23 How Many Countries Are in North America (Beyond USA, Canada, and Mexico)

I nearly fell off my chair in a Kingston café when a local Jamaican corrected me: “You know Jamaica is part of North America, right?”

Back in 2016, I was convinced Jamaica was in “the Caribbean” – as if that were a separate continent. Turns out my geography needed some serious updating.

This happens to almost everyone I talk to. Most of us grew up thinking North America is just three big countries: USA, Canada, and Mexico. But the continent is so much richer than that.

After visiting 19 North American countries over the last decade, I’ve learned this continent stretches far beyond what most people realize.

💡 Tip: Your travel insurance needs vary dramatically across North America. While Mexico requires proof of insurance for some visa types, the Caribbean nations often demand specific coverage for medical evacuation.

How Many Countries are in North America?

North America includes all countries and territories north of the Colombia/Panama border, including:

• Continental mainland countries
• Caribbean island nations
• Central American countries

The reality is that counting North American countries isn’t straightforward. Depending on who you ask, the number ranges from 3 to 23+. Let me break it down based on my travels throughout the region.

The Continental Mainland Countries

Let’s start with the giants everyone knows:

1. United States of America
2. Canada
3. Mexico

Central American Countries

These countries form the southern portion of the North American mainland:

4. Guatemala
5. Belize
6. El Salvador
7. Honduras
8. Nicaragua
9. Costa Rica
10. Panama

Caribbean Island Nations

These independent island countries are all part of North America:

11. Cuba
12. Jamaica
13. Haiti
14. Dominican Republic
15. Bahamas
16. Antigua and Barbuda
17. Saint Kitts and Nevis
18. Saint Lucia
19. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
20. Barbados
21. Grenada
22. Trinidad and Tobago
23. Dominica

Now let me share a bit about each of these fascinating countries based on my own adventures across the continent.

1. United States of America

The US spans six time zones and contains everything from arctic tundra to tropical beaches.

I’ve road tripped across America four times, and each journey reveals how diverse this massive country truly is. In 2019, I drove from Miami to Seattle and experienced what felt like dozens of different countries.

From the swampy Everglades to the deserts of Arizona to the mountains of Wyoming and the rainforests of Washington state – this single country contains almost every ecosystem on earth.

2. Canada

Canada is the second largest country in the world by area but has a population smaller than California.

My train journey from Toronto to Vancouver in 2018 took four days and showed me why Canadians are so proud of their natural landscapes. The endless forests, prairie fields, and Rocky Mountain passes were spectacular.

One thing many travelers miss: Canada has incredible cultural diversity. In Vancouver, I found one of the best Asian food scenes outside of Asia itself.

💡 Tip: If you’re driving between Canada and the US, your regular auto insurance might not cover you across the border. Always check your policy or get a temporary rider.

3. Mexico

Mexico blends ancient civilizations with Spanish colonial influence and modern North American ties.

I spent three months traveling through Mexico in 2021, from Mexico City to tiny villages in Chiapas. The country surprised me with its diversity – each state has its own cuisine, cultural traditions, and even native languages beyond Spanish.

One afternoon, I found myself swimming in a cenote (underground river) that the ancient Maya considered a gateway to the afterlife. That evening, I was dining in a world class restaurant in a colonial city. Few countries offer such range.

4. Guatemala

Guatemala packs incredible diversity into a country smaller than Tennessee.

When I hiked up the active Pacaya volcano near Antigua in 2017, roasting marshmallows over hot volcanic rocks, I realized Guatemala offers experiences you simply can’t find elsewhere. The country blends Mayan culture, Spanish colonial architecture, and some of the most dramatic landscapes in Central America.

Lake Atitlán, ringed by volcanoes and indigenous villages, remains one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

5. Belize

Belize stands apart in Central America as the only English speaking country, with strong Caribbean influence.

During my week diving along the Belize Barrier Reef (the second largest in the world), I met locals who shared how their country maintains its unique blend of cultures – Garifuna, Maya, Creole, and Mestizo all coexist in this tiny nation.

The country feels like a bridge between Central America and the Caribbean, both geographically and culturally.

6. El Salvador

El Salvador, Central America’s smallest country, offers incredible volcanic landscapes and Pacific surf beaches.

When I visited in 2022, I found a country working hard to shed its troubled image. In El Tunco, I watched sunset with local surfers who explained how tourism is transforming their community. The country now accepts Bitcoin as legal currency and is attracting digital nomads.

The Route of Flowers in the highlands, with its colorful colonial towns and coffee plantations, showed me a side of El Salvador most outsiders never see.

7. Honduras

Honduras features ancient Maya ruins, pristine coral reefs, and cloud forests teeming with wildlife.

My time in Roatán, one of Honduras’ Bay Islands, introduced me to some of the cheapest world class diving anywhere. For under $30 a tank, I explored coral walls dropping thousands of feet into the blue.

