The Alps are among the most famous mountains in the world. Running through eight countries (France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia), the Alps have served a vital role in the history of Europe and the world, acting as a natural barrier for humans, animals, and the climate. Geography by Geoff took a look at the remarkable history and geography of these vital mountains.
About The Alps
The Alps have profoundly shaped the history, geography, and culture of Europe for millennia. They stretch 1,200 kilometers (~745 miles) throughout the eight countries, covering a total of 200,000 square kilometers. (~77,220 square miles). While they do cover much less ground than larger ranges like the Rockies, their influence in the world his unmatched.
The Alps formed 65 million years ago as the African and Eurasian tectonic plates collided. These peaks, including the legendary Mont Blanc (4,810 meters, or around 15,780 feet) continue to slowly evolve. Their rugged terrain divides Europe’s oceanic, Mediterranean, and continental climates, driving heavy snowfall and rainfall that feed the major rivers of Europe like the Rhine, Rhône, and Danube. Of course their geography also support massive amounts of tourism throughout Europe.
These enormous mountains have acted as both a shield and obstacle throughout history. They’ve shaped migration, trade, and empires. Humans have navigated their valleys since prehistoric times, with evidence indicate that humans lived in the mountains as far back as 45,000 years ago. In 218 BCE, Hannibal completed his daring cross with elephants. Romans fortified passes like the Great St. Bernard, fostering trade in salt, wine and metals. The Alps’ valleys nurtured independent communities like the Swiss cantons throughout the Middle Ages, while the Alps have turned into a global hub for tourism today.
120 million visitors visit the Alps annually for skiing, hiking, and climbing in areas like Zermatt and Chamonix. 48% of Switzerland’s electricity is generated from hydroelectricity from alpine rivers. The biodiversity and culture of the Alps continue to endure, making them on of the most defining natural and cultural forces in Europe.
