The CIA World Factbook Every edition, 1990 to 2025 World
Terrain World, in 36 editions.
The entry for World published Terrain in 36 editions of 36, from 1990 to 2025. The text changed in 18 editions. Each is shown as published. Terrain in every entry.
- editions changed the text
- 18
- the first edition with it
- 1990
- the latest edition with it
- 2025
Published as “Terrain” (1990 to 2025).
field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe edition shownChoose an edition on the strip beside the text, or step through them with the arrows. Mark changes compares it with the edition before: the marks are ours, words added and words removed.
2025 edition
Changed since 2024- highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest elevation is the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level;
- greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924 meters
highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest elevation is the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level; greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924 meters
- highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest depression is the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level;
- greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924 meters
highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest elevation depression is the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level; greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924 meters
The same text in 1992 and 1993.
- highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest depression is the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level;
- greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924 meters
highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest depression is
the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level; greatest ocean depth is the
Marianas Trench at 10,924 meters
- highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest depression is the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level;
- greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924 meters
highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest depression is
is the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level; greatest ocean depth is the
the Marianas Trench at 10,924 meters
- highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest depression is the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level;
- greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924 meters
highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest depression
depression is the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level; greatest
ocean depth isthe Marianas Trench at 10,924 meters
the greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924 m in the Pacific Ocean
- lowest point:
- Dead Sea -408 m
- highest point:
- Mount Everest 8,848 m
Rewritten: too little of the 1995 text remains to mark the changes.
the greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924
m in the Pacific Ocean
lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m
highest point: Mount Everest 8,848 m
the greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924 m in the Pacific Ocean
the greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924m
in the Pacific Ocean
lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m
highest point: Mount Everest 8,848 m
the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at 10,924 m in the Pacific Ocean
the greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Mariana Trench at 10,924 min
the Pacific Ocean
the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at 10,924 m in the Pacific Ocean
the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at 10,924
m inthe Pacific Ocean
The same text in 16 editions, 2000 to 2015.
the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at 10,924 m in the Pacific Ocean
the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at 10,924m in the Pacific Ocean
the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at -10,924 m in the Pacific Ocean
the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at 10,924 -10,924 m in the Pacific Ocean
tremendous variation of terrain on each of the continents; check the World 'Elevation' entry for a compilation of terrain extremes
the greatest ocean depth is tremendous variation of terrain on each of the Mariana Trench at -10,924 m in continents; check the Pacific Ocean World 'Elevation' entry for a compilation of terrain extremes
- tremendous variation of terrain on each of the continents;
- check the World 'Elevation' entry for a compilation of terrain extremes;
- the world's ocean floors are marked by mid-ocean ridges while the ocean surfaces form a dynamic, continuously changing environment;
- check the 'Terrain' field and its 'major surface currents' subfield under each of the five ocean (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern) entries for further information on oceanic environs
Rewritten: too little of the 2017 text remains to mark the changes.
tremendous variation of terrain on each of the continents; check the World 'Elevation' entry for a compilation of terrain extremes; the world's ocean floors are marked by mid-ocean ridges while the ocean surfaces form a dynamic, continuously changing environment; check the 'Terrain' field and its 'major surface currents' subfield under each of the five ocean (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern) entries for further information on oceanic environs
The same text in 2019 and 2020.
- tremendous variation of terrain on each of the continents;
- check the World 'Elevation' entry for a compilation of terrain extremes;
- the world's ocean floors are marked by mid-ocean ridges while the ocean surfaces form a dynamic, continuously changing environment;
- check the 'Terrain' field and its 'major surface currents' subfield under each of the five ocean (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern) entries for further information on oceanic environs
- Ten Cave Superlatives:
- compiled from "Geography - note(s)" under various country entries where more details may be found
- largest cave:
- Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam is the world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume;
- it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft);
- it connects to Thung cave (but not yet officially);
- when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume
- largest ice cave:
- the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria is the world's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi)
- longest cave:
- Mammoth Cave, in west-central Kentucky, is the world's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 mi) of surveyed passageways
- longest salt cave:
- the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom in Israel is the world's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi); its survey is not complete and its length will undoubtedly increase
- longest underwater cave:
- the Sac Actun cave system in Mexico at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide
- longest lava tube cave:
- Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the world's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep
- deepest cave:
- Veryovkina Cave in the Caucasus country of Georgia is the world's deepest cave, plunging down 2,212 m (7,257 ft)
- deepest underwater cave:
- the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the world's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft);
- its survey is not complete and it could end up being some 800-1,200 m deep
- largest cave chamber:
- the Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system at China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park encloses some 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume
- largest bat cave:
- Bracken Cave outside of San Antonio, Texas is the world's largest bat cave;
- it is the summer home to the largest colony of bats in the world;
- an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October making it the world's largest known concentration of mammals
Rewritten: too little of the 2018 text remains to mark the changes.