On the mainland, I visited Copán, where ancient Maya stellae (carved stone monuments) display some of the most intricate hieroglyphic writing in the Americas.

💡 Tip: When visiting countries like Honduras with limited medical facilities, make sure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation coverage. I watched a traveler with a broken leg get airlifted to Miami – the cost would have been $35,000 without insurance.

8. Nicaragua

Nicaragua offers colonial cities, towering volcanoes, and stunning beaches without the crowds of its neighbors.

In 2019, I spent a month in this often overlooked country. I sandboarded down the active Cerro Negro volcano, swam in crater lakes, and stayed on Ometepe, an island formed by two volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua.

Granada’s colorful colonial streets and the artisan markets of Masaya showed me a country rich in culture yet still developing its tourism potential.

9. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has protected over 25% of its land in parks and reserves, creating a paradise for nature lovers.

During my visits to Costa Rica, I’ve hiked through misty cloud forests and watched sea turtles nest on black sand beaches. In Monteverde, a local guide pointed out tiny hummingbirds and vibrantly colored frogs I would have missed without expert eyes.

Costa Rica abolished its army in 1949 and redirected military funding toward education and healthcare – perhaps explaining why Ticos (Costa Ricans) rank among the happiest people on earth.

10. Panama

Panama connects the continents and the oceans with its famous canal, but offers much more than this engineering marvel.

When I visited Panama City in 2018, I was surprised to find a skyline resembling Miami alongside colonial architecture in the Casco Viejo district. Just an hour away, I hiked in a rainforest where sloths hung from trees.

The San Blas Islands, run autonomously by the indigenous Guna people, provided some of the most pristine beaches and clearest waters I’ve seen anywhere in the world.

North America By The Numbers

Here’s a quick statistical overview of this diverse continent:

The Caribbean Nations of North America

The Caribbean islands form a crucial part of North America’s geography and cultural heritage:

11. Cuba

Cuba feels frozen in time yet vibrantly alive with music, dance, and resilient people.

My two weeks in Cuba in 2017 revealed a country of contradictions. Classic American cars from the 1950s rumble down streets where internet access remains limited. World class musicians play for tips in restaurants. Spectacular colonial architecture crumbles while being painstakingly restored.

In Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a local photographer showed me family photos from before the revolution alongside modern day shots of the same locations – virtually unchanged after 60+ years.

12. Jamaica

Jamaica’s influence on global music, cuisine, and culture extends far beyond its shores.

During my stay in Port Antonio on Jamaica’s less touristy eastern coast, I learned how deeply reggae music is intertwined with the island’s spiritual and political history. Beyond the beaches and all inclusive resorts lies a country with rich traditions and complex social dynamics.

Hiking in the Blue Mountains, where some of the world’s most expensive coffee grows, offered views across the island and insights into rural Jamaican life that most tourists never experience.

💡 Tip: Island nations like Jamaica often have limited medical facilities. Good travel insurance is essential – I’ve seen travelers pay thousands out of pocket for treatment that would be covered by basic insurance.

13. Haiti

Haiti, the world’s first Black republic, overcame slavery to win independence in 1804.

I visited Haiti briefly in 2019 and found a country with incredible resilience, art, and culture despite immense challenges. In Port au Prince’s Iron Market, artists transform discarded oil drums into intricate sculptures sold worldwide.

Haiti’s Citadelle Laferrière, a massive mountain fortress built after independence, stands as testimony to the determination of a people who fought for their freedom.

14. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti but offers a completely different experience.

My road trip across the DR took me from all inclusive resorts in Punta Cana to the colonial architecture of Santo Domingo (the oldest European settlement in the Americas). In the country’s interior, I hiked Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s highest mountain.

Baseball is religion here – even tiny villages have manicured fields where kids practice, dreaming of becoming the next Pedro Martinez or David Ortiz.

15. Bahamas

The Bahamas encompasses over 700 islands and 2,400 cays, though only about 30 are inhabited.

During my sailing trip through the Exuma Cays in 2020, I swam with the famous swimming pigs and discovered that each Bahamian island has its own distinct character. The water clarity here is unmatched – I could see my boat’s anchor 50 feet down.

Nassau’s colorful colonial buildings and straw markets contrast with the remote tranquility of the Out Islands, where locals still fish using techniques passed down for generations.

16. Antigua and Barbuda

This twin island nation boasts “a beach for every day of the year” with 365 stretches of sand.

I island hopped to Antigua during a Caribbean cruise and found myself mesmerized by the restored colonial architecture of Nelson’s Dockyard. A local sailor told me how the nation’s strategic harbors made it the center of British naval power in the region.

Barbuda, the less visited sister island, was devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017 but is rebuilding with a focus on sustainable tourism.

17. Saint Kitts and Nevis

The smallest sovereign state in the Americas, Saint Kitts and Nevis packs history and natural beauty into its limited space.

