North America
Information about countries
Are you looking for an overview of North America and ways to get visa for this place? In this article, we will provide you with some requirements for getting a visa, list all the countries as well as some attractions that visitors should come here. Let’s get started!
Getting a visa for North America
Quick facts about North America
Here are some quick facts about North American:
| Category | Fact |
| Total Area | 24,256,000 km2 |
| Number of countries | 23 |
| Biggest country by area | Canada (9,984,670 km2) |
| 2024 population | 592 million people |
| Most populated country | United States (332 million people) |
| Number of languages | 300+ |
| Largest peninsula | Alaskan Peninsula (1,723,337 km2) |
| Highest mountain | Denali (6,190 m) |
| Longest river | Mississippi River (3,730 km) |
| Largest economy | United States ($27.36 trillion GDP) |
| Newest country | South Sudan (2011) |
| Longest coastline | Canada (71,261) |
| Most visited country | United States (51 million tourists) |
| A country with most UNESCO sites | Mexico (35 sites) |
Countries in North America
Area and population in North America
| Country | Area (km2) | Population (2024) |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 442 | 97,929 |
| Bahamas | 13,943 | 393,244 |
| Barbados | 430 | 287,375 |
| Belize | 22,966 | 397,628 |
| Canada | 9,984,670 | 37,742,154 |
| Costa Rica | 51,100 | 5,094,118 |
| Cuba | 109,886 | 11,317,505 |
| Dominica | 751 | 71,986 |
| Dominican Republic | 48,671 | 10,847,904 |
| El Salvador | 21,041 | 6,486,205 |
| Grenada | 344 | 112,523 |
| Guatemala | 108,889 | 17,915,568 |
| Haiti | 27,750 | 11,402,528 |
| Honduras | 112,492 | 9,904,607 |
| Jamaica | 10,991 | 2,961,167 |
| Mexico | 1,964,375 | 126,014,024 |
| Nicaragua | 130,373 | 6,624,554 |
| Panama | 75,417 | 4,314,767 |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | 261 | 53,199 |
| Saint Lucia | 539 | 183,627 |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 389 | 110,940 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 5,130 | 1,399,488 |
| United States | 9,629,091 | 332,403,650 |
Language spoken in North America
| Language | Regions | Number of speakers (2024) |
| English | United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America (some speakers), Caribbean (some islands) | 334 million |
| Spanish | Mexico, United States, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Central America, Caribbean | 125 million |
| French | Canada, Haiti | 18 million |
| Chinese | United States, Canada, Mexico | 2-3 million |
| Nahuatl | Mexico | 2 million |
| Tagalog | United States, Canada | 2 million |
| Vietnamese | United States, Canada | 1.4 million |
| German | United States, Canada | 1.3 million |
| Korean | United States, Canada | 1.2 million |
| Italian | United States, Canada | 1 million |
Best countries to visit in North America
North America bursts with vibrant cities, stunning vistas, and exciting attractions:
Canada
Canada impresses with metropolitan cities, grand mountains, and thundering waterfalls.
- Banff National Park: Hike pristine wilderness and admire glacier-fed lakes.
- Niagara Falls: Boat to the base of the powerful falls spanning the US-Canada border.
United States
From coast to coast, the United States amazes with diverse landscapes and iconic landmarks.
- New York City: Scale the Statue of Liberty, amble through Central Park, and see a Broadway spectacle.
- Grand Canyon: Gaze awestruck at this 277-mile-long canyon carved by the mighty Colorado River.
Mexico
Mexico is enchanted with warm culture, ancient ruins, and vibrant energy.
- Chichen Itza: Marvel at this Mayan city founded in the 5th century.
- Copper Canyon: Admire breathtaking canyon vistas on a train ride inspired by the Rocky Mountains.
Jamaica
Jamaica exudes a relaxed vibe with lush jungles, pulsating music, and spicy jerk cuisine.
- Montego Bay: Sip cocktails on Doctor’s Cave Beach or climb Dunn’s River Falls.
- Negril: Watch dazzling sunsets on Seven Mile Beach.
Dominican Republic
With over 1,000 miles of sensational shoreline, the Dominican Republic entices beach lovers.
- Punta Cana: Lounge on soft white sands edged by mangroves and swaying palms.
- Puerto Plata: Surf ocean waves by windsurfing and kitesurfing at Cabarete Beach.
Most popular tourist attractions in North America
Grand Canyon National Park, United States
Features
- Massive canyon carved by the Colorado River with colorful, layered rock walls and vistas
- Considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
Activities
- Hiking along the canyon rim and to the valley floor
- Rafting on the Colorado River through the canyon
- Viewing the canyon from lookout points and scenic drives
Visiting tips
- Avoid peak summer months due to intense heat
- Stay overnight at one of the lodges on the rim for spectacular sunrise views
- Explore different sections like the North Rim for fewer crowds
Niagara Falls, Canada & United States
Features
- Group of immense waterfalls spanning the Canada–US border
- Iconic, horseshoe-shaped falls that can be viewed from multiple vantage points
Activities
- Ride the Maid of the Mist tour boat to the base of the falls
- Hike trails along the Niagara Gorge
- View falls from Table Rock Centre, Skylon Tower observation deck
Visiting tips
- See the falls illuminated at night
- Get closer to the bottom of the falls by exploring tunnels behind them
- Time visit to coordinate with fireworks displays over the falls
Yellowstone National Park, United States
Features
- First US National Park Preserving Unique Geothermal Activity
- Abundant wildlife including elk, bison, and bears in a largely untouched ecosystem
Activities
- Watch Old Faithful geyser erupt on schedule
- Look for wildlife on ranger-guided tours
- Camp or stay in historic lodges like the Old Faithful Inn
Visiting tips
- Tour the park’s iconic features like the Grand Prismatic Spring
- Be cautious hiking backcountry areas due to the presence of bears
- Avoid road congestion by entering the park late in the day
Central Park, United States
Features
- Iconic urban park in the heart of Manhattan
- Popular relaxation and recreation spot for NYC residents and visitors
Activities
- Rowboats on scenic ponds
- Run along landscaped paths
- Visit Bethesda Fountain, Belvedere Castle, and other landmarks
Visiting tips
- Grab classic NY street food from food carts
- Catch a Shakespeare play performed at the open-air Delacorte Theater
- People watch New Yorkers enjoying green space amid the cityscape
Banff National Park, Canada
Features
- Rugged, glacier-fed peaks and lakes in the Canadian Rockies
- Great hiking with well-marked trails to suit all abilities
Activities
- Drive scenic Icefields Parkway for views of glaciers
- Hike to attractions like Peyto Lake Lookout for iconic vistas
- Relax in Upper Hot Springs after exploring mountain trails
Visiting tips
- Stay in Banff town or Lake Louise village with easy park access
- Spot elk, deer, bighorn sheep, grizzlies, black bears, more
- Avoid crowds by visiting early or late fall outside peak months