Land is the solid, terrestrial surface of the Earth that is not covered by water such as oceans, seas, or lakes. It constitutes about 29.2% of the Earth's surface and includes all continents and islands
. Land is typically covered by a layer called regolith, which consists of rock, soil, and minerals forming the Earth's outer crust
. Land varies widely in terrain, including mountains, deserts, plains, plateaus, glaciers, and other landforms, shaped over millions of years by geological processes like plate tectonics and erosion
. It plays a crucial role in Earth's environmental systems, being involved in the carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles
. From a legal and economic perspective, land refers to a defined area of ground with fixed spatial boundaries and can include everything on, under, or above its surface, such as buildings, trees, minerals, and water resources
. It is considered a fixed, immovable asset and a primary factor of production in economics, alongside capital and labor
. Land ownership often includes rights to natural resources within its boundaries and can be transferred through sale, inheritance, or gift
. Land is essential for various human uses, including agriculture, residential and commercial development, infrastructure, and recreation
. Its value depends on factors like location, land use regulations, infrastructure, soil quality, natural resources, market demand, and environmental conditions
. In a broader sense, land encompasses not only the physical ground but also the associated ecosystems, biodiversity, soil, water, and human modifications such as buildings and roads
. It is a critical resource with environmental, economic, and social dimensions that require sustainable management
. In summary, land is the Earth's solid surface excluding bodies of water, a natural resource base for life and human activity, and an economic asset with legal and social importance. It includes physical terrain, natural resources, and human-made structures within defined boundaries
