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Unique facts about international borders reveal how countries are separated and connected in fascinating ways. Borders are not just lines on a map – they can be rivers, mountains, or even complicated networks of towns! Some borders are peaceful and simple, while others are highly guarded due to political tensions. These borders can be full of history, culture, and surprising features that make them stand out. In this blog, you’ll explore some of the most interesting and unique facts about international borders around the world!
| Border Name | Unique Facts About International Borders |
| World’s Longest Border | The U.S.- Canada border, stretching 8,891 kilometres, is the longest border in the world and is also the longest undefended border. |
| World’s Highest Border | The border between Nepal and China, crossing the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 meters), is the highest border in the world. |
| Most Visible Border from Space | The border between India and Pakistan is so brightly lit that it is visible from space, especially along the western side of India. |
Table of Contents
- 1 1. India and Bangladesh Share One of the Longest Borders in the World
- 2 2. The Border Between the Netherlands and Belgium Has Unique Towns
- 3 3. The Korean Demilitarized Zone Divides North and South Korea
- 4 4. The Spain-Portugal Border Has Been the Same for Over 700 Years
- 5 5. The U.S.-Canada Border is the Longest Unprotected Border in the World
- 6 6. Lesotho is Completely Surrounded by South Africa
- 7 7. Nepal and China Share the World’s Highest Border
- 8 8. Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary Meet at a Rare Triple Border
- 9 9. San Marino is Surrounded by Italy but is an Independent Country
- 10 10. The Morocco-Spain Border is Separated by the Strait of Gibraltar
- 11 11. Baarle-Hertog: The World’s Most Divided Border Town
- 12 12. The Most Illuminated Border: India and Pakistan’s Visible Divide
- 13 FAQs
The border between India and Bangladesh stretches over 4,096 kilometres, making it one of the longest land borders in the world. It is formed by several rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna, which act as natural barriers. This border is also important for trade, especially for agricultural goods and textiles, and it connects northeastern India to the rest of the country.
2. The Border Between the Netherlands and Belgium Has Unique Towns
The border between the Netherlands and Belgium is famous for its unusual arrangement of enclaves and exclaves, especially in the towns of Baarle-Hertog and Baarle-Nassau. Parts of these towns belong to different countries, creating an interesting border situation. This arrangement comes from treaties and events that happened hundreds of years ago, and it still draws many tourists.
3. The Korean Demilitarized Zone Divides North and South Korea
The border between North and South Korea, known as the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is one of the most heavily guarded in the world. It was created after the Korean War and symbolises the division of the Korean Peninsula. This zone is full of military presence but also has historical landmarks like the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom.
4. The Spain-Portugal Border Has Been the Same for Over 700 Years
The border between Spain and Portugal, stretching 1,214 kilometres, is one of the oldest borders that hasn’t changed. It was established by the Treaty of Alcanizes in 1297 and has a deep cultural and historical significance. Spain and Portugal work closely together within the European Union, allowing free movement of people, goods, and services across the border.
5. The U.S.-Canada Border is the Longest Unprotected Border in the World
The border between the United States and Canada is the longest undefended border in the world, stretching 8,891 kilometres. It passes through forests, mountains, and lakes, and it helps both countries trade goods with each other. The border also faces environmental issues, and both countries are working together to protect the environment along this boundary.
6. Lesotho is Completely Surrounded by South Africa
Lesotho is a small country that is entirely surrounded by South Africa. This makes it one of the only countries in the world to have a completely enclosed border. The border is 909 kilometres long and runs through mountains and plateaus. Lesotho relies on South Africa for trade and infrastructure.
The border between Nepal and China crosses the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth, which stands at 8,848 meters. This makes it the highest international border in the world. The border passes through the Himalayas and is an important trade route, even though some areas have disputes
8. Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary Meet at a Rare Triple Border
In Europe, there is a special place where three countries—Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary—meet at one point. This is called a triple border, and it’s a unique geographic feature. It’s a place where three different cultures and languages come together, and it plays an important role in trade and cooperation in the European Union.
9. San Marino is Surrounded by Italy but is an Independent Country
San Marino is a tiny country completely surrounded by Italy. This 39-kilometer border is in the Apennine Mountains and adds to the beauty of the country. Even though it’s small, San Marino has strong cultural and economic ties with Italy, and people can move freely between the two countries.
10. The Morocco-Spain Border is Separated by the Strait of Gibraltar
The border between Morocco and Spain is unique because it’s divided by the Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. At its narrowest point, the strait is just 15.9 kilometres wide. This border plays an important role in trade and is a link between Africa and Europe, with cultural influences from both regions.
11. Baarle-Hertog: The World’s Most Divided Border Town
Baarle-Hertog, a town in Belgium, is one of the most complicated border towns in the world. There are 26 parts of the town that belong to Belgium, surrounded by the Dutch town of Baarle-Nassau. The border is so complex because of treaties and land agreements from the medieval era. Special markers on the ground show whether you’re in Belgium or the Netherlands.
12. The Most Illuminated Border: India and Pakistan’s Visible Divide
Unlike most borders, which are hard to see, the border between India and Pakistan is clearly visible from space. This is because of the bright orange lights and fencing installed by India. NASA captured this glowing border from the International Space Station, making it one of the most noticeable borders in the world. The lights help prevent smuggling and trafficking.
FAQs
Some cool facts about borders include that the longest international border in the world is between the U.S. and Canada and also the longest undefended border in the world. There are no soldiers or fences along most of it! On the other hand, some borders are super complicated, like Baarle-Hertog in Belgium, where parts of the town are in Belgium and parts are in the Netherlands, all within the same city!
The Baarle-Hertog border between Belgium and the Netherlands is one of the most unique borders in the world. It’s made up of 26 enclaves (small areas of one country inside the other), making it super complicated! Imagine walking down a street, one side is in Belgium, and the other side is in the Netherlands.
When we talk about international borders, we often refer to famous ones like the USA and Canada, India and Bangladesh, North and South Korea, Russia and China, Brazil and Argentina, Germany and France, and lastly, China and Nepal.
Borders are important for many reasons such as they help control the movement of people, and goods, and they help keep countries safe by controlling who enters and leaves.
Some borders are really sensitive due to political or historical issues. For example, the India and Pakistan border is highly sensitive due to ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Canada and the United States have the longest border in the world. This border is unique because it is undefended, meaning there are no military forces along most of it.
Germany shares its borders with 7 countries such as Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Luxembourg.
The smallest international border is between Spain and Portugal. Despite being small, this border is one of the oldest, remaining unchanged for centuries!
The Baarle-Hertog border between Belgium and the Netherlands is the most complicated. It’s a mix of enclaves (parts of one country inside another) and exclaves (pieces of a country separated from the main area). It’s so complicated that people walking down the street have to check if they’re in Belgium or the Netherlands!
Interesting Reads
Hope you enjoy reading these unique facts about international borders. If you want to know more about topics like this, then visit our Interesting Facts and General Knowledge page!