Caucasus (mountains)

The Caucasus mountain range (neither "mountains" nor "range" is normally appended) is part of the dividing line between Europe and Asia, stretching all the way across the region between the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. The mountains lend their name to the Caucasus region.

The Greater Caucasus range extends from the vicinity of Sochi on the northeastern shore of the Black Sea, generally trending east-southeast and reaching nearly to Baku on the Caspian. For most of its length it is the border of Russia with Georgia and Azerbaijan. The peaks of the Greater Caucasus include Mount Elbrus, at 5,642 m the highest mountain in Europe.

The Lesser Caucasus runs parallel to the greater range, at a distance averaging about 100 km (60 mi) south. The borders of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan run through the range, although its crest does not usually define the border.