What are the four cardinal directions?

The four cardinal directions are the primary points on a compass rose and serve as fundamental navigational references. They are:

1. North:
» North is the direction pointing towards the Earth’s North Pole. It is often symbolized by the letter “N” and is opposite to the south direction.

2. South:
» South is the direction pointing towards the Earth’s South Pole. It is often symbolized by the letter “S” and is opposite to the north direction.

3. East:
» East is the direction pointing towards the horizon where the sun rises. It is often symbolized by the letter “E” and is perpendicular to the north-south axis.

4. West:
» West is the direction pointing towards the horizon where the sun sets. It is often symbolized by the letter “W” and is perpendicular to the north-south axis, similar to the east direction.
The cardinal directions are essential for navigation and orientation, providing a consistent and universally understood frame of reference. They are often used in maps, compasses, and other navigation tools to help people locate and move in relation to the Earth’s geographical features. Additionally, the cardinal directions are frequently referenced in everyday language for describing locations and giving directions.