Earth
Earth, or Sol III, is the third planet of the Sol System with the Orion Arm of the Milkyway Galaxy. Earth is the birthplace of humanity, and the most populated world within human-controlled space with an estimated of over 10.9 billion people. It is the capital world for the United Nations Federation, New Soviet Union, Arabic Republic, and the Chinese Protectorate, and home to the headquarters of the United Space Command. As such, Earth is defended by 48 Orbital Defense Stations with the largest being the Cairo, the Texas and the America.
History
[coming soon]Geography
Earth features a wide range of geographic and climatic diversity across its vast surface area. This diversity is made up of seven continents - North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and Antarctica. Each features unique ecosystems ranging from the frigid landscapes of Antarctica to the rainforests of South America and the deserts of Africa.
Oceans cover approximately 71% of Earth's surface. The largest, the Pacific Ocean, spans an area greater than all the planet's landmass combined. Deep under its waves are mysterious underwater trenches deeper than Mount Everest is tall.
The highest peak on Earth is Mount Everest located in the Himalayas with a height of 8,848 meters above sea level. The longest river is the Nile running through eleven countries in northeastern Africa, meandering over 6,650 kilometers. The largest desert is the Sahara, stretching across North Africa, covering an area of over 9 million square kilometers.
NORTH AMERICAN GEOGRAPHY
North America, the third largest continent on Earth, spans an area of 24.7 million square kilometers with its northernmost point reaching into the Arctic Circle and its southernmost tip extending to the equator. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean.
This vast landmass is divided into three regions: North America proper, Central America, and the Caribbean. North America proper is dominated by eight countries: The United States of America, New Texas Republic, Oklahoma Tribal Republic, Arizona Republic, California Republic, Alaskan Frontier Republic, Canada, and Greenland–Earth’s largest island that is not a continent itself. Central America consists of a narrow isthmus that connects North and South America and includes seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. The Caribbean region comprises over 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays scattered across the Caribbean Sea.
The Rocky Mountains stretch over 4,800 kilometers from New Mexico in the USA to Northern British Columbia in Canada and house some of North America's most rugged terrain and spectacular scenery. The central portion of North America is characterized by the Great Plains, a vast grassland spanning from Canada to the New Texas Republic.
North America is also home to the Great Lakes - a system of five interconnected freshwater lakes on the US-Canada border which together form the largest group of freshwater lakes by total surface area in the world. These include Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario.
SOUTH AMERICAN GEOGRAPHY
South America, the fourth largest continent on Earth, covers an area of approximately 17.84 million square kilometers. It stretches from the Caribbean Sea in the north to Cape Horn in the southern hemisphere, presenting a stunning array of landscapes from the world's tallest waterfalls to its most extensive river system.
The continent is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. It encompasses twelve sovereign states - Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela - and two non-sovereign areas - French Guiana and the Falkland Islands.
South America houses the Amazon Rainforest, the most extensive rainforest on Earth covering over 5.5 million square kilometers. This region boasts the greatest biodiversity in the world and is home to countless species of flora and fauna, many of which remain undiscovered. The Amazon River, the world's largest river by volume, winds its way through the heart of the rainforest, creating a vital lifeline for the ecosystem.
The Andes, the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretches almost 7,000 kilometers along the continent's western edge. These mountains are home to a variety of climates and ecosystems, from the dry deserts of Atacama to the snow-capped peaks of Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside Asia. The Andes also play host to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake.
EUROPEAN GEOGRAPHY
Europe, the second smallest continent on Earth, is home to approximately 15% of the world's population despite its smaller size. The continent measures roughly 10.18 million square kilometers and extends from the Arctic Ocean in the North to the Mediterranean Sea in the South.
Europe is surrounded by several bodies of water; including the Atlantic Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north. It encompasses fifty sovereign states - most notably Russia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Poland, and others. Additionally, it encompasses six with limited recognition and several dependencies.
