The Tropic of Cancer is around 23.44° north of the equator. It is the northernmost latitude where the sun is directly overhead at noon. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the Northern Hemisphere and crosses 16 countries across three continents; these are North America, Africa, and Asia.
Whtat is the Tropic of Cancer?
The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line that circles the Earth, much like the Equator, but is situated to its north. It marks the northern boundary of the tropical zone.
Along this line, the Sun appears directly overhead at noon once a year, around June 21st (the June Solstice). This means that, at that time, objects cast virtually no shadow.
Actually, the name Cancer is derived from the constellation Cancer. Long ago, during the June solstice, the Sun used to appear in this very constellation.
Countries the Tropic of Cancer Passes Through
Click on any country name to see its location on the map above.
| Country | Continent | Ocean/Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | North America | Pacific / Atlantic |
| Bahamas | North America | Atlantic Ocean |
| Western Sahara | Africa | Atlantic Ocean |
| Mauritania | Africa | Atlantic Ocean |
| Mali | Africa | Atlantic Ocean |
| Algeria | Africa | Mediterranean |
| Niger | Africa | Atlantic |
| Libya | Africa | Mediterranean |
| Egypt | Africa | Mediterranean |
| Saudi Arabia | Asia | Red Sea |
| UAE | Asia | Persian Gulf |
| Oman | Asia | Arabian Sea |
| India | Asia | Indian Ocean |
| Bangladesh | Asia | Bay of Bengal |
| Myanmar | Asia | Indian Ocean |
| China | Asia | Pacific Ocean |
By Continent:
North America: 2 countries
1. Mexico, 2. Bahamas
Africa: 7 countries
3. Western Sahara, 4. Mauritania, 5. Mali, 6. Algeria, 7. Niger, 8. Libya, 9. Egypt
Asia: 7 countries
10. Saudi Arabia, 11. UAE, 12. Oman, 13. India, 14. Bangladesh, 15. Myanmar, 16. China
Major Water Bodies
Atlantic Ocean
North America and Africa
Indian Ocean
Asia
Pacific Ocean
Asia and North America
Mediterranean Sea
Northern Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries does the Tropic of Cancer pass through?
The Tropic of Cancer passes through 16 countries: Mexico, Bahamas, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Algeria, Niger, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China.
Which continents does the Tropic of Cancer cross?
The Tropic of Cancer crosses 3 continents: North America, Africa, and Asia.
What is the latitude of the Tropic of Cancer?
The Tropic of Cancer is approximately 23.44° north of the equator. Its exact position slowly changes over time due to variations in Earth's axial tilt.