tremendous variation of terrain on each of the continents; check the World 'Elevation' entry for a compilation of terrain extremes; the world's ocean floors are marked by mid-ocean ridges while the ocean surfaces form a dynamic, continuously changing environment; check the 'Terrain' field and its 'major surface currents' subfield under each of the five ocean (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern) entries for further information on oceanic environs
Ten Cave Superlatives: compiled from "Geography - note(s)" under various country entries where more details may be found
largest cave: Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam is the world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume; it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft); it connects to Thung cave (but not yet officially); when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume
largest ice cave: the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria is the world's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi)
longest cave: Mammoth Cave, in west-central Kentucky, is the world's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 mi) of surveyed passageways
longest salt cave: the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom in Israel is the world's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi); its survey is not complete and its length will undoubtedly increase
longest underwater cave: the Sac Actun cave system in Mexico at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide
longest lava tube cave: Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the world's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep
deepest cave: Veryovkina Cave in the Caucasus country of Georgia is the world's deepest cave, plunging down 2,212 m (7,257 ft)
deepest underwater cave: the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the world's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft); its survey is not complete and it could end up being some 800-1,200 m deep
largest cave chamber: the Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system at China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park encloses some 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume
largest bat cave: Bracken Cave outside of San Antonio, Texas is the world's largest bat cave; it is the summer home to the largest colony of bats in the world; an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October making it the world's largest known concentration of mammals
- tremendous variation of terrain on each of the continents;
- check the World 'Elevation' entry for a compilation of terrain extremes;
- the world's ocean floors are marked by mid-ocean ridges while the ocean surfaces form a dynamic, continuously changing environment;
- check the 'Terrain' field and its 'major surface currents' and 'ocean zones' subfields under each of the five ocean (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern) entries for further information on oceanic environs
- Ten Cave Superlatives:
- compiled from "Geography - note(s)" under various country entries where more details may be found
- largest cave:
- Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam is the world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume;
- it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft);
- it connects to Thung cave (but not yet officially);
- when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume
- largest ice cave:
- the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria is the world's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi)
- longest cave:
- Mammoth Cave, in west-central Kentucky, is the world's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 mi) of surveyed passageways
- longest salt cave:
- the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom in Israel is the world's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi); its survey is not complete and its length will undoubtedly increase
- longest underwater cave:
- the Sac Actun cave system in Mexico at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide
- longest lava tube cave:
- Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the world's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep
- deepest cave:
- Veryovkina Cave in the Caucasus country of Georgia is the world's deepest cave, plunging down 2,212 m (7,257 ft)
- deepest underwater cave:
- the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the world's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft);
- its survey is not complete and it could end up being some 800-1,200 m deep
- largest cave chamber:
- the Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system at China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park encloses some 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume
- largest bat cave:
- Bracken Cave outside of San Antonio, Texas is the world's largest bat cave;
- it is the summer home to the largest colony of bats in the world;
- an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October making it the world's largest known concentration of mammals
tremendous variation of terrain on each of the continents; check the World 'Elevation' entry for a compilation of terrain extremes; the world's ocean floors are marked by mid-ocean ridges while the ocean surfaces form a dynamic, continuously changing environment; check the 'Terrain' field and its 'major surface currents' subfield and 'ocean zones' subfields under each of the five ocean (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern) entries for further information on oceanic environs
Ten Cave Superlatives: compiled from "Geography - note(s)" under various country entries where more details may be found
largest cave: Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam is the world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume; it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft); it connects to Thung cave (but not yet officially); when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume
largest ice cave: the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria is the world's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi)
longest cave: Mammoth Cave, in west-central Kentucky, is the world's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 mi) of surveyed passageways
longest salt cave: the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom in Israel is the world's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi); its survey is not complete and its length will undoubtedly increase
longest underwater cave: the Sac Actun cave system in Mexico at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide
longest lava tube cave: Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the world's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep
deepest cave: Veryovkina Cave in the Caucasus country of Georgia is the world's deepest cave, plunging down 2,212 m (7,257 ft)
deepest underwater cave: the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the world's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft); its survey is not complete and it could end up being some 800-1,200 m deep
largest cave chamber: the Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system at China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park encloses some 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume
