Now, if I understand correctly Tamriel isn't the only continent with current active life. Where's the communication between these continents and what continents are actually still civilized?

Akavir

Yokuda - Redguard homeland, currently at the bottom of the ocean

Atmora - supposed origin of the Nords (north of Tamriel)

Aldmeris - supposed origin of Aldmer (though it is often considered a metaphorical proto-Nirn

Thras - home of the Sload

Pyandoea (spelling?) - archipelago where the Maormer reside

Just go look these up at UESP or The Imperial Library.

Also check the stickies at the top of the Lore forum.

Pyandonea is well documented and even shown on a globe from Daggerfall. It's just south of the Summerset Isles and is home to Tropical Elves. They have their own civilization that rivals the Altmer.

In redguard it is mentioned that some people still trade with those who are left on The mostly-sunken Yokuda. I'd assume they are similar to the Ra Gada.

Thras, if considered a seperate continent, is home to Sload. They are fat, slow, necromancer slugs.

Altmora has frozen over, so civilization is nonexistant (to our knowledge.)

Akavir has four provinces on it and is massive. Just read Mysterious Akavir and Report: Disaster at Ionith. The species there are very foreign but also very civilized; the Tsaeci Potentates ruled the end of the 2nd empire.

There are a few Island Kingdoms between Tamriel and Akavir that Uriel V conquered. They appear to be civilized, but tiny.

Edit: Ninja'd

Akavir remains mysterious. That's because it doesn't actually exist. /speculation

Nobody goes to Thras. The Sload will kill you and use your soul to power their car.

Yokuda has been eliminated.

Atmora is frozen and lifeless.

Aldmeris may never have existed, or may be Tamriel, or may be something else.

Pyandonea is home of the Maormer, and nobody likes the Maormer.

http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1112211-how-to-become-a-lore-buff/page__p__16312379#entry16312379