Mountains by Country

Explore the world’s mountains, one country at a time.

Mountains do not follow political borders. The Himalayas rise across several Asian nations, the Andes extend through seven South American countries, and the Alps connect communities throughout central and southern Europe. Even so, exploring mountains by country is one of the easiest ways to understand the geography, culture, wildlife, and outdoor adventures associated with a particular part of the world.

Some countries are dominated by towering mountain chains, while others contain isolated volcanoes, rugged highlands, ancient plateaus, or modest hill systems. Every landscape has its own geological story.

🏔️ Field Guide Tip: When planning a mountain journey, research both the country and the mountain range. A single range may cross several borders, and trail access, permits, seasons, transportation, and safety requirements can vary significantly from one country to another.

🌍 Explore Mountains Around the World

Region	Major Mountain Systems	Featured Mountain Countries
Asia	Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Pamirs, Tian Shan, Caucasus	Nepal, China, Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
Europe	Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, Apennines, Scandinavian Mountains	Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France, Spain, Norway, Romania
North America	Rocky Mountains, Appalachians, Alaska Range, Sierra Madre	United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica
South America	Andes, Guiana Highlands, Brazilian Highlands	Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia
Africa	Atlas Mountains, Ethiopian Highlands, Drakensberg, Rwenzori Mountains	Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Morocco, South Africa
Australia and Oceania	Great Dividing Range, Southern Alps, New Guinea Highlands	Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia
Antarctica	Transantarctic Mountains, Ellsworth Mountains	No sovereign countries

Country placement follows commonly used geographic conventions. Transcontinental countries such as Russia, Turkey, Georgia, and Kazakhstan may be associated with more than one region.

🏔️ Mountains in Asia by Country

Asia contains the highest mountains on Earth. The continent is home to the Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Pamirs, Tian Shan, Kunlun Mountains, Altai Mountains, Zagros Mountains, Japanese Alps, and hundreds of volcanic island peaks.

All 14 of the world’s mountains above 8,000 meters are located in Asia.

Afghanistan

The Hindu Kush dominates much of northeastern and central Afghanistan. The country’s highest mountains are concentrated around the remote Wakhan Corridor, where the Hindu Kush approaches the Pamirs and Karakoram.

Armenia

Armenia is a mountainous country shaped by volcanic plateaus and the Lesser Caucasus. Mount Aragats, a large extinct volcanic massif, is the country’s highest mountain.

Azerbaijan

The Greater Caucasus rise across northern Azerbaijan, while the Lesser Caucasus extend through the west. The country contains rugged valleys, alpine meadows, and high peaks along its border with Russia.

Bhutan

Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas and is one of the most mountainous countries in the world. Its landscape rises from forested foothills to enormous, largely unclimbed Himalayan summits.

China

China contains an extraordinary variety of mountain systems, including the Himalayas, Karakoram, Kunlun Mountains, Tian Shan, Altai Mountains, Hengduan Mountains, and ranges surrounding the Tibetan Plateau.

Mount Everest stands on the border between China and Nepal.

Georgia

Georgia occupies a spectacular section of the Caucasus. The Greater Caucasus contain glaciated peaks such as Shkhara and Mount Kazbek, while the Lesser Caucasus extend across the southern part of the country.

India

India’s mountains include the Himalayas and Karakoram in the north, the ancient Aravalli Range in the west, and the Western and Eastern Ghats farther south.

The country contains some of the world’s highest and most culturally significant mountain landscapes.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s mountains are closely connected to the Pacific Ring of Fire. The country contains hundreds of volcanoes as well as the high mountains of western New Guinea, including Puncak Jaya.

Iran

The Zagros Mountains stretch across western and southern Iran, while the Alborz Mountains rise south of the Caspian Sea. Mount Damavand, an enormous stratovolcano, is the country’s best-known summit.

Iraq

The northeastern part of Iraq reaches into the Zagros mountain system. This region contains steep valleys, high ridges, seasonal snow, and some of the country’s most rugged terrain.

Israel

Israel’s higher landscapes include the mountains of Galilee, Mount Carmel, the Judean Mountains, and the rocky uplands of the Negev.