largest bat cave: Bracken Cave outside of San Antonio, Texas is the world's largest bat cave; it is the summer home to the largest colony of bats in the world; an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October making it the world's largest known concentration of mammals
- tremendous variation of terrain may be found on each of the continents;
- check the World "Elevation" entry for a compilation of terrain extremes;
- the world's ocean floors also display extraordinary variation while the ocean surfaces form a dynamic, continuously changing environment;
- check the "Bathymetry" and "Major surface currents" entries under each of the five ocean entries (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern) for further information on oceanic environs
- Ten Cave Superlatives:
- compiled from "Geography - note(s)" under various country entries where more details may be found
- largest cave:
- Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam is the world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume;
- it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft);
- it connects to Thung cave (but not yet officially);
- when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume
- largest ice cave:
- the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria is the world's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi)
- longest cave:
- Mammoth Cave, in west-central Kentucky, is the world's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 mi) of surveyed passageways
- longest salt cave:
- the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom in Israel is the world's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi); its survey is not complete and its length will undoubtedly increase
- longest underwater cave:
- the Sac Actun cave system in Mexico at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide
- longest lava tube cave:
- Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the world's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep
- deepest cave:
- Veryovkina Cave in the Caucasus country of Georgia is the world's deepest cave, plunging down 2,212 m (7,257 ft)
- deepest underwater cave:
- the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the world's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft);
- its survey is not complete and it could end up being some 800-1,200 m deep
- largest cave chamber:
- the Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system at China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park encloses some 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume
- largest bat cave:
- Bracken Cave outside of San Antonio, Texas is the world's largest bat cave;
- it is the summer home to the largest colony of bats in the world;
- an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October making it the world's largest known concentration of mammals
bonus "cave" - the world's largest sinkhole: the Xiaoxhai Tiankeng sinkhole in Chongqing Municipality, China is 660 m deep, with a volume of 130 million cu m
tremendous variation of terrain may be found on each of the continents; check the World 'Elevation' "Elevation" entry for a compilation of terrain extremes; the world's ocean floors are marked by mid-ocean ridges also display extraordinary variation while the ocean surfaces form a dynamic, continuously changing environment; check the 'Terrain' field "Bathymetry" and its 'major "Major surface currents' and 'ocean zones' subfields currents" entries under each of the five ocean entries (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern) entries for further information on oceanic environs
Ten Cave Superlatives: compiled from "Geography - note(s)" under various country entries where more details may be found
largest cave: Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam is the world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume; it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft); it connects to Thung cave (but not yet officially); when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume
largest ice cave: the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria is the world's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi)
longest cave: Mammoth Cave, in west-central Kentucky, is the world's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 mi) of surveyed passageways
longest salt cave: the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom in Israel is the world's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi); its survey is not complete and its length will undoubtedly increase
longest underwater cave: the Sac Actun cave system in Mexico at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide
longest lava tube cave: Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the world's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep
deepest cave: Veryovkina Cave in the Caucasus country of Georgia is the world's deepest cave, plunging down 2,212 m (7,257 ft)
deepest underwater cave: the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the world's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft); its survey is not complete and it could end up being some 800-1,200 m deep
largest cave chamber: the Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system at China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park encloses some 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume
largest bat cave: Bracken Cave outside of San Antonio, Texas is the world's largest bat cave; it is the summer home to the largest colony of bats in the world; an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October making it the world's largest known concentration of mammals
bonus "cave" - the world's largest sinkhole: the Xiaoxhai Tiankeng sinkhole in Chongqing Municipality, China is 660 m deep, with a volume of 130 million cu m
- tremendous variation of terrain may be found on each of the continents;
- check the World "Elevation" entry for a compilation of terrain extremes;
- the world's ocean floors also display extraordinary variation while the ocean surfaces form a dynamic, continuously changing environment;
- check the "Bathymetry" and "Major surface currents" entries under each of the five ocean entries (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern) for further information on oceanic environs
- Ten Cave Superlatives:
- compiled from "Geography - note(s)" under various country entries where more details may be found
- largest cave:
- Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam is the World's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume;
- it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft);
- it connects to Thung cave (but not yet officially);
- when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume
- largest ice cave:
- the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria is the World's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi)
- longest cave:
- Mammoth Cave, in west-central Kentucky, is the World's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 mi) of surveyed passageways
- longest salt cave:
- the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom in Israel is the World's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi); its survey is not complete and its length will undoubtedly increase
- longest underwater cave:
- the Sac Actun cave system in Mexico at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the World and the second longest cave worldwide
- longest lava tube cave:
- Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the World's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep
