Latitude

usgb/ˈlætɪtuːd/
noun

The distance of a place north or south of the Earth's equator, measured in degrees.

There is a big temperature difference between the latitudes near the equator and the latitudes near the poles.
Visual representation of "latitude" - The distance of a place north or south of the Earth's equator, measured in degrees.

Often appears as...

  • geographical latitude
  • latitude and longitude

Usage tips

Geographical

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "latitude"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Geographical Measure

Think of latitude as rungs on a ladder (ladder-tude), stretching from the equator to the poles.

Illustration for Geographical Measure
Uganda is located on a latitude close to the equator.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Longitude

Don't confuse latitude with longitude; latitude lines are horizontal and measure north or south.

Illustration for Not Longitude
The latitude of Sydney is about 34 degrees south.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Climate Zones

Latitudes are used to group Earth's climate zones, like the tropics or polar regions.

Illustration for Climate Zones
Countries at similar latitudes often share climate characteristics.
Visual representation of the word "Latitude"

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