The Alps are the largest mountain range on European soil. It is still up for debate are they the highest mountains in Europe or not, as there are still debates about the border of Europe and Asia in the Caucasus, where there are higher mountains than the Alps. This mountain range has been formed by the Alpine orogenesis, which has been triggered by the movement of Africa toward Europe. These mountains are considered to be young mountains, and they are still growing in area and height.
The Alps are a natural barrier between Central and Western Europe north of them, and the Apennine Peninsula south of them.
The Appennine Peninsula has its northern border totally surrounded by the Alps, which has led to the development of a unique culture, but also served as a good defense mechanism in the past.
There are three countries located on the Apennine Peninsula, with Italy dominating almost all of it, and San Marino and Vatican occupying very small areas.
