Latitude lines are the parallels which cut across the Earth traveling north and south from the Equator. Because it is latitude which determines temperature and climate, the Earth is divided into three (3) zones, the Tropics, the Temperate Zone, and the Polar regions. The Tropics are defined as the area between 23 1/2 degrees North Latitude and 23 1/2 degrees South Latitude. The temperatures here are always warm and there are no seasons. The Temperate Zone extends both north and south from 23 1/2 degrees to 66 1/2 degrees — this is where most of the world’s population lives.
It is interesting to look at world cities from the perspective of their latitude. It is expected that cities at or near the same latitude will have a similar climate but the results are somewhat surprising when one looks at the world this way. This series will list cities worldwide which are found along the same line of latitude. Keep in mind that the distance between two lines of latitude is approximately 69 miles. Some of the cities in the series are several degrees apart but are still considered the same approximate latitude. For those cities which I have visited, I have included a photo and a short description.
New Orleans, LA, USA — The “Big Easy” is one of America’s most beloved cities; it is famous for its Mardi Gras and its decadence.
Jackson Square
St Augustine, FL, USA — This quaint and adorable Spanish city claims to be the oldest city in the USA.
Castillo de San Marcos
Cairo, Egypt — Cairo is one of the world’s most coveted destinations because of the presence of the Pyramids, the only one of the original Seven Wonders of the World to still exist.
Delhi, India — The capital of India is a popular base of operations for an exploration of the province of Rajastan and also of the Taj Mahal.
Marrakech, Morocco — A city of great mystery and intrigue, Marrakech sits at the crossroads of several caravan routes and has been an important cultural and commercial center for centuries.
Lhasa, Tibet — Once the home of the Dalai Lama and the center of Buddhism, Lhasa is still a popular destination.
Potala Palace
Shanghai, China — The modern and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai is a symbol of the “new” China, with its skyscrapers and neon lights.
Pudong Skyline
