Tropic of Cancer World Map

 The
Geography of the Tropic of Cancer

The Tropic of Cancer, one of Earth’s five major circles of latitude, marks the
northernmost point where the Sun appears directly overhead during the June
solstice. This line of latitude, approximately 23.5°N, holds immense
geographical, astronomical, and cultural significance.  Cancer,
meaning “crab” in Latin, is the name of a constellation beneath which the
Tropic of Cancer once was directly located.

World Map

Geographical
Position

• Latitude and Variability: The Tropic of Cancer lies at 23.5°N latitude,
  though its exact position oscillates due to Earth’s axial tilt changes over
  millennia (a phenomenon called Milankovitch cycles).
• Countries
  and Territories: Globally,
  the Tropic of Cancer spans 16 countries across three continents: Africa,
  Asia, and North America. It passes through countries like Mexico, the Bahamas,
  Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China.

Countries Along the Tropic of
Cancer: 16 Countries

• North America: Mexico, Bahamas
• Africa:
  Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Algeria, Niger, Libya, Egypt
• Asia: Saudi
  Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China

Bodies of
Water: It
intersects the Arabian Sea near India’s western coast, the Red Sea, and the
Pacific Ocean. In India, the Tropic’s proximity to the Arabian Sea influences
monsoon patterns critical to agriculture.

Oceans Crossed:
🌊 Atlantic Ocean 🌊 Indian Ocean
🌊 Pacific Ocean

Seas & Other Water Bodies:

•  Red Sea
•  Arabian Sea
•  Gulf of Mexico
•  South China Sea

 

The Tropic of Cancer in India

The Tropic of Cancer traverses
eight Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram. This imaginary line extends from Kutch in
Gujarat to Serchhip in Mizoram, effectively dividing India into North and South
in terms of climate and geography. (🟢 Gujarat → Rajasthan → Madhya
Pradesh → Chhattisgarh → Jharkhand → West Bengal → Tripura → Mizoram 🟢)

Key Cities Along the Tropic of
Cancer in India

• Rajkot (Gujarat)
• Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
• Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)
• Raipur (Chhattisgarh)
• Ranchi (Jharkhand)
• Kolkata (West Bengal)
• Agartala (Tripura)
• Aizawl (Mizoram)

Read More… 

Astronomical
Significance

• June Solstice:
  Around June 21, the Sun is directly above the Tropic of Cancer, marking
  the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Axial Tilt Impact:
  Earth’s 23.5° tilt creates seasonal shifts. Over 41,000 years, this tilt
  varies between 22.1° and 24.5°, causing the Tropic’s gradual migration.
• Sun’s Apparent Movement: The
  Sun’s zenith point shifts between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn
  annually, driving global weather systems.

 

Tropic of Cancer:

Indicator	Description
Latitude	Approximately 23.5° North
Indian States	Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram
Global Countries	17 countries across Africa, Asia, and North America
Climatic Influence	Divides India into North and South climatic zones

 

Climatic
Influence

• Climate Zones: Regions along the Tropic, like the Sahara and Thar Desert
  (India), are typically arid. However, areas such as southern China experience
  subtropical climates.
• Monsoon
  Dynamics: In India,
  the Tropic shapes the Indian Summer Monsoon. Regions north (e.g., Rajasthan)
  face dry climates, while areas south (e.g., Kerala) receive heavy rainfall.
• Ecosystem
  Impact: Deserts,
  savannas, and deciduous forests thrive along the Tropic, supporting unique
  biodiversity like India’s Asiatic lions in Gujarat.

 

Cultural
and Societal Impact

• Historical Roots: Ancient civilizations, including the Mayans and
  Indians, aligned monuments with solstice events. India’s Vedic texts
  reference solar positions for agricultural calendars.
• Agriculture: The Tropic’s climate dictates
  crop cycles. In Rajasthan, drought-resistant millet is common, while West
  Bengal’s tropical climate supports rice cultivation.
• Modern
  Observances: Festivals
  like Makar Sankranti in India celebrate solar transitions,
  while Mexico’s Chichen Itza draws crowds during solstices.

 

Environmental
Considerations

• Biodiversity Hotspots: India’s Western Ghats, near the Tropic, host
  endemic species. Conservation efforts target desert ecosystems like the Thar.
• Climate
  Change Threats: Rising
  temperatures exacerbate desertification in Rajasthan and disrupt monsoon
  patterns, threatening food security.

 

Geopolitical
Aspects

• Economic Activities: Solar energy projects thrive in sun-rich regions
  (e.g., Gujarat’s solar parks). Mining and tourism (e.g., Egypt’s pyramids) are
  also prevalent.
• Strategic
  Importance: The
  Tropic intersects vital trade routes, including the Suez Canal and Strait of
  Hormuz, influencing global commerce.

 

Conclusion

The Tropic of Cancer is more than a line on a map—it shapes climates, cultures,
and economies. From India’s monsoons to ancient solar observatories, its legacy
endures in natural and human systems. Understanding its geography offers
insights into Earth’s delicate balance.

 

References

• National Geographic: Earth’s Axial Tilt and Seasons
• Indian Meteorological Department: Monsoon Patterns
• UNESCO: World Heritage Sites Along the Tropic
• Journal of Climatology: Climate
  Change Impacts on Arid Regions