The Tropic of Cancer is a circle of latitude located approximately 23°26′ north of the Equator. It marks the northernmost latitude at which the Sun can appear directly overhead at noon, which occurs during the June solstice when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun to its maximum extent

. Geographically, the Tropic of Cancer crosses about 17 countries across three continents: Africa, Asia, and North America. Some of the countries it passes through include Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Mexico, and others

. This latitude is not fixed; it shifts slightly over time due to changes in Earth's axial tilt, moving southwards at a rate of about half an arcsecond per year

. In summary:

• Latitude: Approximately 23°26′ north of the Equator
• Significance: Northernmost latitude where the Sun can be directly overhead at noon (June solstice)
• Continents crossed: Africa, Asia, North America
• Countries crossed: About 17, including Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Mexico, etc.
• Location shifts gradually due to Earth's axial tilt changes

This line lies in the Northern Hemisphere and is one of Earth's five major circles of latitude, alongside the Equator, Tropic of Capricorn, Arctic Circle, and Antarctic Circle