The Alps mountains stretch across 8 countries in Europe, totaling over 1,200 km. The highest peak is Mont Blanc in France at 4,807 meters, and the second highest is Monte Rosa in Switzerland at 4,634 meters. Around 100 million people visit the Alps each year for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities, though only 13.5 million live there permanently. Formed by the collision of tectonic plates, the Alps are an important tourist region with many mountain resorts that attract visitors from around the world.