LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE INCLUDING IMPORTANT PARALLELS AND MERIDIANS

• The Tropic of Cancer passes through 23 countries and territories: Mexico, The Bahamas, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Algeria, Libya, Chad, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Taiwan, Mexico, and the United States.
• The Tropic of Cancer marks the boundary between the tropics and the subtropical zones. The tropics are the region between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, and they are characterized by hot, humid weather year-round. The subtropical zones are located north and south of the tropics, and they have warm to hot summers and mild winters.
• The Tropic of Cancer is an important cultural and religious symbol in many parts of the world. In India, for example, it is known as the Uttarayan, and it is celebrated as a festival of the Sun's northward journey.

The Tropic of Capricorn is the most southerly circle of latitude on Earth where the Sun can be directly overhead. This occurs on the December solstice, when the Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun to its maximum extent. It also reaches 90 degrees below the horizon at solar midnight on the June Solstice. Its current latitude is 23°26′10.2″ (or 23.43616°) south of the Equator, as calculated using a continuously updated formula.

• Countries and Territories Crossed: The Tropic of Capricorn passes through 26 countries and territories: Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique Channel, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, French Polynesia, Pitcairn Islands, Australia, Southern Ocean, Tonga, Niue, Cook Islands, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
• Climate Zones: The Tropic of Capricorn marks the boundary between the tropics and the subtropical zones. The tropics, located between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer, are characterized by hot, humid weather year-round. The subtropical zones, located north and south of the tropics, have warm to hot summers and mild winters.
• Cultural and Religious Significance: The Tropic of Capricorn is an important cultural and religious symbol in many parts of the world. In Argentina, for example, it is known as the Trópico de Capricornio and is associated with themes of new beginnings and transformation.

• Unique Phenomenon: Due to the Earth's tilt on its axis, the Arctic Circle experiences polar day and polar night. During the summer solstice (around June 21st), the sun stays above the horizon for at least 24 hours continuously, while during the winter solstice (around December 21st), the sun stays below the horizon for at least 24 hours continuously. The length of these periods of continuous daylight and darkness increases the farther north you travel within the Arctic Circle, culminating in six months of daylight and six months of darkness at the North Pole.
• Countries and Territories Crossed: The Arctic Circle passes through eight countries and territories: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States (Alaska).

• Climate and Geography: The Arctic is characterized by cold, dry winters and cool, short summers. The landscape is dominated by tundra, a vast treeless plain with permafrost (permanently frozen ground), and glaciers. The Arctic Ocean covers much of the region, and sea ice plays a crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem.
• Cultural and Environmental Significance: The Arctic is home to diverse indigenous cultures that have adapted to the challenging environment for centuries. However, the region is also facing significant challenges due to climate change, which is causing rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and sea ice loss.

The Antarctic Circle, a parallel of latitude at 66.5° South, serves as the gateway to the vast and mysterious continent of Antarctica. 

• Midnight Sun and Polar Night: Similar to the Arctic Circle, the Antarctic Circle experiences the captivating phenomena of midnight sun and polar night. For at least one day during summer (around December 22nd), the sun remains continuously above the horizon, while for at least one day during winter (around June 21st), it stays completely below the horizon.
• Impact on Climate and Geography: The Antarctic Circle influences the region's frigid climate. Areas further south experience even colder temperatures due to minimal direct sunlight. This, along with the polar day and night, shapes the unique landscape dominated by glaciers, ice shelves, and minimal vegetation.
• Countries and Territories: Unlike the Arctic Circle, the Antarctic Circle doesn't pass through any sovereign land. Instead, it traverses the territorial claims of several countries, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States.
• Scientific and Exploration Hub: The Antarctic Circle serves as a crucial access point for numerous research stations and scientific expeditions. These endeavours aim to understand the continent's climate, geology, and unique ecosystems, providing valuable insights into global processes and the potential impacts of climate change.
• Conservation Challenges: Antarctica faces various environmental threats, including rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and potential resource exploitation. Protecting this fragile ecosystem and its diverse wildlife requires international cooperation and effective conservation measures.