Where Do Borders Get Interesting, Like Shared Buildings or Micro-Countries?
Borders between countries can often be quite mundane, consisting of fences, walls, or natural barriers like rivers and mountains. However, there are some borders in the world that stand out because they are unique, strange, or even amusing. These borders might involve shared buildings, micro-countries, or places where two countries meet in very unusual ways. Below, we’ll explore some of the most interesting and peculiar borders around the world.
1. Shared Buildings Between Two Countries
In some places, countries share not just a border but also entire buildings or structures, leading to unique situations where citizens of both countries can be inside the same building without officially crossing the border.
Examples of Shared Buildings
- The Royal Palace of King of Denmark and the King of Norway (Danish-Norwegian border): On the border of Denmark and Norway, there is a palace that historically belonged to the Danish King and the Norwegian King. It was divided, with one part in Denmark and the other in Norway.
- The Baarle-Hertog and Baarle-Nassau (Belgium and Netherlands): In the town of Baarle, the border between Belgium and the Netherlands is so complicated that the streets and buildings cross the national border. Some buildings in Baarle-Hertog (Belgium) and Baarle-Nassau (Netherlands) are divided between the two countries, with some rooms in one country and others in the other.
- The Hemispheric Building (USA and Mexico): The United States and Mexico share the Hemispheric Building in the city of El Paso, Texas. The building itself is divided between the two countries, and the US-Mexico border runs directly through it.
2. Micro-Countries and Unique Border Situations
There are several unique situations where small, often unofficial, countries exist within the borders of other nations. These micro-countries or enclaves often have their own customs, governments, and identities, despite being located within larger nations.
Examples of Micro-Countries and Unique Borders
- Vatican City (Inside Italy): Vatican City is the smallest independent country in the world, located entirely within Rome, Italy. It is the center of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. Though completely surrounded by Italy, it functions as an independent sovereign state.
- Lesotho (Inside South Africa): Lesotho is an entirely landlocked country that is completely surrounded by South Africa. Despite being inside South Africa, Lesotho has its own government, culture, and currency.
- San Marino (Inside Italy): San Marino is another small country completely surrounded by Italy. Known for its medieval architecture, it is one of the world’s oldest republics, having maintained its independence since AD 301.
- Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany - Switzerland): There are several regions in Switzerland where the borders are so complicated that small villages and streets lie between multiple countries. Some regions of the town of Freiburg in Germany lie very close to the Swiss border, sometimes crossing through the local community without fully knowing which country they belong to.
3. Shared Border Crossings
In some cases, countries have created joint or shared border crossings, where citizens can move between two countries without having to go through separate immigration or customs processes. This is common in places with close cultural or economic ties.
Examples of Shared Border Crossings
- The Netherlands and Belgium - The "Baarle" Town: As mentioned above, Baarle has a unique border arrangement where people walk in and out of Belgium and the Netherlands without crossing official border posts. People living in Baarle might be in two countries at the same time, with some houses having different postcodes based on whether they are in Belgium or the Netherlands.
- Germany and Austria - "The Tri-Border Area": The border between Germany and Austria in the Alps is marked by unique shared crossings, where drivers can easily move from one country to another in some remote mountainous areas without much notice. This area allows for a seamless experience between the two countries, thanks to their open borders as part of the European Union.
- Sweden and Norway - "The Skagerrak Border": Near the city of Strömstad in Sweden, the border with Norway runs through the Skagerrak Strait, where passengers on ferries can travel back and forth between the two countries without the need for passport checks, thanks to the Schengen Agreement.
4. Border With No Physical Markers
Some borders are so thin or so subtle that there are no clear physical markers or signs showing where one country ends and another begins. In these cases, the border exists more in the legal and political sense than in a physical one.
Examples of Border Without Physical Markers
- USA and Canada - The Longest Unfortified Border: The border between the United States and Canada is the longest unfortified border in the world, stretching over 5,525 miles. In many places, especially in remote areas, there is no visible marker, and people can cross from one country to another without even realizing it.
- Norway and Russia - The Barents Sea Border: The border between Norway and Russia in the Barents Sea is defined by water but has no obvious land-based markers. This unique maritime boundary is important for international fishing and military strategies, with countries maintaining peaceful cooperation despite the lack of physical boundaries.
- India and Bangladesh - The "Zero Line" Border: In some parts of the India-Bangladesh border, especially along rivers, there is no clear physical demarcation. The "Zero Line" refers to the vague and sometimes invisible border in these areas, where the boundary is marked more by administrative regulations than by fences or walls.
5. Shared Border Crossings with Special Access
Some borders are designed to allow for easy movement between countries, often due to long-standing agreements, trade relations, or shared cultural ties. These crossings make travel more accessible for residents of neighboring countries.
Examples of Shared Border Crossings with Special Access
- USA and Canada - The Peace Arch: Located on the border between the United States and Canada at Blaine, Washington, the Peace Arch is a monument and border crossing where travelers can move freely between the two countries. The Peace Arch symbolizes the strong relationship between the USA and Canada, allowing for easy access for citizens of both countries.
- Spain and Portugal - The Border Crossings of the Iberian Peninsula: Spain and Portugal share an open border with no physical barriers between them. Many citizens can move across the border without the need for identification checks, and the relaxed border policies reflect their long history of peaceful relations.