Japan

Japan is a mountainous volcanic archipelago. Its most famous summit is Mount Fuji, while the Japanese Alps contain many of the country’s finest hiking and climbing destinations.

Jordan

Jordan’s mountain landscapes include the highlands east of the Jordan Rift Valley, the Sharah Mountains, and the sandstone massifs surrounding Wadi Rum.

Kazakhstan

Eastern and southeastern Kazakhstan contain sections of the Tian Shan and Altai Mountains. These regions feature glaciated peaks, alpine lakes, broad valleys, and remote wilderness.

Kyrgyzstan

Much of Kyrgyzstan is mountainous. The Tian Shan covers most of the country, while the Pamir-Alay system rises in the southwest.

Kyrgyzstan is especially known for high-altitude trekking, horseback travel, alpine lakes, and remote valleys.

Lebanon

The Mount Lebanon range runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast, while the Anti-Lebanon Mountains form part of the country’s eastern border.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s best-known mountain landscape is found in Sabah on the island of Borneo. Mount Kinabalu rises above the Crocker Range and is one of Southeast Asia’s most recognizable peaks.

Mongolia

Mongolia contains the Altai, Khangai, and Khentii mountain systems. The country’s western mountains are especially rugged and include glaciers, high plateaus, and broad valleys.

Myanmar

Myanmar’s mountains include the northern highlands near the eastern Himalayas, the Shan Hills, and long north–south ranges separating river valleys throughout the country.

Nepal

Nepal is synonymous with the Himalayas. Eight of the world’s 14 mountains above 8,000 meters lie wholly or partly within Nepal, including Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I.

North Korea

North Korea contains the Hamgyong Mountains, Rangrim Mountains, and volcanic Mount Paektu, which stands on the border with China.

Oman

The Al Hajar Mountains extend across northern Oman. Their rugged limestone canyons, high plateaus, remote villages, and desert scenery create one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most distinctive mountain regions.

Pakistan

Pakistan contains parts of the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush. Its mountains include K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II.

Northern Pakistan contains one of the greatest concentrations of extremely high mountains on Earth.

Philippines

The Philippines consists of mountainous and volcanic islands. Important mountain regions include the Cordillera Central of Luzon, the Sierra Madre, and the highlands of Mindanao.

Russia

Russia’s immense territory includes the Caucasus, Urals, Altai, Sayan Mountains, Verkhoyansk Range, Chersky Range, and the volcanic mountains of Kamchatka.

Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus is generally regarded as the highest mountain in Europe.

Saudi Arabia

Western Saudi Arabia contains the Hejaz, Asir, and Sarawat mountain systems. These ranges rise above the Red Sea coastal plain and include some of the country’s coolest and greenest landscapes.

South Korea

South Korea’s principal mountain systems include the Taebaek and Sobaek ranges. Hallasan, a shield volcano on Jeju Island, is the country’s highest mountain.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands contain forested mountains, tea-growing regions, waterfalls, and important wildlife habitats. Pidurutalagala is the country’s highest point.

Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the world’s most mountainous islands. The Central Mountain Range runs along much of the island, with numerous summits above 3,000 meters.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan is dominated by the Pamir Mountains, sometimes called the “Roof of the World.” The country contains immense glaciers, elevated plateaus, remote settlements, and several peaks above 7,000 meters.

Thailand

Northern and western Thailand contain forested mountain ranges extending south from the highlands of Myanmar, Laos, and southern China. Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain.

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste has a rugged interior crossed by steep ridges and deep valleys. Mount Ramelau, also known as Tatamailau, is the country’s highest summit.

Turkey

Turkey contains the Taurus Mountains, Pontic Mountains, Anatolian highlands, and volcanic peaks such as Mount Ararat.

Because Turkey lies between Europe and Asia, its mountains are often discussed as part of both regions.

United Arab Emirates

The Hajar Mountains rise across the eastern United Arab Emirates and neighboring Oman. This dry and rugged region contains dramatic wadis, rocky summits, and some of the country’s most popular hiking areas.

