What is a Mountain?
A mountain is a large landform that rises prominently above its surrounding terrain. Key features usually include steep slopes, a defined peak or summit, significant elevation compared to surroundings, and often rugged terrain. However, there's no single globally agreed-upon standard that separates “mountain” from other landforms.
How Mountains Form
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Tectonic plate collision or uplift (fold mountains)
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Volcanic activity
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Faulting
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In volcanic or tectonic zones, sometimes cooling and contraction
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Erosion also shapes mountains over time (wearing down, sculpting ridges, valleys)
What is a Hill? And How Are Mountains Different from Hills?
A hill is like a “soft version” of a mountain: less high, gentler slopes, more rounded top, less rugged. The distinction between hills and mountains is often based on local usage or legal/geographical definitions rather than strict scientific criteria.
Here are some common guidelines people use:
| Characteristic | Mountains | Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Typical height above sea level | Often > about 600 meters (≈ 2000 ft) in some definitions; can be much higher depending on region. Wikipedia+1 | Usually below that threshold, with gentler slope. Wikipedia+1 |
| Slope / steepness | Steep, rugged, sharp summits or ridges. | Gentle, rolling, rounded summits. |
| Prominence vs surroundings | More prominent compared to adjacent terrain; you feel the elevation change. | Less dramatic rise. |
| Cultural / legal definitions | Some places legally define mountains (e.g. UK: summits over 2000 ft for certain rights). Wikipedia | Hills often used more loosely, may not have legal status. |
So in practice, whether a given landform is called a hill or a mountain can depend on the region, the local language, perception, and historical usage.
Why Mountains Matter / Benefits of Mountains
Mountains are more than just scenic. They provide many vital services and benefits. Some of these include:
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Freshwater supply: Mountains act as “water towers,” supplying much of the world’s fresh water for rivers, agriculture, and human use. FAOHome+2Federal Department of Foreign Affairs+2
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Biodiversity & ecosystems: Because of varied climates, altitudes, isolation, mountains often host unique species, both flora and fauna. Endemic species are common. Convention on Biological Diversity+2EcoWatch+2
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Agriculture & food: Some of the world's important food crops originate from mountain regions. Also, terrace farming, grazing, and specific crop varieties adapted to high altitude are practiced. World Economic Forum+1
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Energy: Hydropower is commonly built in mountainous regions; also solar, wind, etc., leveraging elevation and topography. FAOHome+1
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Climate regulation & soil protection: Forests on mountain slopes help regulate climate, capture rainfall, protect against erosion, landslides. World Economic Forum+1
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Cultural, spiritual & tourism value: Mountains often hold spiritual or cultural significance. They are major tourism destinations: hiking, mountaineering, skiing, etc. FAOHome+1
Most Mountainous Countries of the World
When we say “most mountainous,” there are several ways to measure: highest peak, average elevation, percentage of land covered by mountains, etc. Here are some lists and then details for a number of top countries.
Top Ranked by Average Elevation / % Mountain Coverage
From sources:
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According to WorldPopulationReview, the top 10 by average height above sea level are:Bhutan; Nepal; Tajikistan; Kyrgyzstan; Lesotho; Andorra; Afghanistan; Chile; China; Armenia. World Population Review
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By percentage of land covered in mountainous terrain, some of the top are:Bhutan (~98.8%), Tajikistan (~91.9%), Kyrgyzstan (~90.7%), Lesotho (~90.5%), Montenegro, Armenia, North Macedonia, Switzerland, Lebanon, Nepal. WorldAtlas+2www.ndtv.com+2
Some of the World’s Highest Peaks by Country
Here are sample countries, their highest peaks, height, plus some additional info. (I’ll list maybe 15; finding reliable “people crossing” data is harder, but I’ll note when known.)
