Which of these is the smallest continent by land area?

Which of these is the smallest continent by land area?

• A. Africa
• B. Europe
• C. Australia
• D. South America

Answer: (C)

When comparing continents by land area, you’re looking for which one covers the least amount of land. Among Africa, Europe, Australia, and South America, Australia has the smallest land area—about 8.6 million square kilometers. Europe is larger, around 10.2 million, South America about 17.8 million, and Africa roughly 30 million. So Australia comes out on top as the smallest continent by land area. (Remember, the term Australia can refer to the country, but here we’re talking about the continent’s size.)

When comparing continents by land area, you’re looking for which one covers the least amount of land. Among Africa, Europe, Australia, and South America, Australia has the smallest land area—about 8.6 million square kilometers. Europe is larger, around 10.2 million, South America about 17.8 million, and Africa roughly 30 million. So Australia comes out on top as the smallest continent by land area. (Remember, the term Australia can refer to the country, but here we’re talking about the continent’s size.)