Uzbekistan

The eastern part of Uzbekistan reaches into the western Tian Shan and Hissar mountain systems. Most of the country’s highest terrain lies near the borders with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s highest mountains rise in the northwestern part of the country. The Hoàng Liên Sơn range contains Fansipan, the highest summit in Vietnam and the wider Indochinese Peninsula.

Yemen

Yemen’s western highlands rise steeply above the Red Sea coastal plain. The region contains terraced slopes, volcanic landscapes, historic villages, and some of the highest mountains on the Arabian Peninsula.

🏔️ Mountains in Europe by Country

Europe’s mountains may not reach the extreme elevations of Asia, but they have played an enormous role in the continent’s culture, history, transportation, ecology, and outdoor traditions.

The Alps are Europe’s most famous mountain system, but the continent also contains the Pyrenees, Carpathians, Apennines, Dinaric Alps, Balkan Mountains, Scandinavian Mountains, Scottish Highlands, and Icelandic volcanoes.

Albania

Albania is one of Europe’s most mountainous countries. The Albanian Alps, Korab Mountains, and other rugged ranges cover much of its interior.

Andorra

Located entirely within the Pyrenees, Andorra is a small country of high valleys, steep slopes, mountain lakes, hiking trails, and ski areas.

Austria

The Austrian Alps cover much of the country. Austria is known for glaciated peaks, alpine villages, mountain railways, long-distance trails, and winter sports.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Dinaric Alps dominate Bosnia and Herzegovina. Limestone mountains, deep river canyons, caves, forests, and elevated plateaus characterize much of the landscape.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria contains the Balkan Mountains, Rila, Pirin, Rhodope Mountains, and several smaller ranges. Musala in the Rila Mountains is the country’s highest summit.

Croatia

Croatia’s mountain landscapes are concentrated in the Dinaric Alps. Velebit and Biokovo rise dramatically near the Adriatic coast.

Czechia

Czechia is surrounded by uplands and low mountain systems, including the Sudetes, Krkonoše, Šumava, and Ore Mountains.

France

France contains portions of the Alps and Pyrenees as well as the Massif Central, Jura, Vosges, and the mountains of Corsica.

Mont Blanc rises on the France–Italy border.

Germany

Germany’s highest mountains are found in the Bavarian Alps. The country also contains the Black Forest, Harz Mountains, Ore Mountains, and several central upland regions.

Greece

Mainland Greece and many of its islands are mountainous. Important ranges include the Pindus Mountains, Rhodope Mountains, and the legendary Mount Olympus.

Iceland

Iceland’s mountains were shaped by volcanism and glaciers. The island contains active volcanoes, basalt plateaus, ice-covered summits, geothermal landscapes, and deeply carved fjords.

Italy

Italy contains the Alps in the north and the Apennines running along the peninsula. The country also includes famous volcanic mountains such as Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius, and Stromboli.

Kosovo

Kosovo’s mountains include parts of the Šar Mountains and the Accursed Mountains, which contain rugged limestone peaks, alpine lakes, and traditional highland settlements.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein lies between Switzerland and Austria in the Alps. Although small, it contains steep ridges, mountain pastures, and an extensive network of hiking trails.

Montenegro

Montenegro contains some of the most dramatic sections of the Dinaric Alps. Durmitor, Prokletije, and the mountains surrounding the Bay of Kotor define much of the country’s scenery.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia contains the Šar Mountains, Osogovo, Baba Mountain, and several other ranges surrounding high valleys and lakes.

Norway

The Scandinavian Mountains run through much of Norway. Glaciers, plateaus, waterfalls, fjords, and steep coastal peaks create some of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes.

Poland

Southern Poland contains the Carpathians and Sudetes. The Tatra Mountains, shared with Slovakia, are the country’s highest and most rugged alpine region.

Portugal

Portugal’s mountain regions include the Serra da Estrela and other mainland ranges. The volcanic islands of Madeira and the Azores contain additional rugged peaks.

Romania

The Carpathian Mountains curve through central Romania. The Eastern, Southern, and Western Carpathians contain forests, high ridges, glacial lakes, and important wildlife habitats.

