A continent that straddles the Equator, extending between 37^°N and 35^°S. It is the second largest continent, exceeded by Eurasia. The area, shared by 55 countries, is 11,700,000 mi² (30,300,000 km²), approximately 20% of the world's total land area. Despite its large area, it has a simple geological structure, a compact shape with a smooth outline, and a symmetrical distribution of climate and vegetation.