What notable feature do the Alps provide for Europe?

The Alps serve as a significant natural barrier within Europe, influencing both physical geography and human activities. This mountain range stretches across several countries, including France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria, effectively separating different cultural and linguistic regions within the continent. The presence of the Alps impacts climate patterns, as they block moist air from the north, creating distinct weather conditions on either side of the range. Additionally, this natural barrier has historically affected trade and movement, leading to strategic considerations for travel and trade routes around the mountains rather than through them.

While the Alps also contribute to cultural heritage, tourism, and economic activities, their most notable feature is inherently their role as a formidable natural barrier that shapes the region's geography and human interactions.