Serbia

Serbia contains sections of the Dinaric Alps, Balkan Mountains, Carpathians, and numerous forested uplands.

Slovakia

The Carpathians cover much of Slovakia. The High Tatras contain sharp granite summits, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and many of the country’s most popular trails.

Slovenia

Slovenia’s mountain regions include the Julian Alps, Kamnik–Savinja Alps, and Karawanks. Mount Triglav is both the country’s highest mountain and an important national symbol.

Spain

Spain contains the Pyrenees, Cantabrian Mountains, Sistema Central, Sistema Ibérico, Sierra Nevada, and many other ranges. The Canary Islands add spectacular volcanic mountains, including Mount Teide.

Sweden

The Scandinavian Mountains form much of Sweden’s western border with Norway. Kebnekaise is the country’s highest mountain massif.

Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the world’s best-known mountain countries. The Alps and Jura cover much of its territory, while famous peaks include the Matterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Dufourspitze.

Ukraine

The Ukrainian Carpathians rise across the western part of the country. This region contains rounded peaks, mountain forests, traditional villages, and high meadows known as polonynas.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom’s principal mountain areas include the Scottish Highlands, Lake District, Pennines, Cambrian Mountains, Mourne Mountains, and the uplands of Wales.

Ben Nevis in Scotland is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom.

🏔️ Mountains in North America by Country

North America contains an enormous mountain chain extending from Alaska and western Canada through the United States and Mexico into Central America.

The continent includes the Rocky Mountains, Alaska Range, Coast Mountains, Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada, Appalachian Mountains, Sierra Madre, and numerous volcanic ranges.

Belize

The Maya Mountains rise across southern and western Belize. Their forested ridges contain caves, waterfalls, wildlife habitats, and ancient Maya archaeological sites.

Canada

Canada contains the Canadian Rockies, Coast Mountains, Columbia Mountains, Saint Elias Mountains, Mackenzie Mountains, Torngat Mountains, and many smaller ranges.

The country’s western mountains contain vast glaciers, national parks, and some of North America’s most remote wilderness.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is crossed by volcanic mountain ranges, including the Cordillera de Guanacaste, Cordillera Central, and Cordillera de Talamanca.

Cuba

The Sierra Maestra of southeastern Cuba contains Pico Turquino, the island’s highest mountain. Other upland regions include the Sierra del Escambray and Sierra de los Órganos.

Dominica

Dominica is a steep volcanic island of forested mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and crater lakes. Morne Diablotins is its highest summit.

Dominican Republic

The Cordillera Central contains Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Caribbean. The country also includes the Cordillera Septentrional, Sierra de Neiba, and Sierra de Bahoruco.

El Salvador

El Salvador’s landscape is dominated by volcanic chains and highlands. Many of its best-known summits are active or dormant volcanoes.

Greenland

Greenland’s mountainous ice-free margins contain sharp coastal ranges, enormous fjords, glaciers, and some of the Arctic’s most remote peaks.

Guatemala

Guatemala contains the Sierra Madre, Cuchumatanes Mountains, and a dramatic chain of volcanoes. Tajumulco is the highest mountain in Central America.

Haiti

Haiti’s rugged terrain includes the Massif de la Selle, Massif du Nord, and several other mountain systems. Pic la Selle is the country’s highest summit.

Honduras

Honduras is largely mountainous, with forested ranges separating interior valleys and Caribbean and Pacific watersheds.

Jamaica

The Blue Mountains rise above eastern Jamaica. Blue Mountain Peak is the island’s highest summit and one of the Caribbean’s best-known hiking destinations.

Mexico

Mexico contains the Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, Sierra Madre del Sur, and the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

Its highest mountains include Pico de Orizaba, Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, and Nevado de Toluca.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua contains volcanic mountains along its Pacific side and forested highlands farther inland. Several volcanoes remain active.

Panama

Panama’s central mountain spine includes the Cordillera Central and Talamanca Mountains. Volcán Barú is the country’s highest mountain.

