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Top 10 Closest International Borders In The World (2023)
The border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic is the closest international border in the world, with a total length of 388 kilometres. The border is a mixture of natural features like the Massif du Nord mountain range and man-made features like walls and fences. Despite the proximity, the border is heavily monitored and regulated, with many people crossing illegally each year.
The two countries share a complex history and culture, with many Haitians and Dominicans having family ties across the border. The border has also been the site of numerous conflicts and disputes, including a border conflict in 1963 that led to the deployment of UN peacekeepers. In recent years, the border has been a focal point of efforts to combat human trafficking and illegal immigration, with both countries implementing measures to increase border security and crack down on criminal activity.
As globalization continues to increase, the world’s borders have become more interconnected than ever before. The borders between countries play a crucial role in trade, immigration, and political relations. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 closest international borders in the world.
Some borders are so closely intertwined that it’s hard to tell where one country ends and another begins. Ranking the top 10 closest international borders in the world involves measuring the distance between two points that define the boundary of the two countries.
These points can be natural landmarks such as rivers or mountains, or artificial markers such as monuments or walls. In some cases, the border may be disputed, leading to different interpretations of where it begins and ends.
As you will see from the table below, the closest international borders are mostly located in Europe, with the top 4 being microstates. However, the Canada-United States border, which spans almost 9,000 km, is the only one in the Americas to make the list.
It’s worth noting that while the distances between these borders may seem small, they can have significant political and economic implications for the countries involved.
Top 10 Closest International Borders In The World
The table below contains the closest international borders in the world:
| Rank | Bordering Countries | Border Length | Border Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haiti – Dominican Republic | 388 km | Mixed (natural and man-made features) |
| 2 | Monaco – France | 4.4 km | Open |
| 3 | San Marino – Italy | 39 km | Open |
| 4 | Finland – Russia | 1,313 km | Mixed (natural and features) |
| 5 | Poland – Slovakia | 539 km | Open |
| 6 | Canada – United States | 8,891 km | Mixed (natural and man-made features) |
| 7 | Kazakhstan – Russia | 7,591 km | Open |
| 8 | Vatican City – Italy | 3.2 km | Open |
| 9 | Belarus – Russia | 1,239 km | Open |
| 10 | Estonia – Russia | 294 km | Mixed (natural and man-made features) |
1. Haiti – Dominican Republic
The Vatican City-Italy border is the closest international border in the world, with a distance of only 0.44 km. The border separates Vatican City, an independent city-state and the smallest country in the world, from Italy. The border is demarcated by a white line painted on the pavement, and there are no visible physical barriers between the two countries.
Despite its small size, Vatican City has its own government, legal system, and currency, and maintains diplomatic relations with other countries. The border between Vatican City and Italy is mainly used by tourists and visitors, as there are no residential areas in Vatican City.
However, the border does play a symbolic role in marking the boundaries of the Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church, which is headquartered in Vatican City. Due to its unique status as an independent city-state, the Vatican City-Italy border is a popular tourist destination and a fascinating example of the complex geopolitical relationships that exist between nations.
2. Monaco – France
Top 10 Closest International Borders In The World
The border between Monaco and France is the second closest international border in the world, with a distance of only 4.4 km. Monaco is a tiny principality located on the French Riviera, and its border with France is demarcated by a line of concrete blocks. The border is largely symbolic, as Monaco has no border controls, and visitors can freely travel between the two countries without undergoing any formalities.
Monaco is one of the wealthiest nations in the world despite its tiny size, with a high quality of life and a robust economy built on tourism, finance, and real estate. Due to its close proximity to France, Monaco is a well-liked vacation spot for French visitors, and many French nationals have relocated there to take advantage of the country’s advantageous tax regulations.
The border between Monaco and France is therefore an important economic and cultural link between the two countries, and a fascinating example of the complex relationships that exist between neighbouring nations.
As part of the Top 10 Closest International Borders In The World, the Monaco-France border is a popular tourist attraction, and a must-see destination for anyone interested in geopolitics and international relations.
3. Liechtenstein – Austria
The border between Liechtenstein and Austria is the third closest international border in the world, with a distance of only 4.6 km. Liechtenstein is a small principality located in the Alps, and its border with Austria is largely mountainous, with several ski resorts located on both sides of the border.
Since both nations are parties to the Schengen Agreement, which permits unrestricted movement of persons and commodities among signatory nations, the boundary is marked by a line of concrete blocks and lacks border controls.
Subsequently, Liechtenstein has a distinct cultural identity that is affected by both Austrian and Swiss traditions, the border has significant cultural significance as well. The Liechtenstein-Austria border, one of the Top 10 Nearest International Boundaries in the World, is a fascinating illustration of the intricate ties that bind close neighbours and a must-see location for anybody interested in history, culture, or international relations.
4. San Marino – Italy
The border between San Marino and Italy is the fourth closest international border in the world, with a distance of only 8.1 km. San Marino is a small independent country located within the borders of Italy, and its border with Italy is largely symbolic, with no physical barriers separating the two nations.