The continent hosts some of the world's most famous rivers such as the Danube, which flows through ten countries from its source in the Black Forest of Germany to its delta in the Black Sea. The Volga, Europe's longest river, meanders through central Russia for a distance of 3,531 kilometers before feeding into the Caspian Sea.
Europe is also known for its diverse range of climates and landscapes. The Scandinavian Peninsula in the North is renowned for its breathtaking fjords and the ethereal phenomena of the Northern Lights. The Alps, a great mountain system located in south-central Europe, stretch approximately 1,200 kilometers across eight countries and feature some of Europe's highest peaks, including Mont Blanc standing noble at 4,810 meters.
ASIAN GEOGRAPHY
Asia, the largest continent on Earth, sprawls across an impressive 44.58 million square kilometers, comprising about 30% of Earth's total land area. It stretches from the icy wastes of Siberia in the north to the sun-drenched island chains of Indonesia in the south, from the Anatolian Peninsula in the West to the Nippon Archipelago in the East.
The continent is bordered by numerous bodies of water; including the Arctic Ocean on the North, and Pacific Ocean on the East. On its western borders lie Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Asia houses forty-eight countries - sone significant ones being China, India, Russia, Japan, Indonesia, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia and others - along with a handful of territories and disputed regions.
Asia is home to the Himalayan Mountain Range, which includes Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world standing at an overwhelming 8,848 meters. This majestic mountain range stretches across five countries: Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. This region not only offers breathtaking landscapes but also houses unique biodiversity.
Asia's significant rivers include the Yangtze in China - the longest river in Asia stretching 6,300 kilometers across the continent - and the Ganges flowing through India and Bangladesh, revered as sacred in Hindu culture. The Mekong River, another significant waterway in Asia, extends over 4,350 kilometers across six countries – China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
The continent also houses the world's largest desert area outside of polar regions - the Arabian Desert which covers most of Saudi Arabia and stretches into Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Jordan. This vast desert landscape is not just sand; it features diverse topography including mountains ranges like the Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali), the world's largest sand sea.
Asia is also well-known for its expansive forest systems such as the Siberian taiga - the largest continuous forest on Earth - which blankets a staggering 12 million square kilometers. This immense forest is home to a myriad of species, including the Siberian tiger and the Amur leopard, both of which are among the world's most endangered big cats. It also encompasses Lake Baikal, the world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake, holding one-fifth of the world's unfrozen fresh water.
AFRICAN GEOGRAPHY
Africa, the second largest continent on Earth, covers an approximate 30.37 million square kilometers and is home to about 16% of the world's population. The continent stretches from the temperate Mediterranean shores in the North to the merging point of Atlantic and Indian Ocean at Cape Agulhas in the South.
The continent is surrounded by several bodies of water; the Atlantic Ocean brushes its western side while the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean touch its eastern coasts. There are fifty-four recognized sovereign states in Africa - among them are populous giants like Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt and South Africa - along with various territories and disputed regions.
Africa is home to Nile, the Earth's longest river, which travels a staggering 6,650 kilometers through eleven countries before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The Congo River, another of Africa's notable waterways, is the world's deepest river and the second largest in terms of discharge rate. Starting in the highlands and mountains of the East African Rift, it winds its way through Congo and eventually into the Atlantic Ocean.
The continent also hosts a variety of landscapes, from scorching deserts to lush rainforests. The Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert on Earth, spans an area larger than the continental United States and stretches across most of Northern Africa. Despite its harsh conditions, the Sahara is home to several nomadic tribes who have adapted to survive in such an unforgiving environment. On the other hand, the Congo rainforest in Central Africa, second only in size to the Amazon, hosts a rich and diverse ecosystem with thousands of species of flora and fauna.
Africa's mountain ranges are as varied as its landscapes. The Atlas Mountains stretch across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia in Northern Africa, while the Drakensberg Range in South Africa contains some of the continent's highest peaks. Amid these ranges lies Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa's tallest mountain, standing at approximately 5,895 meters above sea level.
