Over 80 million people, mostly in South America, Central Asia, and East Africa, reside at least 8,202 feet (2,500 metres) above sea level.
Wenquan in the Qinghai region of China, which is an astounding 15,980 feet (4,870 m) above sea level, and Korzok in India, which is around 15,000 feet (4,572 m) above sea level, are two of the highest permanent communities, according to Live Science.
But one location stands above them all. Tucked up in the Peruvian Andes is a village known as "Devil's Paradise."
Known by its official name, La Rinconada, this permanent settlement is the highest on Earth, with 50,000 residents living between 16,404 feet (5,000 m) and 17,388 feet (5,300 m) above sea level.
La Rinconada is a very hard place to live. There's no garbage disposal, no sewage system, and no running water. Food is imported from areas with lower altitudes, and the community didn't have electricity until the 2000s.
Originally established over 60 years ago as a temporary mining hamlet, the town is well-known for its gold mining industry. However, living in harsh conditions with up to half the oxygen pressure at sea level is a price paid for the possession of gold.