A flag maps of Europe, but each flag is determined on which country they share the longest and shortest border with

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The length of state borders in Europe is quite extensive due to the continent’s diverse political landscape and numerous countries. The total length of state borders in Europe was approximately 61,000 kilometers (37,904 miles).

A flag map of Europe, but each flag is determined on which nation they share the longest border with

The border between Russia and Kazakhstan is the longest international border in Europe, spanning approximately 7,591 kilometers (4,715 miles). The majority of Kazakhstan’s territory lies in Asia, but a significant portion of it is in Europe.

The border between Russia and Ukraine is about 1,974 kilometers (1,228 miles) long. It has been a focal point of tension and conflict in recent years, particularly in regions like Donetsk and Luhansk.

Finland shares a border with Russia that stretches for about 1,340 kilometers (832 miles). The border between Ukraine and Belarus is about 1,084 kilometers (674 miles) long. The border between Ukraine and Poland is around 535 kilometers (332 miles) long.

A flag map of Europe, but each flag is determined on which nation they share the shortest border with

Campione d’Italia is an Italian enclave located within the Swiss canton of Ticino. The border between Campione d’Italia and Switzerland is very short, measuring just a few kilometers.

The border between the Principality of Monaco and France is one of the shortest in the world, measuring around 4.4 kilometers (2.7 miles).

Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world, is entirely surrounded by the city of Rome, Italy. The border between Vatican City and Italy is extremely short, with a perimeter of about 3.2 kilometers (2 miles).

San Marino, one of the world’s oldest republics, is also entirely surrounded by Italy. The border between San Marino and Italy is about 39 kilometers (24 miles) long.

Liechtenstein, a small landlocked country, has a short border with Switzerland measuring approximately 41 kilometers (25 miles). The two countries have a close relationship, and Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc as its currency.

The complex border between Baarle-Hertog in Belgium and Baarle-Nassau in the Netherlands is known for its unique situation. It involves numerous enclaves and counter-enclaves, resulting in a highly fragmented border.

Andorra is another small landlocked country in the Pyrenees Mountains, has short borders with both France and Spain. The total length of its borders is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles).

Interesting facts about borders in Europe

• The Schengen Area: The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985 in Schengen, Luxembourg, has led to one of the most significant developments in European borders. It allows for passport-free travel between 26 European countries, creating a unified travel zone covering most of the European Union (EU) member states and several associated countries. This has greatly facilitated travel and trade within the region.
• European Microstates: Europe is home to several tiny sovereign states, often referred to as microstates. These include Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. Due to their small size, they maintain unique border situations, such as partial open borders or reliance on neighboring countries for certain services.
• Baarle-Hertog and Baarle-Nassau: These are two municipalities that share a complex border arrangement between Belgium and the Netherlands. Within these municipalities, there are 22 Belgian enclaves within the Netherlands and seven Dutch enclaves within Belgium. The border divides properties, streets, and even buildings.
• Gibraltar: This British Overseas Territory is located on the southern coast of Spain, but it remains a point of contention between the UK and Spain. Gibraltar’s border is heavily controlled, and its status as a British territory adds complexity to the border situation between Spain and the EU.
• The Berlin Wall: The Berlin Wall, which stood from 1961 to 1989, divided East and West Berlin during the Cold War era. It was a physical manifestation of the ideological division between the communist Eastern Bloc and the capitalist Western Bloc. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a historic moment of reunification for Germany and symbolized the end of the Cold War.
• Cyprus: The island of Cyprus is divided into two parts: the Republic of Cyprus in the south (recognized internationally) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north (recognized only by Turkey). The “Green Line” buffer zone separates the two parts, and there are United Nations peacekeeping forces in the region to monitor the situation.
• The Eurozone: The Eurozone is a monetary union of 19 EU member states that have adopted the euro as their official currency. The euro facilitates trade and travel without the need for currency exchange within this zone.
• The English Channel: The English Channel separates the UK from France and is one of the world’s busiest maritime routes. The Channel Tunnel, also known as the Chunnel, is an engineering marvel that connects the two countries via a railway tunnel under the sea.
• The European Union Expansion: The European Union has undergone significant enlargement since its inception. Various countries from Central and Eastern Europe have joined the EU in waves, leading to a continuous reconfiguration of its external borders.
• Diverse Cultural Borders: Many European borders have historically been shaped by cultural, linguistic, and historical factors. These factors often play a significant role in the formation and maintenance of borders in regions with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

To learn more about the history of Europe, have a look at the following books:

• The Shortest History of Europe: How Conquest, Culture, and Religion Forged a Continent―A Retelling for Our Times
• Europe: The Struggle for Supremacy, from 1453 to the Present
• A History of Modern Europe