Unusual Places Where Borders Are Shared
There are some fascinating places in the world where countries meet in unique ways, making travel and geography even more interesting!
1. The Building in Two Countries: Maison de la Belgique
- What It Is: Maison de la Belgique is a special building located on the border of Belgium and France. It is split in half, with one side in each country.
- Why It's Special or Useful: This building shows how two countries can share a piece of land and come together in friendship!
- Famous or Real-World Example: The famous building right on the border is an example of international cooperation.
- Where It's Found: It is located in the town of Erquelinnes in Belgium.
- Wow Fact: You can stand in one room and be in Belgium, and a step later be in France!
2. The Country Inside a City: Vatican City
- What It Is: Vatican City is a tiny country that is completely surrounded by the city of Rome in Italy.
- Why It's Special or Useful: It is the smallest country in the world and is the centre of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Famous or Real-World Example: Vatican City is home to St. Peter's Basilica, a stunning church visited by millions.
- Where It's Found: It is located in the heart of Rome, Italy.
- Wow Fact: Despite being so small, Vatican City has its own postal system and even issues its own coins!
3. The Land Border Split by a River: The Rio Grande
- What It Is: The Rio Grande is a river that forms part of the border between the United States and Mexico.
- Why It's Special or Useful: It acts as a natural border and helps people to recognise where the two countries meet.
- Famous or Real-World Example: The river is known for the cities of El Paso in the US and Juarez in Mexico, which are right across from each other.
- Where It's Found: It stretches along the border between the US states of Texas and the country of Mexico.
- Wow Fact: Sometimes during dry seasons, parts of the river can dry up, changing how the border is seen!
4. Divided Street: Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog
- What It Is: Baarle is a village that has pieces of Dutch and Belgian territories mixed together in a complicated way.
- Why It's Special or Useful: The borders are so confusing that people can walk down a street and change countries several times.
- Famous or Real-World Example: In Baarle, some shops have their doors in one country while the register is in another!
- Where It's Found: It is located between the Netherlands and Belgium.
- Wow Fact: There are 24 separate Belgian enclaves within the Dutch part, making it a real puzzle for visitors!
These unique places remind us how borders can be more than just lines on a map; they can also be places where cultures mix and people interact in fun ways!