- deepest cave:
- Veryovkina Cave in the Caucasus country of Georgia is the World's deepest cave, plunging down 2,212 m (7,257 ft)
- deepest underwater cave:
- the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the World's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft);
- its survey is not complete and it could end up being some 800-1,200 m deep
- largest cave chamber:
- the Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system at China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park encloses some 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume
- largest bat cave:
- Bracken Cave outside of San Antonio, Texas is the World's largest bat cave;
- it is the summer home to the largest colony of bats in the World;
- an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October making it the World's largest known concentration of mammals
bonus "cave" - the world's largest sinkhole: the Xiaoxhai Tiankeng sinkhole in Chongqing Municipality, China is 660 m deep, with a volume of 130 million cu m
tremendous variation of terrain may be found on each of the continents; check the World "Elevation" entry for a compilation of terrain extremes; the world's ocean floors also display extraordinary variation while the ocean surfaces form a dynamic, continuously changing environment; check the "Bathymetry" and "Major surface currents" entries under each of the five ocean entries (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern) for further information on oceanic environs
Ten Cave Superlatives: compiled from "Geography - note(s)" under various country entries where more details may be found
largest cave: Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam is the world's World's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume; it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft); it connects to Thung cave (but not yet officially); when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume
largest ice cave: the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria is the world's World's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi)
longest cave: Mammoth Cave, in west-central Kentucky, is the world's World's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 mi) of surveyed passageways
longest salt cave: the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom in Israel is the world's World's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi); its survey is not complete and its length will undoubtedly increase
longest underwater cave: the Sac Actun cave system in Mexico at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world World and the second longest cave worldwide
longest lava tube cave: Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the world's World's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep
deepest cave: Veryovkina Cave in the Caucasus country of Georgia is the world's World's deepest cave, plunging down 2,212 m (7,257 ft)
deepest underwater cave: the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the world's World's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft); its survey is not complete and it could end up being some 800-1,200 m deep
largest cave chamber: the Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system at China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park encloses some 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume
largest bat cave: Bracken Cave outside of San Antonio, Texas is the world's World's largest bat cave; it is the summer home to the largest colony of bats in the world; World; an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October making it the world's World's largest known concentration of mammals
bonus "cave" - the world's largest sinkhole: the Xiaoxhai Tiankeng sinkhole in Chongqing Municipality, China is 660 m deep, with a volume of 130 million cu m
- tremendous variation of terrain may be found on each of the continents, and a compilation of terrain extremes can be found in the World "Elevation" entry;
- the world's ocean floors also display extraordinary variation -- check the "Bathymetry" and "Major surface currents" entries under each of the five ocean entries (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern) for further information on oceanic environs
- Top ten world caves:
- compiled from "Geography - note(s)" under various country entries where more details may be found
- largest cave:
- Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam, is the world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage by volume;
- it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft);
- it connects to Thung cave, but not yet officially -- when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume
- largest ice cave:
- the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria, is the world's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi)
- longest cave:
- Mammoth Cave in west-central Kentucky is the world's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 mi) of surveyed passageways
- longest salt cave:
- the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom in Israel is the world's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi);
- its survey is not complete, so its recorded length will eventually increase
- longest underwater cave:
- the Sac Actun cave system in Mexico is the longest underwater cave in the world at 348 km (216 mi), and the second longest cave worldwide
- longest lava tube cave:
- Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the world's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep
- deepest cave:
- Veryovkina Cave in the country of Georgia is the world's deepest cave, plunging down 2,212 m (7,257 ft)
- deepest underwater cave:
- the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the world's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft); its survey is not complete, and it could be 800-1,200 m deep
- largest cave chamber:
- the Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system in China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park has about 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume
- largest bat cave:
- Bracken Cave outside San Antonio, Texas, is the world's largest bat cave;
- an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October, making it the world's largest known concentration of mammals
bonus "cave" - the world's largest sinkhole: the Xiaoxhai Tiankeng sinkhole in Chongqing Municipality, China is 660 m deep, with a volume of 130 million cu m
tremendous variation of terrain may be found on each of the continents; check the World "Elevation" entry for continents, and a compilation of terrain extremes; extremes can be found in the World "Elevation" entry; the world's ocean floors also display extraordinary variation while the ocean surfaces form a dynamic, continuously changing environment; -- check the "Bathymetry" and "Major surface currents" entries under each of the five ocean entries (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern) for further information on oceanic environsTen Cave Superlatives: Top ten world caves: compiled from "Geography - note(s)" under various country entries where more details may be found
largest cave: Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam Vietnam, is the World's world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume; it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft); it connects to Thung cave (but cave, but not yet officially); officially -- when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume
