What is considered the world's highest peak?

Answer 1

The generally agreed upon answer is Mt. Everest, the highest peak above sea level as it is usually defined. There are other contenders depending on how you measure. From base to peak you would have to consider the Hawaiian islands, if you count the part of the mountain submerged in the Pacific. There is a peak in South America, not far from the equator, that is farthest from the center of the earth as a result of earth's slight bulge in the middle. It depends on how you want to measure.