Country Profile: Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean, named "Mar Pacifico" by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1520 due to its tranquil waters, is the largest and deepest ocean basin in the world. It covers approximately 168.7 million square kilometers, accounting for about 28% of the Earth's surface. The ocean is home to diverse ecosystems and important fisheries that greatly contribute to the global economy. It is situated between the Southern Ocean, Asia, Australia, and the Western Hemisphere, with a population relying heavily on its resources for their livelihoods.

Geography

The Pacific Ocean is defined as the body of water located between the Southern Ocean, Asia, Australia, and the Western Hemisphere. It encompasses a vast area of 168.7 million square kilometers and features a coastline that spans 135,663 kilometers. The ocean is known for its significant geological features, including deep ocean trenches and extensive continental shelves.

15 times the size of the US
50.1% of the world's total ocean volume
Average depth of 4,080 meters
Contains the Mariana Trench, the deepest ocean trench at -10,924 meters

Economy

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Government

The name "Pacific Ocean" derives from its designation by explorer Ferdinand Magellan, reflecting the calmness he observed during his voyage. While it is not a country, the governance of the Pacific region involves multiple nations and international bodies managing its resources and maritime laws.

Military and Security

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Environment

The Pacific Ocean faces numerous environmental challenges including pollution, habitat destruction, and overfishing. These issues threaten its rich biodiversity, including endangered species such as dugongs and sea turtles. Additionally, effects from climate change, including sea-level rise and ocean acidification, pose significant risks to its marine ecosystems.

Major source of plastic pollution
58.1% of the global marine capture in 2020
Home to the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for high seismic activity

Transportation

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Communications

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Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	168.7 million sq km	Total area covered by the ocean
Coastline	135,663 km	Length of the ocean's coastline
Ocean Volume	669.88 million cu km	Total volume of the ocean
Average Depth	4,080 m	Mean depth of the Pacific Ocean
Deepest Point	-10,924 m	Depth of the Mariana Trench
Percentage of World Ocean	50.1%	Represents the Pacific's volume