Western Hemisphere

Western Hemisphere

A 1935 map of the world highlighting the Western Hemisphere.

The Western Hemisphere is a geographical term for the half of Earth that lies west of the Prime Meridian and east of the Antimeridian. It includes the Americas, the western portions of Europe and Africa, the extreme eastern tip of Russia, numerous territories in Oceania, and a portion of Antarctica.

Geography

The Western Hemisphere is often defined by the Prime Meridian at 0° longitude and the Antimeridian at 180° longitude. This division places the Americas entirely within the Western Hemisphere, along with parts of Europe, Africa, and Oceania.

Americas

The Americas are the largest landmass in the Western Hemisphere, comprising North America, Central America, and South America. The United States, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil are some of the largest countries in this region.

Europe and Africa

The Western Hemisphere includes parts of Europe and Africa.

The Western Hemisphere includes the western parts of Europe, such as Portugal, Ireland, and parts of Spain. In Africa, the Western Hemisphere includes countries like Cape Verde and parts of Western Sahara.

Oceania

In Oceania, the Western Hemisphere includes islands such as Fiji and parts of New Zealand.

Antarctica

A portion of Antarctica also falls within the Western Hemisphere, including the Antarctic Peninsula.

Cultural and Political Significance

The Western Hemisphere is home to a diverse range of cultures and political systems. The Organization of American States (OAS) is a regional organization that includes countries from the Americas and promotes economic, military, and cultural cooperation.

Related Pages

• Eastern Hemisphere
• Prime Meridian
• Antimeridian
• Equator
• Continents