When is International Mountain Day?

It is observed on December 11 each year.

How do people celebrate International Mountain Day?

Hike a local trail or look up the nearest real mountain to where you live, and learn about a mountain community you know little about.

Annual observance

International Mountain Day

December 11 Cultural / community observance Updated 2026-07-08

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Overview

International Mountain Day, observed annually on December 11th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mountains to life, highlighting the opportunities and constraints in mountain development, and building partnerships that will bring positive change to the world's mountains and highlands.

Why it matters: International Mountain Day, observed on December 11, emphasizes the vital role mountains play in sustaining ecosystems and communities, while addressing the challenges faced in their development. This day fosters collaboration to promote sustainable practices that benefit both mountainous regions and the global population.

Origin and story

Mountains cover about 27% of the Earth's land surface.

They provide 60-80% of the world's freshwater.

Quick facts

DateDecember 11
TypeCultural / community observance
Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

The UN didn't create this day on a whim — it followed a full decade of work, starting with a 1992 sustainable-development agenda and building through a dedicated International Year of Mountains before December 11 became the annual observance.

Get outside or learn something

Celebrate by:

Hiking a local trail with elevation, or just looking up the nearest real mountain to where you live.
Learning about a mountain community or culture you know little about.

See the UN's role in it

Helpful resources:

International Mountain Day (Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN)

Did you know?

The UN General Assembly formally designated December 11 as International Mountain Day in 2002, but the first official observance didn't happen until the following year, and the FAO has coordinated it globally ever since.

Fun facts

Mountains cover about 27% of the Earth's land surface.
They provide 60-80% of the world's freshwater.
Mountain ecosystems are home to 25% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity.
Around 15% of the world's population lives in mountain areas.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed December 11th as International Mountain Day in 2003.
Each year, International Mountain Day has a specific theme, such as sustainable tourism, mountain biodiversity, or mountain cultures.

Sources and attribution

International Mountain Day (Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is International Mountain Day?: It is observed on December 11 each year.
What is International Mountain Day?: International Mountain Day, observed annually on December 11th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mountains to life, highlighting the opportunities and constraints in mountain development, and building partnerships that will bring positive change to the world's mountains and highlands.
How do people celebrate International Mountain Day?: Hike a local trail or look up the nearest real mountain to where you live, and learn about a mountain community you know little about.

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