There are places on this planet, where altitude and latitude combine to form a harmonious, temperate balance.
High in the clouds of the tropics, there is an escape from the humidity and heat of the forests and plains below.
These mountains, valleys and plateaux are places of flourishing cities, breath-taking beauty and the setting of unique cultures and history.
Defined by their special climate, these are the world's Subtropical Highlands.
So far in this series, we've been looking at the hot and humid climates of the tropics – the Rainforest, the Monsoon and the Savannah.
Before we leave the tropics and head to greater latitudes, however, there is one final type of climate here that we cannot overlook, and that is the one in the highland regions near the equator.
As one increases in altitude, the temperature of the air decreases – this is evident to anyone who looks up at a high mountain and sees snow on its summit.
But in the tropics, where the temperature at sea level is high, there is a wide band of altitudes that produce mild and pleasant temperatures all year round.
This year-round mildness is unique among all world climates, and has made these regions attractive for human settlement throughout history, offering increased comfort, and avoidance of tropical diseases, such as malaria.
There are two variations within the Koppen Climate Classification, distinguished by rainfall patterns.
