Breadcrumbs
Down under, we’re forever surrounded by none other than oceans and waters. But if you look elsewhere in the world, other nations have the privilege of sharing some fascinating borders with their neighbouring countries – just check out these amazing “borderline” facts!
USA and Canada
The border between the United States and Canada is the longest in the world and is officially known as the ‘International Boundary.’ Several bridges, tunnels, towns and landmarks connect the two countries – with the most notable being Niagara Falls!
Zambia and Zimbabwe
Speaking of waterfalls, if you’ve ever seen the Victoria Falls, you know just how spectacular they can be. At 108 metres high and 1,708 metres in length, these falls are the largest gushing curtain of water in the world. Along with the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls divides the African countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Spain and Morocco
What’s one way of solving illegal immigration and smuggling problems? Build a giant fence! That’s exactly what Spain decided to do in the town of Melilla. Unfortunately, the fence remains an icon of tension between the two countries to this day.
Denmark and Sweden
Geographically, there is no real border between Denmark and Sweden, yet these two countries are still connected – across the ocean – by the Öresund Bridge. Most famously, the bridge links the cities of Copenhagen and Malmo and runs for 8 kilometres. About 20,000 people cross this bridge, whether driving or by rail, each day.
Nepal and China
We’ll give you one guess as to what sits between Nepal and China. That’s right – what better way to separate two countries than with the highest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest! This border is so precise that it actually runs through the summit point of the mountains.
Poland and Slovakia
Two other nations that share a mountainous border region are Poland and Slovakia. Here, it’s Mount Rysy, which is located along the peaks of the High Tatras region. Funnily enough, there are 3 peaks in Mount Rysy – one peak, at almost 2,500 metres, rests in Poland and the other two belong to Slovakia!
USA and Mexico
It runs for over 3,000 kilometres and is the site of much conflict between the USA and Mexico. The frontier between the two is the most crossed international border in the entire world, with around 660,000 crossings per day (in 2004), at 35 different crossing points.
Antarctica and 7 Countries
It’s just a big continent of ice, right? It might be so, but seven sovereign states have tried to lay claim to Antarctica’s Territories, including the UK, New Zealand, France, Norway, Chile, Argentina and Australia. Fortunately, the Antarctic Treaty, which came into force in 1961, posits Antarctica as a scientific preserve and prevents these countries from taking ‘real’ ownership over Antarctica’s land. Looks like those borders won’t be going up for real anytime soon!