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Some countries around the world share borders with only one other nation. These unique geopolitical situations often create distinct relationships between the two neighboring countries. Here is a list of countries that share just one land border, along with a description of that border, and the answers to the World Countries Which Border Exactly 1 Other Elimination quiz.
Bahrain
Bahrain is an island nation in the Persian Gulf, and it shares a land border with only one country: Saudi Arabia. The connection between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is made via the King Fahd Causeway, a bridge and causeway system that spans over 25 kilometers. The causeway, opened in 1986, not only provides a physical connection but also represents strong political and economic ties between the two countries. Despite being a small island nation, Bahrain plays a significant role in regional affairs, especially in finance, and is an important strategic partner for Saudi Arabia. This land border makes Bahrain one of the few island nations with a land connection to another country.
Brunei
Brunei, a small sultanate located on the island of Borneo, shares its only land border with Malaysia, specifically with the state of Sarawak. This small but important stretch of border connects Brunei with its only neighboring country, contributing to the economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations. Brunei’s border with Malaysia is around 381 kilometers long, and this land boundary separates Brunei into two sections, one along the northern coast and the other in the interior of Borneo. Despite its small size, Brunei enjoys a strong relationship with Malaysia, especially in trade and security matters, and is also a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Cyprus
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island nation that has a very unique geopolitical situation. It shares a border only with the British Overseas Territories of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which are located on the southern coast of the island. These two British sovereign base areas were retained after Cyprus gained independence in 1960. The British military maintains a strategic presence in these areas, but they are small in size compared to the rest of the island. Cyprus, divided between the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north, is a key player in regional politics, with the presence of these British bases adding complexity to its territorial issues.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti in the Caribbean, with the two countries separated by a border of about 376 kilometers. The Dominican Republic, located on the eastern two-thirds of the island, has a long-standing history of both cooperation and tension with Haiti, which occupies the western third of the island. The border between the two nations has been a source of both cultural exchange and political conflict. The Dominican Republic’s economy is much larger than Haiti’s, and the two countries have had various disputes over immigration, trade, and border control, though they also share cultural ties through their Caribbean heritage. Despite the challenges, the border remains an important element of their relationship.
Gambia
Gambia is a small, narrow country located in West Africa, and it is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, except for its western coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The Gambia-Senegal border stretches for about 740 kilometers, making it one of the longest single-border countries in Africa. The Gambia’s unique shape—long and thin along the Gambia River—has been a result of historical colonization and geopolitical divisions. Despite its size, Gambia maintains strong cultural and historical ties with Senegal. The two countries have faced challenges over border issues, but in recent years they have sought to improve their cooperation, with Senegalese officials and Gambia’s government focusing on shared interests in trade and security.
Haiti
Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. The border between the two countries is around 376 kilometers long, and the two nations have had a tumultuous history of both cooperation and conflict. While the Dominican Republic has seen significant economic growth in recent years, Haiti remains one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. The border has been a point of tension, particularly over immigration and trade. Despite these challenges, Haiti and the Dominican Republic have also worked together on issues like disaster relief, as both countries face natural disasters due to their location in the Caribbean.
Ireland
Ireland shares a border with Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The Irish border is approximately 499 kilometers long and runs across the entire width of the island. This border has been a source of significant political tension, particularly during the period known as “The Troubles” from the late 1960s to the 1990s, when violent conflicts erupted between nationalist groups seeking a united Ireland and unionist groups wanting to remain part of the UK. The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 helped to reduce tensions, and the border remains open between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, though issues surrounding Brexit have led to renewed debates on its status.
Lesotho
Lesotho is a small landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa. This unique geographical situation gives Lesotho the distinction of being the only country in the world that lies entirely within another country. The 909-kilometer border between Lesotho and South Africa is characterized by mountains, valleys, and a few towns that straddle the boundary. Lesotho relies heavily on South Africa for trade, infrastructure, and employment. The two countries share a common currency, the South African rand, and their relationship is crucial for Lesotho’s economy and regional stability. Despite its small size, Lesotho has a rich cultural history and has been an independent kingdom for centuries.
