Country Profile: Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean is the world's second-largest ocean, bordered by continents including Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Spanning approximately 85.133 million square kilometers, it features a diverse ecosystem and significant strategic waterways such as the Kiel Canal and the Strait of Gibraltar. The Atlantic serves as an essential route for international maritime trade and is crucial for global fisheries, with its waters hosting a variety of marine species and resources. As it presents both opportunities and challenges, the ocean’s governance and environmental health are vital for the region's economic sustainability.

Geography

The Atlantic Ocean is situated between the continents of Africa and Europe to the east, and the Americas to the west, also connecting with the Arctic Ocean and the Southern Ocean. It covers an area that is about 7.5 times the size of the United States with a coastline measuring 111,866 km. The ocean is characterized by significant features including mid-ocean ridges, continental shelves, and various undersea terrains.

310,410,900 cu km: Total ocean volume, constituting 23.3% of the world's ocean volume.
-3,646 m: Mean depth of the ocean.
-8,605 m: Lowest point located at the Puerto Rico Trench.
200 m: Depth at which sunlight penetrates significantly, defining the euphotic zone.

People and Society

The Atlantic Ocean influences the demographics and cultures of the surrounding nations, shaping their societies through trade, migration, and shared resources. The region hosts diverse populations that rely on the ocean for economic activities, including fishing, tourism, and transportation.

Economy

The economic activities associated with the Atlantic Ocean are extensive, although specific economic data is not provided. The region plays a significant role in global fisheries, maritime transport, and tourism, contributing to the economies of nearby countries.

Government

The term "Atlantic" originates from the ancient Greek word "Atlantis thalassa," meaning "Sea of Atlas." This etymology reflects the historical significance of the ocean in trade and exploration.

Environment

The Atlantic Ocean faces several environmental challenges, including overfishing, pollution, and the threat to marine biodiversity. It is home to endangered marine species and suffers from various forms of pollution stemming from maritime transport and industrial activities.

25.8%: Contribution of the Atlantic Ocean fisheries to the global catch in 2020, equating to 20,300,000 mt.
Major fisheries regions include the Northeast Atlantic (10.5% of global catch) and the Eastern Central Atlantic (6.3% of global catch).
Notable environmental concerns include oil pollution and municipal sludge pollution, affecting multiple sea regions.

Transportation

Transportation through the Atlantic Ocean is facilitated by several key waterways. The Kiel Canal and the Saint Lawrence Seaway are crucial for maritime navigation, enhancing both domestic and international trade.

Significant commercial and recreational use of the Intracoastal Waterway along the Atlantic seaboard and Gulf of America coast in the U.S.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	85.133 million sq km	Total area of the Atlantic Ocean
Coastline	111,866 km	Total coastline measurement
Ocean Volume	310,410,900 cu km	Total ocean volume
Mean Depth	-3,646 m	Average depth of the Atlantic Ocean
Lowest Point	-8,605 m	Depth at Puerto Rico Trench
Global Fisheries Contribution	25.8%	Share of global catch from Atlantic