• The longest border between any two countries in the world is 8,891 kilometers whereas the shortest border between any two countries in the world is 150 meters.

Countries with the Longest and Shortest Borders Across the World shares an interesting comparison of the length of borders. While the era of globalization seems to be over and the discourse surrounding global immigration continues to take place. It is interesting to see the longest and shortest borders between any two countries.

There are several interesting facts when it comes to borders between countries. We have countries in Europe with literally no manning or border checkpoints. Whereas, we have borders with strict enforcement of border controls. These includes borders between Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Palestine, Israel-Jordan, Pakistan-India and UAE-Yemen.

In literal terms, borders define a nation’s territorial extent and impact trade, security, and cultural exchanges. Some countries have extensive borders stretching thousands of kilometers, while others have remarkably short borders due to their geographic positioning. A comprehensive analysis of the countries with the longest and shortest land borders, highlighting key details such as geography, historical background, and significance is here:

Countries with the Longest Borders

Talking about Countries with the Longest and Shortest Borders Across the World. The longest land borders in the world are typically found in large countries with extensive landmass and multiple neighboring nations. These borders are often characterized by diverse terrains, ranging from mountains to deserts and rivers. Below are the top countries with the longest land borders:

1. Canada – United States (8,891 km)

• Border Length: 8,891 km
• Bordering Nations: United States
• Significance: The Canada–United States border is the longest international border in the world. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and includes the Alaska–Canada segment.
• Geographical Features: The border traverses forests, lakes (e.g., Great Lakes), plains, and mountain ranges. The 49th parallel largely defines the western part, while the eastern segment follows natural formations like the St. Lawrence River.
• Historical Context: Established through various treaties, including the Treaty of Paris (1783), the Treaty of 1818, and the Oregon Treaty (1846).
• Current Status: The border is largely open, with numerous crossings, making it one of the most peaceful yet significant international frontiers.

2. Russia – Kazakhstan (7,644 km)

• Border Length: 7,644 km
• Bordering Nations: Kazakhstan
• Significance: The longest continuous land border in Eurasia.
• Geographical Features: The border includes steppe regions, deserts, rivers, and mountains, making it geographically diverse.
• Historical Context: Defined after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, it separated Russia and Kazakhstan as independent states.
• Current Status: Despite historical ties, both nations maintain strict border controls, with economic and security cooperation.

3. Argentina – Chile (6,691 km)

• Border Length: 6,691 km
• Bordering Nations: Chile
• Significance: The longest international border in South America, running along the Andes Mountains.
• Geographical Features: The border is predominantly mountainous, passing through high-altitude peaks, glaciers, and deserts such as the Atacama.
• Historical Context: Defined through a series of treaties and agreements, including the 1881 Treaty of Limits. Some border disputes have arisen, but diplomatic resolutions have prevailed.
• Current Status: Heavily patrolled due to geographical challenges; several important border crossings connect the two economies.

4. China – Mongolia (4,630 km)

• Border Length: 4,630 km
• Bordering Nations: Mongolia
• Significance: A crucial border for trade and geopolitical relations.
• Geographical Features: The border crosses vast steppes, the Gobi Desert, and mountainous regions.
• Historical Context: Historically influenced by Mongol-Chinese interactions, including the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and later conflicts.
• Current Status: Peaceful, with multiple trade corridors linking the two countries.

5. India – Bangladesh (4,096 km)

• Border Length: 4,096 km
• Bordering Nations: Bangladesh
• Significance: One of the most complex and heavily populated international borders.
• Geographical Features: The border includes rivers, plains, wetlands, and enclaves.
• Historical Context: Defined after the Partition of India (1947) and the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971). The border previously had numerous enclaves and disputes, resolved in 2015 through the Land Boundary Agreement.
• Current Status: Highly controlled due to illegal immigration and smuggling issues, with security fences along parts of the border.

Countries with the Shortest Borders

When we see Countries with the Longest and Shortest Borders Across the World. Some countries have exceptionally short borders due to their geographic size, island status, or positioning between larger nations. Below are the countries with the shortest land borders:

1. Botswana – Zambia (150 meters)

• Border Length: 150 meters
• Bordering Nations: Zambia
• Significance: The shortest international land border in the world.
• Geographical Features: Situated at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers, near the Kazungula Bridge.
• Historical Context: Previously, there was debate on whether the border existed due to the proximity of Zimbabwe and Namibia, but legal agreements confirmed its status.
• Current Status: The Kazungula Bridge now facilitates trade and transit between the two countries.

·        2. Vatican City – Italy (3.4 km)

• Border Length: 3.4 km
• Bordering Nations: Italy
• Significance: The Vatican is the world’s smallest independent state, and its border with Italy is entirely within Rome.
• Geographical Features: A fully urbanized border comprising walls and guarded entrances.
• Historical Context: Established through the Lateran Treaty (1929), which recognized Vatican City’s sovereignty.
• Current Status: Open, but closely monitored by the Swiss Guard and Italian authorities.

3. Monaco – France (5.47 km)

• Border Length: 5.47 km
• Bordering Nations: France
• Significance: Monaco, a small city-state, shares its entire border with France.
• Geographical Features: Coastal, with hilly urban landscapes.
• Historical Context: Monaco’s sovereignty was established by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty (1861).
• Current Status: Open, with close economic and political ties to France.

4. San Marino – Italy (39 km)

• Border Length: 39 km
• Bordering Nations: Italy
• Significance: One of the oldest republics in the world, surrounded entirely by Italy.
• Geographical Features: The border runs through mountainous terrain.
• Historical Context: San Marino has retained independence since its foundation in A.D. 301.
• Current Status: The border is open, with no formal restrictions for travel.

5. Liechtenstein – Austria (34 km)

• Border Length: 34 km
• Bordering Nations: Austria
• Significance: A small European country sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland.
• Geographical Features: The border is located within the Alps.
• Historical Context: Liechtenstein’s sovereignty dates back to the early 18th century.
• Current Status: Open border policy due to the Schengen Agreement.

Countries with the Longest and Shortest Borders Across the World

Borders shape nations, defining their territorial limits and influencing international relations. Countries with extensive borders, such as Canada and Russia, face challenges in security and infrastructure, while those with short borders, like Vatican City and Monaco, often maintain seamless interactions with their neighbors. Whether long or short, international borders play a vital role in trade, culture, and diplomacy, impacting global geopolitics in profound ways.

You are welcome to share your country and its borders in our comments section!