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15 Most Interesting International Borders in the World (With Pictures)

With nearly 200 countries worldwide, there are a number of interesting international borders that must be crossed.

We put together some of the most unique borders you can cross in the world right now. Get your papers ready, have your passport open, and get ready to pass through customs when you visit these international borders.

Most Interesting International Borders in the World

1. Netherlands and Belgium

Netherlands and Belgium Border

The Netherlands and Belgium border is by far one of the most interesting international borders in the world. It’s actually the busiest land border in the world, with over 300 million crossings each year. The crossing is so popular because it’s incredibly easy – you can just walk across as you can see from the international border picture above.

The border has a long and interesting history. It was first established in 1843 when the two countries signed the Treaty of Maastricht. The treaty was meant to establish peace between the two countries and prevent future wars.

Interestingly, the border has changed a few times over the years. The most recent change happened in 1963 when Netherlands and Belgium swapped a small piece of land near Baarle-Hertog. This was done to straighten out the border and make it easier to cross.

Despite being the busiest land border in the world, the Belgium-Netherlands crossing is incredibly easy and straightforward. If you’re looking for an interesting border to cross, this is definitely one to consider and is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.

See Related: Best Places to Get Married in Europe

2. Austria – Slovakia – Hungary

Austria – Slovakia – Hungary Border
File:Tripoint SK HU AT 6250528.JPG” by Krokodyl is marked with CC BY 3.0.

The Austria-Slovakia-Hungary border is one of the most interesting international borders in Europe to cross. It’s located in the heart of Europe and is home to a number of interesting landmarks.

The border was first established in 1921 after the Treaty of Trianon was signed. The treaty ended World War I and redrew the borders of these countries.

3. Norway and Sweden

Norway - Sweden Border

The Norway and Sweden border is one of the most beautiful international borders to cross. It’s located in the Arctic Circle and is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

The border was first established in 1925 after the Treaty of Oslo was signed. The treaty ended the Norwegian Civil War and established the border between Norway and Sweden.

4. Belgium – Netherlands – Germany

Belgium – Netherlands – Germany Border Flags
image by Frans Berkelaar  is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0

The Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany border is a fascinating international border to cross. It’s located in the heart of Europe and is home to a number of interesting landmarks.

The border was first established in 1921 after the Treaty of Trianon was signed. The treaty ended World War I and redrew the borders of these countries.

5. Poland – Ukraine border

Poland and Ukraine Border
image by Ondřej Žváček is marked with CC BY 2.5

The Poland-Ukraine border is a fascinating border to cross. It’s located in the heart of Europe and is home to a number of interesting landmarks.

The border was first established in 1991 after the fall of the Soviet Union. It was created as part of the newly independent states that were formed in Eastern Europe.

6. USA and Canada

USA and Canada Border
image by IainCameron is marked with CC BY 2.0.

The USA and Canada borders are some of the most heavily fortified borders in the world. It’s also one of the busiest, with over 400,000 people crossing it each day.

The border was first established in 1854 after the United States and Canada signed the Treaty of Washington. The treaty settled a number of disputes between the two countries.

7. Spain and Portugal

The Spain and Portugal border located on the Iberian Peninsula is one of the most historic borders in all of Europe.

The border was first established in 1278 after the Treaty of Alcanizes was signed. The treaty ended the conflict between the two countries and established the border between Portugal and Spain.

8. Norway – Russia

Norway and Russia Border
image by Maltesen is marked with CC BY 2.0.

The Norwegian and Russian are some of the most northern international borders in the world. It runs through the Arctic Circle, which is home to some of the world’s most northern communities.

9. India and Pakistan

India and Pakistan Border
image by Koshyk is marked with CC BY 2.0.

The India and Pakistan border is a fascinating border located in the heart of Asia and is home to a number of interesting landmarks.

The border was first established in 1947 after the partition of British India. It was created as part of the newly independent states that were formed in the region.

The India and Pakistan border is incredibly tense and is the site of a number of skirmishes and cross-border attacks.

10. Argentina and Chile

The Argentina-Chile border is another one of the most beautiful international borders to cross. It’s located in the heart of South America and is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

The border was first established in 1881 after the Treaty of San José de Flores was signed. The treaty ended the War of the Pacific and established the border between Argentina and Chile.

11. Zimbabwe – Mozambique

Zimbabwe – Mozambique Border

The Zimbabwe-Mozambique border is one of the most historical international borders to visit. The border was first established in 1980 after the Zimbabwe-Rhodesia Transition Agreement was signed.

The agreement ended the Rhodesian Bush War and established the borders between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

12. Vatican City and Italy

Vatican City and Italy Border

The Vatican City and Italy border is a fascinating international boundary to travel. It’s located in the heart of Rome and is home to some of the most stunning architecture in the world.

St. Peter’s Square marks the boundary between Vatican City and Italy. This border, which is home to the Catholic Church, is one of the most visited by visitors and locals. With some divided by a small indentation on the ground and others guarded by fences and soldiers, no two boundaries are alike.

The border was first established in 1929 after the Lateran Treaty was signed. The treaty ended the dispute between the two countries and established the border between Vatican City and Italy.

13. Italy and Switzerland

Italy and Switzerland Border
image by crash71100 is marked with CC0 1.0.

A single cabin overlooks the Italian-Swiss border and is used by researchers to work in low temperatures. The palace, which was originally built by the Queen of Italy in 1893, was only accessible via foot. This building has recently been renovated and is used to conduct high-elevation scientific research.

14. North Korea and South Korea

North Korea and South Korea Border
image by Jasmine Halki is marked with CC BY 2.0.

It’s certainly one of the most protected international borders on this list. Both North Korea and South Korea are still technically at war, although American troops remain in South Korea today.

The official ceasefire agreement was signed on July 27th, 1953, but a peace treaty has never been ratified. There have been several attempts to reunite the two countries over the years, but all have failed so far.

Despite this, with an army on both sides, it seems as though conflict could happen at any time. It’s not recommended as a place to visit for tourists.

15. The USA and Mexico

USA and Mexico Border

The USA and Mexico border is one of the most traveled and photographed borders in the world. It is also one of the longest, at 3,200 kilometers in total length. This is considered one of the most interesting international borders largely due to the controversy and outright puzzling purpose of such strict protection.

The two countries share a long and complex history, and the border has become a focal point for their ongoing relationship. This controversial border features walls and fences to stop illegal immigration.

We all know that walls and fences never last. At one point, residents between the United States and Mexico played a volleyball match over the fence. Why not just live free and as one community?

Final Thoughts

The world is an amazing place and there are so many different cultures that make it up. Most people don’t realize how much they have in common with others from around the world, but these interesting international borders will remind you of your similarities. We hope you enjoyed this list.

FAQ

What are some famous borders?

There are many famous borders around the world, including the US-Mexico border, the India-Pakistan border, the North Korea border, and the Israel-Palestinian border. These borders are often the site of conflict and tension, but they can also be beautiful places.

What is the weirdest border?

The world’s most unique border crossing is the Zambezi River, which forms a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia have joined together at one point to form the globe’s only quadripoint.

What is the longest international border in the world?

The longest international border in the world is between the United States of America and Canada, with a total length of 5,525 miles.

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