like Oceania isn't used anywhere anymore: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contine..._of_continents

Maybe because the Spanish colonies in the Western Hemisphere extended across both land masses. I can't think of any other reason.

YEA for intellectual conversation and debate on ATRL!!!

Don't hold it against me

I went to the "ghetto" school in my city where "the Mexicans and everyone else who doesn't speak English goes." We didn't even have walls although we had an abundance of weapons, including but not limited large blades

However once I got to middle school with actual textbooks and white people I was set straight with the whole Australia debacle.

I know in California we learned the continent to be called Austrailia also.... no mention of any oceiana.


.

PS. I also learned it as "Oceania"

What the ****?

It's nothing to be ashamed about. What you were taught is something very similar to what millions of others were taught as well. It's a different practice in different regions. We just learned that several Latin American countries are taught South and North America are considered one whole continent named, America.

This is a prime example of why it's important for people to converse with others from different nationalities and cultures than ourselves. We educate and learn from one another in comparing philosophies.