Mountains

In the light of 12 year old children who lost their lives in the Mount Kinabalu earthquake, questions have been asked whether children are allowed to climb high altitude mountains.

La Rinconada in Peru is the highest city in the world.

It is a mountainous city at an altitude of 5,100 metres. Population: 50,000

Gold mining is the main driver of the economy.

At 5,100 metre, low level of oxygen in the blood can occur anytime. The effects of high altitude on humans are considerable. But how does the Peruvians adapt at living at such high altitude ?

142 million people live at altitudes above 2,500 metres. Native Peruvians have better oxygenation at birth with enlarged lung volumes throughout life.

People coming from sea level cities need 2 weeks to adjust to these altitudes.

Children are more likely to get high-altitude illness because their bodies have a hard time adjusting to the low oxygen in the air.