International Mountain Day

Category: Nature
International Mountain Day in United Nations in 2024
Image: Aerial view of the Annapurna massif, Nepal. by Sergey Ashmarin CC BY-SA 3.0

About International Mountain Day

How long until International Mountain Day?
International Mountain Day .
Dates of International Mountain Day
2026 United Nations Friday, December 11thInternational Mountain Day
2025 United Nations Thursday, December 11thInternational Mountain Day
2024 United Nations Wednesday, December 11thInternational Mountain Day
2023 United Nations Monday, December 11thInternational Mountain Day
2022 United Nations Sunday, December 11thInternational Mountain Day
Summary
Mountains are home of the 15% of the world´s population and a quarter of the world’s land animals and plants.
International Mountain Day in other countries
International Mountain Day internationally

International Mountain Day is observed on December 11th. The increasing attention to the importance of mountains led the UN declare to 2002 the UN International Year of Mountains. The first international day was celebrated for the first time the following year, 2003.

International Mountain Day has its roots in the document "Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development", adopted in 1992 as part of the action plan Agenda 21 of the Conference on Environment and Development.


  • Did you know? Mountains cover 27% of the Earth’s land surface.
  • Did you know? 6 of the 20 most important food crops originate in mountains.
  • Did you know? More than a half of humanity relies on mountain freshwater for everyday life.

What can you do?

  • Raise awareness of mountains on December 11th by organizing forums, hands-on activities, presentations, student debates, photo and art competitions, hikes and events targeted to specific age groups – especially youth.
  • Write to us about the International Mountain Day event you are planning at [email protected] so we can publish it on the International Mountain Day website.
  • Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #MountainsMatter. Pass on some of the key messages or share about the biodiversity in the mountains near you. Post a photo of your favourite mountain moment and share it with us and your friends.

Mountain Day in Japan

Since 2016, Japan has observed Mountain Day as a public holiday on August 11th to provide “opportunities to get familiar with mountains and appreciate blessings from mountains".

Find out more

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