Which Countries Lie Along the Tropic of Cancer?
The Tropic of Cancer lies at 23.5 degrees north of the equator and includes the countries of Mexico, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, India, and southern China, as well as the Bahamas. The Tropic of Cancer is mirrored by the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees south of the equator.
Both the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are imaginary lines delineating an area on Earth called the Tropics. The Tropics experience little dramatic seasonal change throughout the course of the year due to their proximity to the equator and relatively consistent distance from the sun, with two distinct seasons rather than four. The Tropic of Cancer marks the northernmost latitude at which the sun appears directly overhead at the June solstice. The line is determined by the tilt of Earth’s axis in relation to the plane of its orbit. The June solstice occurs when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted to its maximum degree toward the sun.
The Tropic of Cancer has a predominantly hot and dry climate with some cooler highland areas and coastal areas with abundant rainfall. Summer temperatures in nations that intersect the Tropic of Cancer may reach 113 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures most frequently hover around 72 degrees.
