Born on December 11
International Mountain Day
Where the world's water begins.
Next: December 11, 2026
Where it comes from
International Mountain Day grew out of the International Year of Mountains, which the UN held in 2002. The idea for that year was first raised at a mountain research conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in 1996.
How it's celebrated
FAO chooses a new focus each year and invites everyone to take part. People organise hikes, school talks, photo competitions, art exhibitions and craft fairs, and register their events with FAO so they can be shared around the world.
Did you know
Mountains cover about 27 per cent of the world's land and are home to about 15 per cent of its people, yet they supply between 60 and 80 per cent of its fresh water, according to the UN.
Read the full story of International Mountain Day
Also on this day
- UNICEF's Birthday · Born to help the world's children.
Star sign
Sagittarius · November 22 – December 21 · Fire sign
Restless and optimistic, always planning the next adventure.