Country Profile: Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest ocean basin, covering approximately 85.1 million square kilometers, and is bordered by Africa, Europe, the Arctic Ocean, the Americas, and the Southern Ocean. It serves as a vital conduit for global trade with significant strategic access waterways, such as the Kiel Canal and the Strait of Gibraltar. The ocean is home to diverse ecological systems, including productive fisheries which play a critical economic role. Despite its vastness, the Atlantic faces environmental challenges, including pollution and over-fishing, that threaten its marine life.

Geography

The Atlantic Ocean is located between Africa, Europe, the Arctic Ocean, the Americas, and the Southern Ocean, marked by geographic coordinates of 0°N and 25°W. It encompasses a total area of 85.133 million sq km, making it about 7.5 times the size of the United States. The ocean features significant currents and has a complex bathymetry, including mid-ocean ridges and abyssal plains, which shape its landscape.

111,866 km of coastline
Includes vital strategic waterways like the Kiel Canal and Strait of Gibraltar
310,410,900 cu km of ocean volume, accounting for 23.3% of the world's total
Contains the deepest point at the Puerto Rico Trench at -8,605 m

People and Society

While specific statistics on the population inhabiting areas surrounding the Atlantic Ocean were not provided, the ocean is surrounded by numerous countries with diverse cultures and societies. Major cities and regions along the Atlantic contribute to a rich societal fabric, with historical ties stretching back through centuries of exploration and trade.

Economy

The Atlantic Ocean's economy is significantly influenced by its fisheries, which are among the most productive in the world. This economic resource continues to be a focal point for surrounding nations, although specific economic data was not supplied.

Environment

The Atlantic Ocean faces numerous environmental issues, including overfishing and pollution due to maritime transport and offshore drilling. The fisheries in the region are crucial, accounting for approximately 25.8% of the global catch in 2020. Marine species are increasingly endangered, and efforts are being made to address the ecological impact of human activity.

20,300,000 mt of global fish catch in 2020
Major fishing regions include the Northeast Atlantic, producing 10.5% of the global catch
Endangered marine species are prevalent
Pollution from various sources affects habitats and fisheries

Transportation

The Atlantic Ocean is crossed by significant navigation routes that facilitate commercial and recreational transportation. The Kiel Canal and the Saint Lawrence Seaway are two key waterways that enhance connectivity between various regions, supporting both domestic and international trade.

The Kiel Canal is crucial for European shipping
The Saint Lawrence Seaway links the Great Lakes to the Atlantic
Significant use of the Intracoastal Waterway along the US Atlantic seaboard

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	85.133 million sq km	Total area of the Atlantic Ocean
Coastline	111,866 km	Length of the coastline
Ocean volume	310,410,900 cu km	Total volume of the ocean
Deepest point	-8,605 m	Depth of the Puerto Rico Trench
Percentage of global catch	25.8%	Contribution of Atlantic fisheries