The Alps contain territory in eight countries: France, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia.
The range stretches in an arc across central Europe, from the Mediterranean coast near southeastern France to the Vienna Basin. Switzerland and Austria are especially strongly associated with the Alps, although the mountain system also occupies parts of six other countries.
The Alps formed mainly through the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. Mont Blanc, on the France–Italy border, is generally regarded as the highest summit in the Alps, although published elevations vary slightly because the snow and ice cap changes.
The range has shaped European transport, tourism, farming, and culture. It is also the source region for major rivers including the Rhine, Rhône, Po, and some headwaters of the Danube. The eight-country count refers to the main Alpine territory, not every nearby foothill sometimes grouped with it.