# Caucasus Mountains > mountain system spanning Eastern Europe and Western Asia **Wikidata**: [Q5477](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5477) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caucasus_Mountains) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/caucasus-mountains ## Summary The Caucasus Mountains are a mountain system spanning Eastern Europe and Western Asia, serving as a geographic area containing several geologically related mountains. This system is part of the Alpide belt and includes the Greater Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus ranges, situated near the borders of Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: Mountain system and mountain range. - **Location**: Spans Eastern Europe and Western Asia. - **Coordinates**: Latitude 42.5, Longitude 45. - **Aliases**: Caucasus. - **Parent Geological Feature**: Part of the Alpide belt, a seismic and orogenic belt extending along the southern margin of Eurasia. - **Subsidiary Ranges**: Contains the Greater Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus mountain ranges. - **Protected Areas**: Home to the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve (inception: May 12, 1924). - **Astronomical Namesake**: *Montes Caucasus* is a mountain range located on the Moon. - **Associated Species**: *Suillellus caucasicus* is a mushroom found in the region. - **Surrounding Countries**: Located in or bordering Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. ## FAQs **What is the geographical span of the Caucasus Mountains?** The mountain system spans across Eastern Europe and Western Asia, acting as a transcontinental feature in the Caucasus region. **What are the main mountain ranges within the Caucasus system?** The system comprises the Greater Caucasus, which spans Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, and the Lesser Caucasus, which spans Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. **Which countries are located in the Caucasus Mountains region?** The mountains are situated in or border the sovereign states of Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. **Is the Caucasus Mountains part of a larger geological structure?** Yes, the mountain system is part of the Alpide belt, a major seismic and orogenic belt that extends for more than 15,000 km along the southern margin of Eurasia. **What protected areas are associated with the Caucasus Mountains?** The Caucasus Biosphere Reserve, established on May 12, 1924, is a notable biosphere reserve located within this mountain system. ## Why It Matters The Caucasus Mountains serve as a significant geographical and geological divide between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, influencing the climate and terrain of the region. As part of the Alpide belt, the system plays a role in the seismic activity of the area, situated along the southern margin of Eurasia. The mountains host diverse ecosystems, including the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve, and unique species such as *Suillellus caucasicus*. Furthermore, the region's geopolitical importance is highlighted by its location at the intersection of Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia—nations with complex histories involving the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. ## Notable For - Spanning two continents: Eastern Europe and Western Asia. - Containing two major sub-ranges: the Greater Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus. - Being a component of the Alpide belt, a massive orogenic belt. - Hosting the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve, established in 1924. - Having a namesake lunar mountain range, *Montes Caucasus*. - Bordering four distinct sovereign states with varied histories and demographics. - Supporting specific biodiversity, including the mushroom species *Suillellus caucasicus*. ## Body ### Geography and Location The Caucasus Mountains are a major mountain system defined by coordinates at latitude 42.5 and longitude 45. Geographically, the system spans the boundary between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is often referred to simply as the Caucasus. The terrain serves as a critical geographic feature for the surrounding nations, acting as a natural barrier and a bridge between the two continents. ### Geological Structure The mountain system is part of the Alpide belt, which is described as a seismic and orogenic belt including an array of mountain ranges extending for more than 15,000 km along the southern margin of Eurasia. Within this system, the mountains are divided into two primary ranges: the Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus. The Greater Caucasus is located in the countries of Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, while the Lesser Caucasus is situated in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. ### Natural Environment and Biology The region supports specific biological entities, including the mushroom species *Suillellus caucasicus*. Conservation efforts in the area include the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve, a biosphere reserve that was established on May 12, 1924. The reserve is located within the Russian Federation. ### Astronomical Connection The influence of the Caucasus Mountains extends beyond Earth, with a mountain range on the Moon named *Montes Caucasus*. This lunar feature shares its name with the terrestrial mountain system. ### Regional Context: Countries The Caucasus Mountains are centrally located among four sovereign states, each with distinct characteristics: * **Russia**: Located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, Russia is the largest country in the world by land area (17,075,400 square kilometers). It shares borders with 14 countries, including Georgia and Azerbaijan. The modern Russian Federation succeeded the Soviet Union in 1991, with Moscow as its capital. Russia's highest point, Mount Elbrus (5,642m), is located in the Caucasus region. * **Georgia**: A transcontinental country in the Caucasus region spanning Europe and Asia, Georgia covers an area of 69,700 square kilometers with a population of approximately 3.7 million. Its capital is Tbilisi, and its highest point is Shkhara mountain. Georgia gained independence from the Soviet Union on December 25, 1991. * **Azerbaijan**: Situated in the Caucasus in Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan has an area of 86,600 square kilometers and a population of over 10 million. Baku is its capital. The country gained independence in 1991 and is bordered by Armenia, Iran, Turkey, Russia, and Georgia. Its highest point is Mount Bazardüzü. * **Armenia**: A landlocked sovereign state in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, Armenia has an area of 29,743 square kilometers and a population of approximately 2.93 million. Yerevan is its capital. Armenia declared independence from the Soviet Union on September 23, 1991. Its highest point is Mount Aragats. ### Historical Context The region surrounding the Caucasus Mountains has been shaped by major historical entities. The **Russian Empire** (1721–1917) was a former empire in Eurasia and North America that spanned vast territories, including the Caucasus region. Following the empire's dissolution, the **Soviet Union** (1922–1991) was formed, serving as a former country in Eurasia that encompassed the modern states of Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan until its dissolution in 1991. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. GeoNames 4. [Source](https://www.peakbagger.com/range.aspx?rid=38) 5. BabelNet 6. Quora 7. KBpedia 8. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands 9. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/records/8010c07d-0512-4ce0-a38b-7e3ebb544ac1)