When I rode the scenic railway that once transported sugar cane around Saint Kitts, my guide explained how the islands transitioned from sugar production to tourism and citizenship by investment programs.

Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the colonial conflicts that shaped the Caribbean.

18. Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia’s twin volcanic spires, the Pitons, create one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Caribbean.

During my honeymoon in Saint Lucia in 2015, I hiked through rainforests to hidden waterfalls and soaked in sulfur springs near the drive in volcano at Soufrière. The island blends French and British colonial influences in its cuisine and culture.

The weekly Friday night street party in Gros Islet showed me how Saint Lucians celebrate their culture with visitors, creating a genuine cultural exchange rather than staged tourist shows.

💡 Tip: Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November. If traveling during these months, insurance with trip cancellation coverage can save you thousands if your destination is hit by a storm.

19. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

This archipelago of 32 islands offers authentic Caribbean experiences without mass tourism.

I visited only briefly while sailing through the Grenadines but found islands that epitomize the Caribbean dream – small, lush volcanic islands surrounded by coral reefs and swaying palms.

On Bequia, traditional whaleboat builders still practice their craft, while the exclusive island of Mustique has attracted royalty and rock stars with its pristine isolation.

20. Barbados

Barbados combines British tradition with laid back Caribbean culture and some of the region’s finest cuisine.

During my week in Barbados, I learned why it’s called “the culinary capital of the Caribbean.” From roadside fish fry stands to world class restaurants, the island’s food scene is extraordinary. At Oistins Fish Fry, I ate freshly caught tuna while locals taught tourists how to dance to soca music.

The island’s coral based geography creates calm western beaches and dramatic eastern coastlines where massive Atlantic waves crash against cliffs.

21. Grenada

Known as the “Spice Isle,” Grenada produces nutmeg, cinnamon, and cocoa used in chocolatiers worldwide.

My visit to a nutmeg processing cooperative showed me how this small island became a global spice producer. In the capital of St. George’s, colorful Georgian buildings line one of the most picturesque harbors in the Caribbean.

The underwater sculpture park near Moliniere Point offered a unique snorkeling experience among art designed to become artificial reefs.

22. Trinidad and Tobago

This dual island nation blends Caribbean, African, Indian, European, and Middle Eastern influences.

I timed my visit for Trinidad’s famous Carnival in 2018 and witnessed what locals call “the greatest show on earth” – a riot of music, costumes, and dance rooted in resistance against colonial oppression.

Trinidad’s bustling multiculturalism contrasts with Tobago’s laid back beaches and rainforests. Together they offer cultural experiences and natural beauty unmatched elsewhere in the Caribbean.

23. Dominica

Dominica calls itself “The Nature Island” for good reason – it’s the Caribbean’s most mountainous and pristine island.

During my week hiking Dominica’s trails in 2019, I soaked in natural hot springs, swam in gorges beneath waterfalls, and spotted rare parrots found nowhere else on earth. The island has focused on ecotourism rather than developing beaches and resorts.

Dominica is home to the Kalinago Territory, where the Caribbean’s indigenous people maintain their traditional practices while adapting to modern challenges.

If you’re planning to explore these diverse North American destinations, you can compare insurance options that work across these countries here.

FAQs About North America

Is Greenland part of North America?

Yes, geographically Greenland sits on the North American continental shelf. However, it’s politically an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Why is Central America not its own continent?

Central America sits on the North American tectonic plate and is geologically part of the North American continent. The division between North and South America is at the Panama Colombia border.

Are Caribbean islands actually part of North America?

Yes! Geographically, Caribbean islands are part of the North American continent. They sit on the Caribbean Plate, which is a smaller tectonic plate adjoining the North American Plate.

Is Mexico part of North America or Central America?

Mexico is firmly part of North America. Central America begins at Mexico’s southern border with Guatemala and Belize.

Why do some people think North America is just USA, Canada and Mexico?

This common misconception comes from educational simplification and political groupings like NAFTA (now USMCA) that focus on the three largest economies. Geographically, all countries north of Colombia are part of North America.

The Bottom Line

After traveling to most of these 23 countries, I’ve realized North America is one of the most diverse continents on Earth. From the Arctic tundra of northern Canada to the tropical rainforests of Panama and the vibrant island cultures of the Caribbean, this continent offers extraordinary variety.

I made the mistake of underestimating this diversity when I first started exploring my home continent. I focused on Europe and Asia, thinking those were where the “real” cultural differences existed. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Within a single continent, you can experience hundreds of indigenous cultures, multiple colonial legacies, and natural wonders ranging from canyons and volcanoes to coral reefs and cloud forests.

The best advice I can give any traveler? Don’t overlook North America beyond the big three countries. Some of my most rewarding travel experiences have been in the smaller nations of this remarkable continent.

And remember to check your travel insurance coverage carefully when crossing borders in North America. Requirements and healthcare systems vary dramatically from country to country.

Safe travels across this amazing continent!