The Caucasus, or Caucasia, is a region spanning Europe and Asia bordered to the north by Russia, to the east by the Caspian Sea, on the south by Iran, on the southwest by Turkey and to the west by the Black Sea. Caucasia includes the Caucasus Mountains and the surrounding lowlands.
The Caucasus Mountains are commonly recognized as a natural border between Europe and Asia. Countries in the Caucasus are considered to be in both continents, with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia being considered transcontinental countries. The northern portion of the Caucasus is known as the Ciscaucasus and the southern portion as the Transcaucasus. The highest peak in the Caucasus is Mount Elbrus (5,642 m), which, in the western Ciscaucasus in Russia, is generally considered the highest point in Europe.
