The world is divided into seven continents and around 200 countries which have borders. These demarcations play a crucial role in separating cultural identities and traditions. Usually, borders between the two countries have human-made marking flags, check posts and guards, and the exit and entry points become vividly illustrative.
But some of these borders are defined by natural features, such as rivers or mountains while there are some borders which have invisible lines and are some unusual borders that you might have not known. Here are some of the most unusual borders across the world:
Victoria Falls: Zambia and Zimbabwe
The border between Zambia and Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River is also known as The Smoke That Thunders (Victoria Falls). Among the world’s largest waterfalls, it cascades from more than 100 metres creating a visible mist and offers various activities like bungee jumping, rafting and more.
Haskell Library and Opera House: US and Canada
The Quebec, Vermont Canada and United States border is unique due to the intentional placement of the Haskell Free Library and Opera House. The building is deliberately built on the border to offer cultural and intellectual enrichment to both countries. The library entrance is from the United States but its books are in Canada. Performers in Opera are from Canada but the audition is stationed in the US.
The Korean DMZ: North and South Korea
The Korean Demilitarized Zone or DMZ is a narrow strip near the 38th Parallel North that separates North and South Korea. This was established at the end of the Korean War in 1953 and is a neutral zone stretching approximately 240 km across the peninsula. Despite its demilitarized status, the Korean DMZ is an unusual border because the war never officially ended and a ceasefire persists to this day.
Hotel Arbez: France and Switzerland
The Hotel Arbez is built on the border of France and Switzerland and is uniquely divided as one half is in Switzerland and the other half is in France. The setup enables guests to seamlessly explore both countries without leaving the hotel’s confines. This also projects the harmony between Swiss and French cultures, providing visitors with an immersive and enriching stay.
Baarle-Nassau: The Netherlands and Belgium
Baarle-Nassau is a Dutch town that shares the border between the Netherlands and Belgium with its sister City Baarle-Hertog on the Belgium side. The two countries have installed white crossings into the pavement around the town. These designators are so precise that they run through shops, storefronts, lawns and even a café. At one time, Dutch law required restaurants to close early, but the waiters would simply move the guests to tables on the Belgium side of the café.