AUSTRALIAN & OCEANIAN GEOGRAPHY
Australia and Oceania, the smallest continent and one of the largest oceanic divisions on Earth, occupies an area of about 8.525 million square kilometers. It extends from the scorching deserts of Australia in the west to the mystical islands of Polynesia in the east, from the vibrant landscapes of New Guinea in the north to the frozen expanse of Antarctica in the south.
Oceania is surrounded by several bodies of water; bordered by the Indian Ocean on its west and by the South Pacific Ocean on its east. There are fourteen recognized sovereign states in Australia and Oceania - including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Solomon Islands - interspersed with a multitude of territories, dependencies, and disputed regions.
Australia is the largest country in this region and is notable for its diverse landscapes. The Great Sandy Desert stretches across Western Australia and houses a range of ecosystems from red sand dunes to vast expanses of grassland. On the east coast, the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, stretches over 2,300 kilometers and provides a home to a high diversity of marine life.
In contrast, New Zealand offers verdant landscapes marked by mountains, forests, and lakes. The Southern Alps extend almost the entire length of New Zealand's South Island, while the North Island is characterized by its geothermal activity, boasting a plethora of hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and active volcanoes. Nestled in the heart of the North Island sits Lake Taupo, the largest lake in Australasia, formed from a volcanic caldera.
Papua New Guinea, the third largest island country in this region, is unique for its dense rainforests which are among the world's most biodiverse. Mount Wilhelm, standing at an impressive 4,509 meters above sea level, reigns as the highest peak in Oceania apart from the mountains of Antarctica.
ANTARCTICAN GEOGRAPHY
Antarctica, the southernmost continent on Earth, is still largely an uninhabited icy wilderness that stretches across 14 million square kilometers in area. It is nearly twice the size of Australia and about 98% of it is covered by an ice sheet that is 1.6 kilometers thick on average. This immense ice cover holds about 70% of the Earth's fresh water.
Surrounded by the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean, Antarctica is considered to be a desert due to its severe lack of precipitation. However, despite its sparse population and inhospitable conditions, Antarctica plays a crucial role in the Earth's climate regulation and serves as a vital research hub for scientists from various countries.
The highest peak on this icy expanse is Mount Vinson, which towers at approximately 4,892 meters above sea level. Despite its imposing height, it sinks into insignificance when compared to the titanic ice shelves that skirt the continent - the Ross Ice Shelf and the Ronne Ice Shelf. These colossal sheets of floating ice cover areas larger than many countries and serve as nurseries for a majority of Antarctica's wildlife, including various species of seals, whales and penguins.
Climate
The Earth's climate is defined by a complex system of meteorological elements, including, but not limited to, temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and atmospheric pressure. It is influenced by a myriad of factors including the Earth’s rotation, distance from the sun, and the composition of the atmosphere.
Among the Earth's five major climatic zones - tropical, dry, temperate, continental and polar - each provides unique conditions that sustain a diverse array of ecosystems. The tropical zone around the equator experiences high temperatures and heavy rainfall throughout the year, giving rise to lush jungles teeming with diversity such as the Amazon Rainforest in South America.
Dry climates, seen in areas like the Sahara Desert, receive minimal rainfall and can be divided into arid or semiarid zones. These regions are characterized by bare, rocky landscapes and extreme temperature changes between day and night. Still, they support a wide array of wildlife, from hardy desert plants to insects, reptiles, and mammals uniquely adapted to their harsh environment.
Temperate zones exhibit moderate rainfall and variations in temperature throughout the year. These climates foster a rich variety of ecosystems, including deciduous forests in North America, Europe's grasslands, and Australia's expansive Mediterranean scrublands known as the Outback.
Continental climates are far from oceans—resulting in large annual temperature ranges. These regions experience long, cold winters and short, hot summers. For instance, Siberia in Russia, known for its severe winter conditions, falls under this type of climate. Despite the extreme conditions, these areas are home to a diverse range of plant and animal life; from coniferous taiga forests to the sparse tundra populated by reindeer, wolves and bears.
