Country Profile: Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean, the second largest of the world's ocean basins, spans between Africa, Europe, the Arctic Ocean, the Americas, and the Southern Ocean. With an area of approximately 85.133 million square kilometers, it supports a diverse array of marine life and ecosystems. The ocean's economic significance is highlighted by its role in global fisheries, contributing to 25.8% of the world's catch in 2020. Governed by numerous nations along its coasts, the Atlantic serves as a vital conduit for international shipping and trade.

Geography

The Atlantic Ocean is located between several continents, bordered by Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It covers a total area of about 85.133 million sq km, making it approximately 7.5 times larger than the US. Its coastline measures 111,866 km, and it features complex currents and geographical formations including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and various sea trenches.

310,410,900 cu km - total ocean volume, accounting for 23.3% of the world's ocean volume.
-8,605 m - the Puerto Rico Trench represents the lowest point in the Atlantic.
3,646 m - the mean depth of the ocean.

People and Society

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Economy

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Government

The name "Atlantic Ocean" derives from the ancient Greek term Atlantis thalassa, meaning "Sea of Atlas." This etymology reflects the historical significance and geographic identity of the ocean.

Military and Security

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Energy

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Environment

The Atlantic Ocean faces significant environmental challenges, including endangered marine species and overfishing. Pollution from maritime transport and industrial discharges threatens its ecosystems, particularly in regions such as the Caribbean Sea and Mediterranean Sea.

In 2020, the Atlantic fisheries accounted for 25.8% of the global catch, totaling around 20,300,000 metric tons.
Major producers include Norway, Russia, and Iceland, particularly in the Northeast Atlantic.
Environmental hazards such as hurricanes occur from May to December, predominantly between August and November.

Transportation

The Atlantic Ocean features essential waterways, including the Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway, which facilitate maritime trade. The Intracoastal Waterway is also vital, used for both commercial and recreational purposes along the central and southern Atlantic seaboard of the US.

Communications

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Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	85.133 million sq km	Total ocean area
Coastline	111,866 km	Length of the ocean's coastline
Ocean Volume	310,410,900 cu km	Total volume of ocean
Lowest Point	-8,605 m	Puerto Rico Trench
Mean Depth	-3,646 m	Average depth of the ocean
Global Fisheries Share	25.8%	Contribution to global catch, 2020
Major Fish Producers	-	Notable nations in fisheries