United States

The United States contains the Rocky Mountains, Appalachians, Alaska Range, Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, Brooks Range, Coast Ranges, and numerous desert mountain systems.

Denali in Alaska is the highest mountain in North America.

Caribbean Mountain Islands and Territories

Additional mountain landscapes can be found in:

• Grenada: Volcanic central highlands
• Guadeloupe: The volcanic mountains of Basse-Terre
• Martinique: Mount Pelée and surrounding volcanic terrain
• Puerto Rico: Cordillera Central and Sierra de Luquillo
• Saint Kitts and Nevis: Volcanic peaks on both islands
• Saint Lucia: Mount Gimie and the Pitons
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: La Soufrière and volcanic ridges
• Trinidad and Tobago: Northern Range and Main Ridge

🏔️ Mountains in South America by Country

The Andes form South America’s great mountain backbone, stretching through Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

Eastern South America also contains the ancient Guiana Highlands, Brazilian ranges, isolated table mountains, and lower upland systems.

Argentina

The Argentine Andes contain Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside Asia. Argentina also includes the high volcanoes of the Central Andes and the spectacular glaciated mountains of Patagonia.

Bolivia

Bolivia contains the Cordillera Occidental, Cordillera Real, and elevated Altiplano. Its mountains include volcanoes, glaciers, high lakes, and some of the world’s highest permanent settlements.

Brazil

Brazil’s mountains are older and lower than the Andes. Major systems include the Serra do Mar, Serra da Mantiqueira, Espinhaço Mountains, and highlands of the southeast.

Chile

The Andes extend along nearly the entire length of Chile. The country contains desert volcanoes, Mediterranean mountain valleys, temperate rainforests, ice fields, and the dramatic peaks of Patagonia.

Colombia

The Colombian Andes divide into three principal branches: the Cordillera Occidental, Cordillera Central, and Cordillera Oriental.

Colombia also contains the isolated Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta near the Caribbean coast.

Ecuador

Ecuador’s Andes contain two major mountain chains lined with volcanoes. Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cayambe, and Antisana are among the country’s best-known peaks.

Guyana

Guyana’s Pakaraima Mountains form part of the Guiana Highlands. The region is known for immense cliffs, waterfalls, rainforest, and flat-topped tepuis such as Mount Roraima.

Paraguay

Paraguay has no high alpine mountain system, but it contains uplands and low ranges such as the Amambay and Mbaracayú hills.

Peru

The Peruvian Andes contain the Cordillera Blanca, Cordillera Huayhuash, Vilcabamba Range, Cordillera Vilcanota, and many other high mountain systems.

Huascarán is the highest mountain in Peru.

Suriname

Southern and central Suriname contain forested uplands and low mountain systems, including the Wilhelmina and Bakhuis ranges.

Uruguay

Uruguay is characterized primarily by rolling plains and low ridges rather than high mountains. Its principal uplands include the Cuchilla Grande and Cuchilla de Haedo.

Venezuela

The Andes reach their northern end in western Venezuela. The country also contains the Cordillera de la Costa and the ancient tepuis of the Guiana Highlands.

French Guiana

French Guiana contains forested interior uplands rather than high alpine mountains. Its terrain forms part of the wider Guiana Shield.

🏔️ Mountains in Africa by Country

Africa’s mountain landscapes include enormous volcanoes, ancient massifs, rift-valley ranges, deeply eroded highlands, and steep escarpments.

Unlike the nearly continuous Andes or Himalayas, many of Africa’s greatest mountains are separated by broad plateaus, deserts, forests, and savannas.

Algeria

Northern Algeria contains the Tell Atlas and Saharan Atlas, while the Ahaggar Mountains rise from the Sahara farther south.

Angola

Angola’s central highlands form an important watershed. The Serra da Chela creates dramatic escarpments and elevated landscapes in the southwest.

Burundi

Burundi’s mountainous western region forms part of the Congo–Nile Divide and rises above Lake Tanganyika and the East African Rift.

Cabo Verde

The islands of Cabo Verde are volcanic. Pico do Fogo, an active volcano on Fogo Island, is the archipelago’s highest summit.

