The Ural Mountains, also known as the Urals, are a mountain range that form part of the natural border between Europe and Asia. They stretch from the Arctic Ocean to the north, to the Caspian Sea in the south, and span over 2, 500 km in length. The highest peak is Mount Narodnaya, which stands at 1, 895 m. The Ural Mountains have been an important geographical feature since ancient times, and have served as a barrier between the two continents for centuries.