Introduction

The question of which country in North America is located furthest south can often be met with a variety of answers, ranging from Argentina to Canada. However, to accurately answer this query, a clear understanding of definitions is crucial. This article aims to clarify the geographical and political aspects of this question, with a focus on the southernmost country based on different criteria.

The Geographical Perspective

Geographically speaking, the question of the southernmost country in North America is best answered by considering the southernmost point of the territory. By this measure, the competition narrows down to a few candidates. Interestingly, one might be surprised to learn that it is not Argentina or Canada but a small island called Cocos Island that holds the title.

Cocos Island

Country: Costa Rica

Coordinate: 5°31′8″N 87°4′18″W

Cocos Island, a small volcanic island in the eastern Caribbean, is located just outside the Panama Canal. It is a rocky and uninhabited island, but its southernmost point still marks the southernmost shore of the entire northern hemisphere. Its geographical location makes it a unique point of interest for those studying the northern tropics.

The Political Perspective

When discussing political divisions, including territories and dependencies, the geographical rules may change. In the context of United States territories, there are instances where these territories extend further south than some of the continental states.

Guam: Located in the Mariana Islands, Guam is a U.S. territory situated further south than the Mexico-Guatemala border, which marks the start of Central America.

Furthermore, Hawaii's South Point on the Island of Hawaii is the southernmost point of the United States. Key West, Florida, serves as the southernmost point of the continental United States. However, when considering U.S. territories, locations such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are even further south.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

While defining the southernmost point purely geographically is one approach, cultural and historical perspectives can also be considered. From a cultural standpoint, the 'southernmost' culture in the United States is often associated with Florida, where the Old South culture is prominent. Other regions like Georgia, the Carolinas, and Mississippi also contribute to this cultural southern identity.

Florida: As a peninsula extending south towards the Caribbean, Florida is geographically seen as the most southernly part of the United States. Its southern point, known as Cape Pilsworth in South Florida, marks the southernmost tip of the continental United States.

Conclusion

The southernmost point of a country in North America, based on geographical points, is Cocos Island, a small island in Costa Rica. However, when considering political divisions and territories, U.S. territories like Guam and Puerto Rico extend further south.

For those interested in the cultural south, Florida is often cited as the most southernly state due to its geographical and historical prominence in the Old South culture.