The ANDES is the world's longest mountain range, stretching over 7, 000 km (4, 350 miles) along the western coast of South America. It is a continuous range of highlands that includes some of the highest peaks in the world, with many of them reaching over 6, 000 meters (20, 000 feet). The ANDES is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and is also an important source of water for many countries in the region.