| Country | Highest Peak (Mountain) | Height | Mountain Range(s) | Rank or Position in world | Notes / Benefits / Access / Populations etc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal / China | Mount Everest | 8,848 m | Himalayas | Highest mountain in the world (rank #1) The Times of India+1 | A major pilgrimage / trekking region; many climbers come every year. Safeguards & issues with crowding, high altitude sickness. |
| Pakistan / China | K2 (Chhogori) | ~ 8,611 m | Karakoram | Rank #2 highest in world The Times of India+1 | Very technical climb; many expeditions; much smaller number of climbers compared to Everest because of difficulty and remoteness. |
| India / Nepal | Kangchenjunga | ~ 8,586 m | Himalayas | #3 in the world The Times of India+1 | Difficult terrain; political / environmental access challenges; region rich in biodiversity. |
| Bhutan | Gangkhar Puensum | ~ 7,570 m | Himalayas | Highest in Bhutan; one of highest unclimbed peaks in the world. Wikipedia | Cultural significance; limited climbing permits; very remote. |
| Tajikistan | Ismoil Somoni Peak (formerly Pik Communism) | ~ 7,495 m | Pamir Mountains | Among the highest in Central Asia Maps of World+1 | Pamir known as “roof of the world,” high altitude passes, important water sources. |
| Afghanistan | Noshaq | ~ 7,492 m | Hindu Kush | Top in Afghanistan Maps of World+2Hiking The Earth+2 | Very remote; safety and political stability affect climbing & tourism. |
| Kyrgyzstan | Peak Jengish Chokusu (also known as Pobeda Peak) | ~ 7,439 m | Tian Shan | One of highest in Central Asia Maps of World+1 | Trekking and mountaineering are big; glaciers, alpine terrain. |
| Argentina | Aconcagua | ~ 6,960 m | Andes | Highest in Americas outside Himalayas / Karakoram. Maps of World+1 | Many climbers; less technical summit but altitude and weather are challenges. |
| Chile / Argentina border | Ojos del Salado | ~ 6,893 m | Andes | Highest volcano in the world; very high elevation. Maps of World+1 | Dry environment (Atacama region), rugged terrain; fewer climbers than Himalayas but still a set destination. |
| Peru | Huascarán | ~ 6,768 m | Andes | Highest in Peru, high Andes peak. Maps of World+1 | Famous for trekking, but also risk of landslides; glaciers feeding rivers. |
| Bolivia | Nevado Sajama | ~ 6,542 m | Andes | Bolivia highest mountain; draws tourists. Maps of World+1 | Also climate change impacts glaciers, local Indigenous culture. |
| Ecuador | Chimborazo | ~ 6,267 m | Andes | Known as farthest point from Earth's center (due to equatorial bulge) though not highest. Maps of World | Significant cultural and ecological zones; tourist hiking. |
| USA | Denali (Mount McKinley) | ~ 6,194 m | Alaska Range | Highest in North America. Maps of World+1 | Very cold, remote; many climbers; base camps difficult. |
| Tanzania | Mount Kilimanjaro | ~ 5,892 m | East Africa | Highest in Africa. Maps of World+1 | Popular for trekking; diverse ecosystems (from rainforest base to alpine summit). |
| China | Mount Everest (shared with Nepal) OR other high peaks like in Kunlun, etc. | 8,848 m (for Everest) | Himalayas/Karakoram/other ranges | As above. Also many other high peaks. Maps of World+1 |
On How Many People Cross or Climb
Data on how many people “cross” a particular mountain (e.g. pass over, climb summit) is uneven. A few observations:
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Everest draws many expedition teams per year (hundreds), but the number of successful summits is much lower.
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Famous trekking routes (e.g. in Nepal, Patagonia, Alps) get thousands of visitors annually.
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Remote peaks (e.g. Noshaq, many in Pamir, Karakoram) see far fewer climbers because of difficulty, access, cost, political/security issues.
Specific reliable numbers are hard to collect for all peaks; they vary by season, year, regulations.