largest ice cave: the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria Austria, is the World's world's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi)
longest cave: Mammoth Cave, Cave in west-central Kentucky, Kentucky is the World's world's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 mi) of surveyed passageways
longest salt cave: the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom in Israel is the World's world's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi); its survey is not complete and complete, so its recorded length will undoubtedly eventually increase
longest underwater cave: the Sac Actun cave system in Mexico at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the World world at 348 km (216 mi), and the second longest cave worldwide
longest lava tube cave: Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the World's world's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep
deepest cave: Veryovkina Cave in the Caucasus country of Georgia is the World's world's deepest cave, plunging down 2,212 m (7,257 ft)
deepest underwater cave: the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the World's world's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft); its survey is not complete complete, and it could end up being some be 800-1,200 m deep
largest cave chamber: the Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system at in China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park encloses some has about 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume
largest bat cave: Bracken Cave outside of San Antonio, Texas Texas, is the World's world's largest bat cave; it is the summer home to the largest colony of bats in the World; an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October October, making it the World's world's largest known concentration of mammals
bonus "cave" - the world's largest sinkhole: the Xiaoxhai Tiankeng sinkhole in Chongqing Municipality, China is 660 m deep, with a volume of 130 million cu m
- a compilation of terrain extremes can be found in the World elevation entry;
- the world's ocean floors also display wide variation, as explained in the bathymetry and major ocean currents entries under each of the five ocean entries ( Arctic , Atlantic , Indian , Pacific , and Southern )
- top ten world caves:
- compiled from Geography - note(s) under country entries
- largest cave:
- Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam, is the world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage by volume;
- it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft);
- it connects to Thung cave, but not yet officially -- when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume
- largest ice cave:
- the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria, is the world's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi)
- longest cave:
- Mammoth Cave in west-central Kentucky is the world's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 mi) of surveyed passageways
- longest salt cave:
- the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom in Israel is the world's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi);
- its survey is not complete, so its recorded length will eventually increase
- longest underwater cave:
- the Sac Actun cave system in Mexico is the longest underwater cave in the world at 348 km (216 mi), and the second-longest cave worldwide
- longest lava tube cave:
- Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the world's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep
- deepest cave:
- Veryovkina Cave in the country of Georgia is the world's deepest cave at 2,212 m (7,257 ft)
- deepest underwater cave:
- the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the world's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft); its survey is not complete, and it could be 800-1,200 m deep
- largest cave chamber:
- the Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system in China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park has about 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume
- largest bat cave:
- Bracken Cave outside San Antonio, Texas, is the world's largest bat cave;
- an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October, making it the world's largest known concentration of mammals
bonus "cave" - the world's largest sinkhole: the Xiaoxhai Tiankeng sinkhole in Chongqing Municipality, China is 660 m deep, with a volume of 130 million cu m
tremendous variation of terrain may be found on each of the continents, and a compilation of terrain extremes can be found in the World "Elevation" elevation entry; the world's ocean floors also display extraordinary variation -- check wide variation, as explained in the "Bathymetry" bathymetry and "Major surface currents" major ocean currents entries under each of the five ocean entries (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, ( Arctic , Atlantic , Indian , Pacific , and Southern) for further information on oceanic environs Southern )Top top ten world caves: compiled from "Geography Geography - note(s)" note(s) under various country entries where more details may be found
largest cave: Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam, is the world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage by volume; it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft); it connects to Thung cave, but not yet officially -- when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume
largest ice cave: the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria, is the world's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi)
longest cave: Mammoth Cave in west-central Kentucky is the world's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 mi) of surveyed passageways
longest salt cave: the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom in Israel is the world's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi); its survey is not complete, so its recorded length will eventually increase
longest underwater cave: the Sac Actun cave system in Mexico is the longest underwater cave in the world at 348 km (216 mi), and the second longest second-longest cave worldwide
longest lava tube cave: Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the world's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep
deepest cave: Veryovkina Cave in the country of Georgia is the world's deepest cave, plunging down cave at 2,212 m (7,257 ft)
deepest underwater cave: the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the world's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft); its survey is not complete, and it could be 800-1,200 m deep
largest cave chamber: the Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system in China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park has about 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume
largest bat cave: Bracken Cave outside San Antonio, Texas, is the world's largest bat cave; an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October, making it the world's largest known concentration of mammals
bonus "cave" - the world's largest sinkhole: the Xiaoxhai Tiankeng sinkhole in Chongqing Municipality, China is 660 m deep, with a volume of 130 million cu m
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Cite this page
Central Intelligence Agency. “World: Terrain.” The World Factbook, 1990–2025 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/world/terrain.