The World's Highest Points

Humans like to measure and compare things to find out what is the fastest, biggest, or tallest. Identifying the tallest mountain in an area is something that people have spent a lot of time figuring out.

But what exactly is a mountain? And how do people measure the height of one above sea level?

What Counts As a Mountain?


This video by Tom Scott explains the difference between elevation and prominence. That difference affects how people define what a mountain is.

How Do People Measure the Height of Mountains?


This video from Behind the News describes how people have calculated the heights of mountains for hundreds of years using trigonometry. Modern technology has also allowed measurements using photogrammetry (high-altitude photography) and GPS (the satellite-based Global Positioning System).

Exploring the World's Highest Points


The Homeschool History database provides links to Google Earth where you can get an aerial view and see photos of the highest points in each country and in the political subdivisions of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

  • Explore Teide Peak in the Canary Islands, the highest point that is part of Spain.
  • See Khan Tengri, the highest natural point in Kazakhstan, located at the tripoint where China, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan meet.
  • Admire the beauty of Paektu Mountain in North Korea.
  • Check out the highest point in Tennessee, which had its historic Cherokee name of Kuwohi restored in 2024.
  • Hunt for the highest point on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Since the terrain is relatively flat, there is still some debate about the exact high point.

With a Homeschool History subscription, you can access a map of all the high points in the database to find the one closest to you!

SEE MAP