Polar climates cover the Arctic and Antarctic regions - including Greenland and parts of the Alaskan Frontier Republic, Canada, Russia, and northern Scandinavia. These areas remain ice-covered throughout the year with extremely low temperatures.
Biodiversity and conservation
Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, manifests most remarkably in these diverse climatic zones. In every nook and cranny of the planet, life adapts and thrives - from the microorganisms that colonize the volcanic vents in the ocean depths to the snow leopards prowling the Himalayan peaks. This richness of life forms not only adds to the Earth's natural beauty but also plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and sustaining human life.
Deaccelerating anthropogenic activities, including interstellar terraforming and colonization, have helped save many wildlife species once deemed endangered by allowing them to repopulate newly terraformed worlds. However, conservation efforts on Earth continue to be critically important.
From the towering sequoias of the Republic of California to the fragile coral reefs in the Pacific, various organizations work tirelessly to protect these natural wonders and the wildlife they support. Marine protected areas have been established worldwide, helping to safeguard marine biodiversity against threats like overfishing and pollution. On land, national parks and wildlife reserves serve as safe havens for countless endangered species, offering them a chance of survival free from hunting and habitat destruction.
At the heart of all conservation efforts lies a simple principle: to ensure the survival of Earth's magnificent biodiversity for future generations. To this end, reforestation programs have breathed new life into once barren lands.
Known residents
Human
Earth is the homeworld and birthplace of the human race, a species known for its remarkable adaptability and resilience. Humanity's journey started in mesopotamia within the Tigris-Euphrates river system of the modern-day Arabic Republic (formerly Iraq) and has since expanded all around the Earth and beyond. The human population grew from small bands of hunter-gatherers to complex societies and advanced civilizations that have shaped the cultural, political, and economic landscapes of Earth.
Humans have harnessed technology to build sprawling metropolises teeming with life. They've bound their continents together with intricate networks of roads, railways, ships, aircrafts, and starships. And they've connected through global and interplanetary communications networks that provide near-instantaneous contact from the remotest corners of Earth to the furthest reaches of their interstellar colonies.
Humans are also characterized by their cultural diversity, with countless ethnic groups, nations, and colonies each possessing unique traditions, languages, cuisines, and art forms. This rich tapestry is reflective of the entire species' journey through time and space, a record of their shared heritage and varied experiences.
Earth
Astrographical Information
System
Sol system
OrbitingSol
Orbital positionThird planet
Orbital Distance1 AU (1.58 light-years)
Moon(s)One; Luna
Physical Information
Diameter
12,756 kilometers (7,926 mi)
Gravity1.0 G
Length of day24 hours
Length of year365.2 days
Atmosphere1.0 (N2, O2, Ar)
Surface temperature-20°C to 40°C (-4°F to 104°F)
Societal Information
Species
Human (Homeworld)
Capital(s)New Washington D.C., North Carolina, USA (UNF)
Moscow, Russia (New USSR)
Beijing, China (CP)
Baghdad, Arabic Republic (AR)
Largest CitiesNew York City, Los Angles, London, Paris, Rome, Cairo, Tokyo, Dallas, Berlin, Seattle, Chicago, Pheonix, Oklahoma City, Miami, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv
Official languages none
National languages Multiple languagesEthnic groups (2720)
By race:
52% White
27% Black
10% Hispanic
11% Other
By Origin:98.6% Earthling
1.4% non-Earthling
Religion (2720)[coming soon]
Demonym Earthling
GovernmentMultiple national governments
Population- 2722 estimate 10,965,725,764 (low decrease)
- 2720 census 10,983,598,681
- Density 92.65/sq mi
2725 estimate
Total $297.476 trillion (1st)
Per capita $307,957 (1st)
GDP (nominal)2725 estimate
Total $297.476 trillion (1st)
Per capita $307,957 (1st)
Gini (2720)68.3 Negative decrease; high
HDI (2721)6.967 Increase; very high · 1st
Currency UNF Credit (₵), Soviet Credit, Chinese Yien, local/regional currencies
Date format mm/dd/yyyy, or dd/mm/yyyy
Driving side right or left
Comments