Country Profile: Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean is the world’s second-largest ocean, bordered by multiple continents including Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Its geographic significance is underscored by several vital maritime routes, making it a crucial area for international trade and military strategy. With a vast area of approximately 85 million square kilometers, it supports diverse marine ecosystems and substantial fishing industries, despite facing challenges such as overfishing and pollution. Governed by myriad national jurisdictions and international laws, the Atlantic Ocean remains a key player in global environmental and economic dynamics.

Geography

The Atlantic Ocean sits between Africa, Europe, and the Americas, stretching from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south. Its total area is about 85.133 million sq km, making it roughly 7.5 times the size of the United States. It boasts a coastline of 111,866 km and contains significant geographical features like the Puerto Rico Trench and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

310,410,900 cu km: Volume of the Atlantic Ocean, accounting for 23.3% of the world ocean total.
-8,605 m: The deepest point is located in the Puerto Rico Trench.
200 m: The euphotic zone, the upper water layer where sunlight penetrates enough for photosynthesis.

People and Society

The Atlantic Ocean is integral to the societies that border it, supporting millions of lives through fishing, tourism, and transportation. The diverse population of coastal nations engages in a variety of cultural practices, often influenced by their maritime activities and proximity to this vast body of water.

Economy

The Atlantic Ocean is home to some of the world's most productive fisheries, accounting for a significant share of the global fish catch and supporting regional economies. Its vast resources, including oil and gas deposits, play a vital role in the economic stability of neighboring countries, although this is often tempered by environmental concerns.

Environment

The Atlantic Ocean faces considerable environmental challenges, including overfishing, pollution, and the decline of endangered marine species. Overfishing and unregulated fishing practices threaten fish populations, while oil spills and waste disposal have led to significant pollution issues, particularly in regions such as the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of America.

25.8%: Portion of the global fish catch attributed to Atlantic fisheries as of 2020.
20,300,000 mt: Total global catch from the Atlantic Ocean in 2020.
8,310,000 mt: Global catch from the Northeast Atlantic region in 2020, making it highly significant for global fisheries.

Transportation

Transportation across the Atlantic Ocean relies heavily on strategic waterways such as the Kiel Canal and the Saint Lawrence Seaway, which facilitate commercial shipping. These channels are crucial for domestic shipping and recreational activities, particularly along the eastern coast of the United States.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	85.133 million sq km	Total area of the Atlantic Ocean
Coastline	111,866 km	Length of the Atlantic Ocean's coastline
Ocean Volume	310,410,900 cu km	Volume of the Atlantic Ocean
Deepest Point	-8,605 m	Located in the Puerto Rico Trench
Fisheries Contribution	25.8%	Share of global fish catch from Atlantic fisheries in 2020
Total Global Catch (2020)	20,300,000 mt	Total catch from the Atlantic
Northeast Atlantic Catch (2020)	8,310,000 mt	Significant contribution to global fisheries