Major Mountain Ranges of the World: Himalayas, Andes, Alps

Tap a range to see its location and traits.

Himalayas

Location: Asia (Nepal, India, Tibet). A range that includes the world's highest peak, Mount Everest (8,849m), along with many of the planet's tallest mountains.

Andes

Location: South America. At roughly 7,000 km long, the world's longest mountain range, stretching the entire length of South America's west coast.

Rocky Mountains

Location: North America (Canada, US). A defining range running north-south across North America, home to famous national parks like Yellowstone and Banff.

Alps

Location: Europe (France, Switzerland, Italy, and more). Known for iconic peaks like Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, and home to Europe's largest concentration of ski resorts.

Ural Mountains

Location: Russia. Traditionally serves as the boundary between Europe and Asia, and also known for its rich mineral resources.

Atlas Mountains

Location: North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia). Situated between the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean coast, with major influence on the climate of northwest Africa.

Great Dividing Range

Location: Australia. Australia's largest mountain range, stretching north-south along the east coast.

Caucasus Mountains

Location: Europe-Asia boundary (Russia, Georgia, and more). Situated between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea, home to Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest peak.

Mountain Ranges Shape a Continent's Climate and Culture

Massive mountain ranges do far more than define terrain β€” they redirect rainfall and wind patterns, and profoundly shape the lives and culture of the people who live there. Knowing the location and traits of each continent's defining range goes a long way toward understanding world geography.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the longest mountain range in the world?

The Andes, stretching roughly 7,000 km along South America, is considered the world's longest mountain range.

Is the Himalayan range still growing?

Yes β€” the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates continue to collide, and the Himalayas are said to still be growing taller by a small amount each year.