Cameroon

The Cameroon Volcanic Line includes Mount Cameroon, one of Africa’s largest active volcanoes, along with numerous highlands, crater lakes, and volcanic massifs.

Chad

The Tibesti Mountains rise from the Sahara in northern Chad. This remote volcanic region contains Emi Koussi, the highest mountain in the Sahara.

Comoros

The Comoros are mountainous volcanic islands. Mount Karthala on Grande Comore is an active shield volcano and the country’s highest point.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo contains the Rwenzori Mountains, Virunga Mountains, Mitumba Mountains, and volcanic peaks of the East African Rift.

Djibouti

Djibouti’s mountains include the Goda and Mabla ranges as well as stark volcanic uplands surrounding the Afar Depression.

Egypt

Egypt’s highest mountain landscapes are found in the Sinai Peninsula. Mount Catherine and the surrounding granite peaks rise above desert valleys and historic monasteries.

Equatorial Guinea

Pico Basile, a large volcanic mountain on Bioko Island, is the highest point in Equatorial Guinea.

Eritrea

The Eritrean Highlands form a rugged extension of the Ethiopian Highlands. Steep escarpments descend toward the Red Sea and the Danakil Depression.

Eswatini

Western Eswatini reaches into the Drakensberg and Highveld, while the lower Lubombo Mountains extend along the country’s eastern side.

Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Highlands contain the Simien Mountains, Bale Mountains, deep river gorges, volcanic plateaus, and some of Africa’s most distinctive alpine ecosystems.

Guinea

The Fouta Djallon highlands and Mount Nimba region contain important watersheds, forests, and some of West Africa’s most significant elevated terrain.

Kenya

Kenya’s mountains include Mount Kenya, the Aberdare Range, Cherangani Hills, and volcanic highlands of the East African Rift.

Lesotho

Lesotho is the only independent country situated entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation. The Maloti and Drakensberg mountains dominate its rugged landscape.

Libya

Libya’s mountain regions include the Jebel Akhdar near the Mediterranean coast and desert uplands connected with the Tibesti region.

Madagascar

Madagascar’s Central Highlands include volcanic massifs, granite peaks, and the Tsaratanana mountain region in the north.

Malawi

Malawi’s mountains include the Mulanje Massif, Nyika Plateau, and highlands forming part of the East African Rift landscape.

Mauritius

Mauritius is a volcanic island with steep, deeply eroded mountain massifs. Pieter Both and Le Morne Brabant are among its most distinctive peaks.

Morocco

Morocco contains the High Atlas, Middle Atlas, Anti-Atlas, and Rif Mountains. Jebel Toubkal in the High Atlas is the highest mountain in North Africa.

Mozambique

Mozambique’s principal mountain regions lie near its borders with Zimbabwe and Malawi. Mount Namuli, Mount Mabu, and the Eastern Highlands support exceptional biodiversity.

Namibia

Namibia contains the Great Escarpment, Brandberg Massif, Naukluft Mountains, and numerous isolated desert ranges.

Niger

The Aïr Mountains rise from the Sahara in northern Niger. Ancient volcanic formations, desert valleys, and archaeological sites characterize the region.

Nigeria

Nigeria’s mountain landscapes include the Mambilla Plateau, Obudu Plateau, Jos Plateau, and highlands along the border with Cameroon.

Rwanda

Rwanda’s mountains include the Virunga volcanoes and the Congo–Nile Divide. The country’s steep green hills have earned it the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

São Tomé and Príncipe

Both main islands are volcanic and mountainous. Pico de São Tomé is the country’s highest summit.

Sierra Leone

The Loma Mountains contain Mount Bintumani, Sierra Leone’s highest peak. The country also includes the Tingi Hills and other forested uplands.

Somalia

The Cal Madow mountain range rises across northern Somalia. Its escarpments and isolated forests support species found nowhere else in the region.

South Africa

South Africa contains the Drakensberg, Cape Fold Mountains, Great Escarpment, Cederberg, and numerous other ranges.

South Sudan

The Imatong Mountains rise in southern South Sudan near the border with Uganda. Mount Kinyeti is the country’s highest summit.