A Broader List: ~30 Most Mountainous Destinations / Countries
Below is a suggested expanded list of about 30 countries notable for their mountainous terrain (either high peaks, high average elevation, or high % land mountainous). I won’t have full “people crossing” data for all, but I’ll include what is known where possible.
| # | Country | Approximate Avg Elevation or % Mountain Cover / Why Mountainous | Highest Peak (Name + Height) | Main Mountain Ranges | Key Benefits / Challenges / Interesting Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhutan | ~98.8 % mountainous; high average elevation The Times of India+3www.ndtv.com+3World Population Review+3 | Gangkhar Puensum (~7,570 m) Wikipedia+1 | Himalayas (High, Lower, Sub-ranges) Wikipedia | Very high biodiversity; cultural preservation; limited infrastructure; tourism is carefully managed. |
| 2 | Nepal | Very high average elevation; home of Everest and other world’s tallest peaks. World Population Review+2playgroundequipment.com+2 | Mt. Everest (8,848 m) Maps of World+1 | Himalayas | Trekking & tourism major income; high risk from landslides; climate change melting glaciers. |
| 3 | Tajikistan | ~91.9 % mountainous cover, high peaks in Pamirs. www.ndtv.com+2World Population Review+2 | Ismoil Somoni Peak (~7,495 m) Maps of World+1 | Pamir Mountains | Remoteness, harsh climate, but also unique culture; water sources for downstream. |
| 4 | Kyrgyzstan | ~90.7 % mountainous. www.ndtv.com+1 | Jengish Chokusu / Pobeda (~7,439 m) Maps of World+1 | Tian Shan, Pamir-Alai | Good for trekking; many glaciers; also challenges of infrastructure and climate. |
| 5 | Lesotho | ~90.5 % mountainous. www.ndtv.com+1 | Thabana Ntlenyana (~3,482 m) (highest in Lesotho / Southern Africa) | Drakensberg / Maloti ranges | Isolation; unique ecosystems; water resources (“sky reservoirs”); poverty and transport are challenges. |
| 6 | Andorra | High average elevation among small states. World Population Review+1 | Pic de Coma Pedrosa (~2,942 m) Maps of World+1 | Pyrenees | Tourism (skiing, hiking); small population; limited agricultural land. |
| 7 | Afghanistan | High average elevation; many rugged mountains. World Population Review+2Maps of World+2 | Noshaq (~7,492 m) Maps of World+2Hiking The Earth+2 | Hindu Kush, Pamir, etc. | Difficult access; political instability; but huge potential for tourism; glacier-fed water resources. |
| 8 | Chile | High average elevation (Andes), many volcanoes. World Population Review+1 | Ojos del Salado (~6,893 m) Maps of World | Andes | Mining; tourism; risk from volcano/earthquakes; water scarcity issues. |
| 9 | China | Many of the highest mountain ranges, immense land area. World Population Review+1 | Mount Everest etc.; many peaks >7,000m and 8,000m Maps of World+1 | Himalayas, Karakoram, Hengduan, Kunlun, etc. | Huge biodiversity; heavy population in mountainous zones; environmental pressures. |
| 10 | Armenia | High % mountainous; rugged terrain. www.ndtv.com+1 | Mount Aragats (~4,090 m) (highest in Armenia) | Lesser and Greater Caucasus ranges | Tourism; cultural heritage; water runoff; landslide risks. |
| 11 | Switzerland | Alps dominate; also high % mountainous cover. www.ndtv.com+1 | Dufourspitze (~4,634 m) (highest in Switzerland) | Alps | Excellent infrastructure; tourism; agriculture in valleys; challenges of avalanche, climate warming. |
| 12 | Iran | Many high peaks in the Alborz and Zagros ranges. Telegraph+1 | Mount Damavand (~5,610 m) Maps of World | Alborz, Zagros | Cultural importance; biodiversity; water supply; environmental issues (deforestation, erosion). |
| 13 | Peru | Andes high elevations; glaciers, biodiversity. World Population Review+1 | Huascarán (~6,768 m) Maps of World | Andes | Tourism; indigenous culture; glacier retreat; risk of earthquakes. |
| 14 | Bolivia | Andes; high plateaus (Altiplano). World Population Review+1 | Nevado Sajama (~6,542 m) Maps of World | Andes | Unique plateaus; high altitude farming; some of poorest infrastructure; climate change affects water. |
| 15 | Ecuador | Mountains + proximity to equator; volcanoes. Maps of World | Chimborazo (~6,267 m) Maps of World | Andes | Volcanic soils; tourism; also hazards (eruption, earthquake). |
| 16 | USA | Many mountain ranges (Rockies, Alaska, Sierra Nevada, etc.). Maps of World | Denali (~6,194 m) Maps of World | Rockies, Cascade, Alaska Range | Infrastructure good; tourism; environmental protection; some areas remote. |
