The Andes Mountains form a continuous highland along the western coast of South America, stretching over 7,000 kilometers through seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. It is the world's longest continental mountain range. The range is characterized by its high altitude and numerous active volcanoes, as it sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The highest peak, Aconcagua, reaches 6,961 meters. The Andes played a pivotal role in the development of the Inca Empire, which built sophisticated road systems and terraced farms across the rugged terrain. Today, the mountains are a vital source of minerals like copper and gold, and they heavily influence the climate of South America by creating rain shadows and housing glaciers that feed major river systems like the Amazon.