Sudan

The Marrah Mountains form a large volcanic massif in Darfur. Jebel Marra contains the highest terrain in Sudan.

Tanzania

Tanzania contains Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, the Eastern Arc Mountains, and several volcanic highlands associated with the East African Rift.

Tunisia

Northern and central Tunisia contain extensions of the Atlas mountain system, including forested ridges, rocky plateaus, and desert-facing uplands.

Uganda

Uganda’s mountains include the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Elgon, Virunga volcanoes, and numerous highlands bordering the East African Rift.

Zambia

The Muchinga Mountains and Mafinga Hills form some of Zambia’s most important upland regions and watersheds.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands include the Chimanimani Mountains, Bvumba Mountains, and Nyanga region.

Réunion

The French island of Réunion contains the extinct Piton des Neiges and the highly active Piton de la Fournaise, surrounded by enormous volcanic cirques.

🏔️ Mountains in Australia and Oceania by Country

Australia and Oceania contain a remarkable mixture of ancient continental mountains, young volcanic islands, tropical highlands, and glaciated peaks.

Some Pacific nations consist mainly of low coral atolls and have no true mountains. Others are the exposed summits of enormous undersea volcanoes.

Australia

Australia’s principal mountain system is the Great Dividing Range, which extends along much of the eastern side of the continent.

Important regions include the Australian Alps, Snowy Mountains, Blue Mountains, Flinders Ranges, MacDonnell Ranges, and Tasmanian highlands.

Fiji

Fiji’s larger islands are volcanic and mountainous. Viti Levu contains Mount Tomanivi, the country’s highest summit.

Federated States of Micronesia

Several Micronesian islands are mountainous and volcanic, particularly Pohnpei and Kosrae. Other islands within the federation are low coral atolls.

Indonesia

Indonesia is generally classified as part of Asia, but the western half of New Guinea is geographically associated with Oceania.

This region contains the Sudirman Range and Puncak Jaya, the highest mountain in Oceania under the Messner Seven Summits definition.

New Caledonia

New Caledonia’s main island contains a long central mountain chain with rich mineral deposits and distinctive plant communities.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s South Island is dominated by the Southern Alps. Aoraki/Mount Cook is the country’s highest mountain.

The North Island contains major volcanic peaks, including Ruapehu, Taranaki, and Tongariro.

Palau

Palau includes volcanic and limestone islands. Babeldaob contains the country’s highest terrain and most extensive uplands.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea contains the Central Range, Bismarck Range, Owen Stanley Range, and numerous volcanic mountains.

Mount Wilhelm is the country’s highest mountain.

Samoa

The Samoan islands are volcanic and mountainous. Their interiors contain forested ridges, craters, lava fields, and steep valleys.

Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands contain rugged volcanic interiors, rainforest-covered ridges, and several active or dormant volcanoes.

Tonga

Most Tongan islands are low, but the western island chain contains active volcanic peaks rising from the Pacific Ocean.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s islands are mountainous and volcanic. Mount Tabwemasana is the country’s highest summit, while Mount Yasur is one of its best-known active volcanoes.

French Polynesia

Tahiti, Moorea, and several other islands contain deeply eroded volcanic mountains surrounded by tropical forests and lagoons.

Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands

These Pacific territories contain volcanic and limestone uplands. The Northern Mariana Islands include several active volcanic islands.

Hawaii

Hawaii is part of the United States but forms a distinct Pacific mountain region. Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Haleakalā, and the Koʻolau and Waiʻanae ranges were created by hotspot volcanism.

🧊 Mountains in Antarctica

Antarctica has no sovereign countries. Seven nations have made territorial claims to parts of the continent, but the Antarctic Treaty preserves existing legal positions while prohibiting new claims or the enlargement of existing claims while the treaty remains in force.

For this reason, Antarctica’s mountains are better explored by range and geographic region rather than by country.