Monaco
Monaco, a tiny city-state on the Mediterranean coast, shares a border with France. The 5.47-kilometer-long border between Monaco and France runs along the eastern edge of the principality, connecting it with the Alpes-Maritimes region of France. Monaco is famous for its luxurious casinos, yacht-filled harbor, and as a tax haven. Despite its small size, Monaco has a strong international presence due to its wealth and its location along the French Riviera. The border with France is largely symbolic, as the two countries share close economic and political ties, with Monaco relying on France for its defense and diplomatic relations.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea, located in Oceania, shares a land border with Indonesia on the island of New Guinea. The border is about 820 kilometers long and runs through rugged, mountainous terrain. Papua New Guinea is an independent nation, while Indonesia controls the western half of the island. The two countries have a history of both cooperation and tension, particularly concerning issues related to border security, immigration, and resource management. Papua New Guinea is rich in natural resources, and Indonesia’s control over the western part of the island has led to disputes over land use and indigenous rights, though both countries continue to maintain diplomatic relations.
Portugal
Portugal shares its only land border with Spain, located on the Iberian Peninsula in Southern Europe. The Portugal-Spain border stretches for about 1,214 kilometers, making it one of the longest single-border boundaries in Europe. Historically, this border has been one of the most stable in Europe, as the two nations have shared deep cultural and economic ties for centuries. The border is characterized by a mix of mountainous terrain and river valleys, and it plays a significant role in trade and tourism between the two countries. Portugal and Spain have a longstanding relationship that includes cooperation on various European Union initiatives.
Qatar
Qatar, a small but wealthy nation on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, shares a land border with Saudi Arabia. The border is approximately 87 kilometers long and plays a key role in Qatar’s economic and political relationships. Despite its small size, Qatar has become an influential player in regional politics and global affairs, largely due to its natural gas reserves. The border with Saudi Arabia is vital for the transportation of goods, as well as for cultural and familial ties between the two countries. However, the border has been the subject of tension, particularly during the 2017 Gulf crisis, when Saudi Arabia imposed a blockade on Qatar, severing diplomatic and trade relations.
San Marino
San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries, shares its only border with Italy. The border is approximately 39 kilometers long, and San Marino is completely landlocked within Italy. This small but proud republic is famous for its medieval architecture and status as a land of historical significance. Despite its small size, San Marino maintains its independence and has its own government, currency, and military. The border with Italy is friendly, and the two countries have a close relationship, particularly in terms of trade and tourism.
Singapore
Singapore, a bustling city-state located at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, shares a land border with Malaysia. The border between Singapore and Malaysia is about 1.2 kilometers long and is crossed by both pedestrians and vehicles using the Johor–Singapore Causeway and the Second Link. Singapore and Malaysia have a complex relationship, with deep cultural, economic, and historical ties, but also occasional tensions. The border plays a critical role in the flow of goods and people, with thousands crossing daily for work, trade, and tourism. Despite being a small country, Singapore’s strategic location and thriving economy make it an important global hub.
South Korea
South Korea shares its only land border with North Korea. This border, known as the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is one of the most heavily fortified areas in the world. The DMZ, stretching about 250 kilometers across the Korean Peninsula, separates the two countries, which have been in a state of armistice since the end of the Korean War in 1953. Despite the tense political situation, both countries have occasionally engaged in dialogue and cooperation, and the DMZ has become a symbol of the ongoing conflict and hopes for future reconciliation. The border has significant military and diplomatic importance for the region.
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, shares its only land border with Indonesia. Located on the island of Timor in Southeast Asia, the border with Indonesia spans about 253 kilometers. Timor-Leste’s relationship with Indonesia has evolved significantly since Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002, following a violent struggle for self-determination. The border is peaceful, and both countries have worked together on issues such as trade, security, and human rights. Despite their turbulent history, Timor-Leste and Indonesia now maintain positive diplomatic relations.
Vatican City
Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world, is completely landlocked within Rome, Italy. It shares a border only with Italy, and the 3.4-kilometer-long border is well-known for its historic and religious significance. Vatican City serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and is the residence of the Pope. The border, while short, is highly symbolic, representing the sovereignty of Vatican City while maintaining close ties with Italy. The Vatican has a unique status in international diplomacy and is considered a significant entity in global religious and political matters.
