Introduction

The Atlantic Ocean is the world’s second largest ocean, covering about 20–25% of Earth’s surface and stretching over 41 million square miles (106 million km²). Framed by the east coasts of the Americas and the west coasts of Europe and Africa, the Atlantic is renowned for its S-shaped basin and critical role in global climate, trade, and history. It is linked to the Arctic in the north, the Antarctic in the south, and is fed by many of the world’s major rivers, including the Amazon, Congo, and Mississippi. The ocean’s remarkable marine biodiversity, deep-sea trenches (like the Puerto Rico Trench), and prominent undersea features such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge mark it as a vital piece of the global ocean system.

​

Significance

• Climate Regulation: The Atlantic drives major weather patterns, ocean currents (like the Gulf Stream), and acts as a buffer in global climate systems.

• Economic Lifeline: Its ports and shipping lanes are central to international trade and fisheries.

• Cultural Connector: The Atlantic facilitated centuries of human migration, exploration, and exchange between continents, shaping world history.

​

Countries with Atlantic Coastlines

More than 50 countries and numerous territories border the Atlantic Ocean, largely clustered along four continents: Europe, Africa, North America, and South America, and the Caribbean region.