Major Antarctic mountain systems include:

• Transantarctic Mountains
• Ellsworth Mountains
• Sentinel Range
• Heritage Range
• Queen Maud Mountains
• Queen Alexandra Range
• Queen Elizabeth Range
• Admiralty Mountains
• Prince Charles Mountains
• Executive Committee Range
• Pensacola Mountains
• Antarctic Peninsula ranges

Mount Vinson in the Sentinel Range is the highest mountain in Antarctica.

🌐 Mountain Ranges That Cross Country Borders

Many of the world’s greatest mountain systems extend across international boundaries.

Himalayas

The Himalayas extend through or along the borders of Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan.

Karakoram

The Karakoram extends across Pakistan, China, and India, with neighboring mountain regions approaching Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

Hindu Kush

The Hindu Kush is concentrated in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with related highlands extending toward Tajikistan.

Tian Shan

The Tian Shan extends through China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

Caucasus

The Caucasus mountain region includes parts of Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and northeastern Turkey.

Alps

The Alps extend across France, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia.

Pyrenees

The Pyrenees form a natural mountain barrier between Spain and France, with Andorra located within the range.

Carpathians

The Carpathians curve through several countries of central and eastern Europe, including Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, and neighboring regions.

Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains extend from western Canada into the United States.

Andes

The Andes pass through Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

Atlas Mountains

The Atlas mountain system extends across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

Rwenzori Mountains

The Rwenzori Mountains rise along the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Drakensberg

The Drakensberg extends through South Africa and Lesotho.

🧭 Why Explore Mountains by Country?

Country guides provide more than lists of summits. They make it easier to understand how mountains influence:

• National parks and protected areas
• Hiking and climbing regulations
• Local cultures and traditions
• Wildlife and plant communities
• Weather and seasonal conditions
• Transportation and trail access
• International borders
• Conservation challenges
• Tourism and mountain communities

Two peaks in the same mountain range may offer completely different experiences when approached from different countries.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How many countries have mountains?

There is no universally accepted total because there is no single worldwide definition separating mountains from hills, highlands, plateaus, and elevated ridges.

Most large countries contain at least some mountainous or hilly terrain, while several small island nations consist almost entirely of low coral atolls.

Which countries contain Mount Everest?

Mount Everest stands on the international border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Climbers commonly approach the mountain from Nepal’s southern side or from Tibet on the northern side.

Which countries have the highest mountains?

The world’s highest mountains are concentrated in Nepal, China, Pakistan, and India. Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan also contain exceptionally high peaks.

Which countries do the Andes pass through?

The Andes extend through Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

Are the Alps located in Switzerland?

Switzerland contains some of the most famous sections of the Alps, but the range also extends through France, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia.

Are country high points always mountains?

No. The highest point of a country may be a mountain, hill, plateau, ridge, volcanic summit, or nearly level point.

Some low-lying countries have national high points that would not normally be considered mountains.

Why are some countries associated with two continents?

Countries such as Russia, Turkey, Georgia, and Kazakhstan extend across or lie close to commonly used continental boundaries.

Indonesia is normally classified as an Asian country, although its territory on New Guinea is geographically part of Oceania.

Which country is best for mountain hiking?

The answer depends on the type of experience you are seeking.

• High-altitude trekking: Nepal, Pakistan, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Peru
• Well-developed alpine trails: Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, and Slovenia
• Volcano hiking: Indonesia, Japan, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica
• Remote wilderness: Canada, Mongolia, Greenland, Tajikistan, and Papua New Guinea
• Wildlife and mountain scenery: Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, and Bhutan
• Accessible national parks: United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Norway

🔗 Related Mountain Guides

• Mountains by Continent
• Mountains in Asia
• Mountains in Europe
• Mountains in North America
• Mountains in South America
• Mountains in Africa
• Mountain Ranges of Antarctica
• Highest Mountains by Continent
• The World’s Top 100 Mountain Ranges

📚 Sources

• United Nations — Member States — Reference for internationally recognized UN member countries. (United Nations)
• National Geographic — What Is a Mountain? — Overview of mountain landforms, ranges, and mountain formation. (National Geographic)
• Antarctic Treaty Secretariat — The Antarctic Treaty — Official information concerning territorial claims and international governance in Antarctica. (Antarctic Treaty System)