| 17 | Tanzania | Kilimanjaro; high elevation plateaus. Maps of World | Mount Kilimanjaro (~5,892 m) Maps of World | East African ranges | Wildlife tourism; climate zones; melting glacier; cultural and economic importance. |
| 18 | Canada | Rocky Mountains, Coast Mountains, etc. Many high peaks. Maps of World | Mount Logan (~5,959 m) Maps of World | Rockies, Coastal Cordillera, etc. | Large wilderness; environmental research; challenges of remoteness and climate. |
| 19 | Russia | Caucasus, Siberian ranges, etc. Many high and remote peaks. Maps of World | Mount Elbrus (~5,642 m) Maps of World | Caucasus, Altai, etc. | Very diverse climates; challenges in infrastructure over vast areas; also mineral wealth. |
| 20 | Myanmar | Hkakabo Razi (~5,881 m) Maps of World | Himalaya extension / Hengduan etc. | Cultural diversity; remote wildlands; conservation issues. | |
| 21 | Colombia | Pico CristĂłbal ColĂłn / SimĂłn BolĂvar (~5,700 m) Maps of World | Andes | High biodiversity; coffee; tropical mountain ecosystems; risk of landslides. | |
| 22 | Mexico | Pico de Orizaba (~5,636 m) Maps of World | Trans-Mexico Volcanic Belt | Volcanoes, snow, mixed climates; tourism; hazards. | |
| 23 | Georgia | Shkhara (~5,201 m) Maps of World | Caucasus Mountains | Cultural and historical intersection; hiking; climate; strategic geography. | |
| 24 | Kenya | Mount Kenya (~5,199 m) Maps of World | East African highlands | Wildlife; ecosystem variation; water catchments. | |
| 25 | Iran | (already included) | — | — | — |
| 26 | Ethiopia | The Ethiopian Highlands, many peaks (Simien Mountains, etc.) | Ras Dashen (~4,550 m) is highest in Ethiopia | Ethiopian Highlands | Large population in highlands; agriculture; water resources; erosion/deforestation issues. |
| 27 | Taiwan | Mountains run almost the length of the island; many peaks above 3,000-4,000 m. | Yu Shan (Mount Jade) (~3,952 m) | Central Mountain Range | Biodiversity; rain & climate; frequent typhoons/erosion; attractive for tourists. |
| 28 | Papua New Guinea / Indonesia New Guinea | Many peaks, high rainfall, volcanic mountains. | Puncak Jaya (~4,884 m in Papua, Indonesia) is one of highest in Oceania. | Central Cordillera etc. | Cultural diversity; biodiversity hotspots; remote, logistical challenges. |
| 29 | Nepal / Pakistan etc. (many overlapping) | — | — | — | — |
| 30 | Austria / Italy (Alps region) | The Alps cover large parts; many high peaks; high % mountainous land. | Mont Blanc (~4,809 m) (on French-Italian border) (Italy/France) | Alps | Tourism, skiing, mountaineering; high infrastructure; environmental regulation; avalanche risk. |
Note: Some countries are repeated if measured by highest peak and high average elevation; depending on criteria some may be ranked higher or lower. The list could shift if you use “population above certain altitude,” “fraction of land above certain elevation,” etc.
Challenges / Disadvantages
While mountains have many positives, there are also challenges:
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Difficult access / transportation (steep terrain, remoteness)
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Harsh climates (cold, thin air, storms)
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Risk of natural disasters: landslides, avalanches, rockfall, seismic activity.
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Climate change: melting glaciers, less snowpack, changing precipitation patterns.
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Food security: soil fertility often limited, growing season short.
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Infrastructure cost and maintenance higher.
For Bloggers: Framing Ideas & Hooks
Some blog angles you could take:
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Compare two or more mountainous countries: how their landscapes shape culture, livelihoods.
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Focus on lesser known peaks / ranges in your region.
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The impact of climate change on mountain water supplies.
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Adventure tourism: stories of trekking or climbing.
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People who live “above 3000m”: traditions, challenges, adaptations.