The border is demarcated by a line of concrete blocks and has no border controls, as both countries are members of the Schengen Agreement, which allows for the free movement of people and goods between participating countries.
San Marino, while being a small country, is one of the oldest republics in the world, and it has a thriving cultural history that is inspired by both Italian and Sammarinese customs. Because of its proximity to Italy, San Marino has become a significant cultural and economic link between the two nations. Many Italian tourists travel there to take in the country’s natural beauty and historical sites.
The border between San Marino and Italy is therefore an important symbol of the unique relationship that exists between these two neighbouring nations, and a fascinating example of the complex geopolitics that underlies the modern world.
5. Canada – United States
The border between Canada and the United States is the longest international border in the world, stretching over 8,891 kilometres. The border is the busiest and most heavily-crossed international border in the world, with over 400,000 people and $2.4 billion worth of goods crossing it each day. It is demarcated by a mixture of natural and artificial features, including rivers, lakes, and forests, as well as physical barriers such as walls and fences in some areas.
The United States and Canada have a strong economic and cultural relationship that is based on a long history of collaboration and friendliness, despite the fact that there are occasional difficulties between the two nations. The border between Canada and the United States acts as a crucial link between two of the biggest economies in the world and is a significant symbol of this relationship.
6. Haiti – Dominican Republic
The border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic is a complex and often contentious boundary that spans over 380 kilometres. The border is a mixture of natural features, including mountains, forests, and rivers, as well as checkpoints and other physical barriers erected by both countries to regulate the flow of people and goods across the border.
The relationship between Haiti and the Dominican Republic has been marked by periods of cooperation and conflict, with tensions arising from issues such as illegal immigration, trade disputes, and cultural differences.
Despite these challenges, the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic also serves as an important economic and cultural link between the two nations, with Haitian and Dominican citizens frequently crossing the border to trade goods, seek employment, and visit family and friends.
7. Poland – Slovakia
The border between Poland and Slovakia stretches over 539 kilometres and is marked by a mix of natural features, including mountains, forests, and rivers. The border is largely open, with no physical barriers separating the two countries, and is demarcated by a line of concrete blocks.
Poland and Slovakia have a long history of cultural and economic ties, and the border between the two countries serves as an important link between the two nations. The border is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with several national parks located on both sides of the boundary.
As part of the Top 10 Closest International Borders In The World, the Poland-Slovakia border is a fascinating example of the ways in which neighbouring countries can cooperate and thrive in the modern world.
8. Kazakhstan – Russia
Closest International Borders In The World
The border between Kazakhstan and Russia is the eighth closest international border in the world, stretching over 6,846 kilometres. The border is largely open, with no physical barriers separating the two countries, and is demarcated by a line of concrete blocks.
Kazakhstan and Russia have a long history of political and economic ties, and the border between the two countries serves as an important link between the two nations. The border is a vital transit point for goods and people moving between Asia and Europe and is an important symbol of the complex geopolitical relationships that exist between neighbouring nations.
As part of the Closest International Borders In The World, the Kazakhstan-Russia border is a fascinating example of the ways in which geography, politics, and culture can shape the boundaries of our world.
9. Belarus – Russia
The border between Belarus and Russia is the ninth closest international border in the world, stretching over 1,239 kilometres. The border is largely open, with no physical barriers separating the two countries, and is demarcated by a line of concrete blocks.
Political and economic links between Belarus and Russia go back a long way, and their shared border is a crucial link in that relationship. The border serves as a crucial point of transit for commodities and people travelling between Europe and Asia, and it serves as a significant representation of the intricate geopolitical ties that exist between the adjacent countries.
The Belarus-Russia border, one of the world’s closest international borders, is a remarkable illustration of how geography, politics, and culture may influence international borders.
10. Finland – Russia
Top 10 Closest International Borders In The World
The border between Finland and Russia is the tenth closest international border in the world, spanning over 1,313 kilometres. The border is marked by a combination of natural features such as rivers, lakes, and forests, as well as artificial structures like walls and fences in certain areas. The border is heavily monitored and controlled by both countries and is only accessible at designated border crossings.
The Finland-Russia border is a crucial link between the two countries, acting as a crucial transit point for trade and travel between Europe and Asia despite a long history of political and economic difficulties between the two nations. With numerous national parks and nature reserves situated on both sides of the border, it is also a well-liked travel destination for visitors and outdoor enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the closest international borders in the world represent a fascinating intersection of geography, politics, and culture. From the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea to the open and permeable borders of the European Union, these borders serve as important symbols of the complex relationships that exist between neighbouring nations.
As we have seen in the examples of the various borders discussed, some are marked by natural features like mountains and rivers, while others are demarcated by walls and fences. Despite the physical barriers that may exist, these borders also serve as vital links between nations, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and ideas across the globe.
Whether it is the Belarus-Russia border, the Finland-Russia border, or any other border around the world, it is clear that these boundaries are an essential part of our world. As we continue to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the 21st century, it is important to remember the significance of these borders and the ways in which they shape our lives.
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SOURCES: National Geographic, BBC News