Borders are the lines that separate one country from another. They can be natural, such as rivers, mountains, or oceans, or artificial, such as fences, walls, or checkpoints. Some countries have long and complex borders with many neighboring countries, while others have short and simple borders with few or no neighbors.

Countries with the Smallest Border

In this article, we will explore the top 10 countries with the smallest border in 2023, based on the data from the CIA World Factbook. We will also look at some interesting facts and trivia about these countries and their borders.

10. Monaco

Monaco is a tiny city-state located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. It has a land border of only 6 km (3.7 mi) with France, making it the tenth smallest border in the world. Monaco is also surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on three sides, giving it a coastline of 4.1 km (2.5 mi). Monaco is the second smallest country in the world by area, after Vatican City, and the most densely populated, with over 38,000 people living in an area of 2.02 sq km (0.78 sq mi). Monaco is known for its glamorous lifestyle, luxury casinos, Formula One Grand Prix, and as a tax haven for the rich and famous.

9. Vatican City

Vatican City is a landlocked city-state located in Rome, Italy. It has a land border of only 3.2 km (2 mi) with Italy, making it the ninth smallest border in the world. Vatican City is also the smallest country in the world by both area and population, with an area of 0.44 sq km (0.17 sq mi) and a population of about 800 people. Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope, who is also the head of state. Vatican City is home to some of the world’s most famous art and architecture, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.

8. Nauru

Nauru is an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia. It has no land border with any other country, but it has a coastline of only 30 km (18.6 mi), making it the eighth smallest border in the world. Nauru is also one of the smallest countries in the world by area and population, with an area of 21 sq km (8.1 sq mi) and a population of about 10,000 people. Nauru was once one of the richest countries in the world per capita, thanks to its phosphate deposits, but it has suffered from environmental degradation, economic decline, and political instability in recent decades.

7. Tuvalu

Tuvalu is another island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia. It has no land border with any other country, but it has a coastline of only 24 km (14.9 mi), making it the seventh smallest border in the world. Tuvalu is also one of the smallest countries in the world by area and population, with an area of 26 sq km (10 sq mi) and a population of about 11,000 people. Tuvalu consists of nine coral atolls and islands, some of which are only a few meters above sea level. Tuvalu is threatened by rising sea levels due to climate change and faces challenges such as limited natural resources, isolation, and lack of infrastructure.

6. Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands is another island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia. It has no land border with any other country, but it has a coastline of only 370 km (230 mi), making it the sixth smallest border in the world. The Marshall Islands is also one of the smallest countries in the world by area and population, with an area of 181 sq km (70 sq mi) and a population of about 59,000 people. The Marshall Islands consists of 29 coral atolls and five islands, spread over a vast ocean area of 1.9 million sq km (735,000 sq mi). The Marshall Islands was once a nuclear testing site for the United States and suffers from radioactive contamination and health problems.

5. San Marino

San Marino is a landlocked microstate located within Italy in Southern Europe. It has a land border of only 39 km (24 mi) with Italy, making it the fifth smallest border in the world. San Marino is also one of the smallest countries in the world by area and population, with an area of 61 sq km (24 sq mi) and a population of about 34,000 people. San Marino claims to be the oldest sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, dating back to the 4th century AD. San Marino is known for its medieval architecture, scenic views, and as a popular tourist destination.

4. Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a landlocked microstate located between Switzerland and Austria in Central Europe. It has a land border of only 76 km (47 mi) with these two countries, making it the fourth smallest border in the world. Liechtenstein is also one of the smallest countries in the world by area and population, with an area of 160 sq km (62 sq mi) and a population of about 38,000 people. Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy headed by a prince, who has extensive powers. Liechtenstein is one of the richest countries in the world per capita, thanks to its low taxes, banking sector, and industrial sector.

3. Singapore

Singapore is an island city-state located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It has no land border with any other country, but it has a coastline of only 193 km (120 mi), making it the third smallest border in the world. Singapore is also one of the smallest countries in the world by area and population, with an area of 728 sq km (281 sq mi) and a population of about 5.7 million people. Singapore is a global financial, trade, and innovation hub, with a highly developed economy, multicultural society, and high standard of living.

2. Bahrain

Bahrain is an island nation located in the Persian Gulf, off the coast of Saudi Arabia and Qatar in Western Asia. It has no land border with any other country, but it has a coastline of only 161 km (100 mi), making it the second smallest border in the world. Bahrain is also one of the smallest countries in the world by area and population, with an area of 765 sq km (295 sq mi) and a population of about 1.7 million people. Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy ruled by a king, who appoints the prime minister and the cabinet. Bahrain is one of the leading oil producers in the region, but it also has a diversified economy that includes banking, tourism, and manufacturing.

1. Brunei

Brunei is a small country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It has a land border of only 381 km (237 mi) with Malaysia, making it the smallest border in the world. Brunei is also one of the smallest countries in the world by area and population, with an area of 5,765 sq km (2,226 sq mi) and a population of about 437,000 people. Brunei is an absolute monarchy ruled by a sultan, who is also the prime minister and the head of state. Brunei is one of the richest countries in the world per capita, thanks to its vast reserves of oil and natural gas.

Conclusion

Borders are not only lines on a map, but they also reflect the history, culture, geography, and politics of different countries. Some countries have small borders because they are isolated by natural barriers or because they have few or no neighbors. Other countries have small borders because they are city-states or microstates that have managed to preserve their sovereignty and independence despite their size. In this article, we have seen the top 10 countries with the smallest border in 2023, based on data from the CIA World Factbook. We have also learned some interesting facts and trivia about these countries and their borders.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about borders and countries:

Q: Which country has the longest border in the world?

A: According to the CIA World Factbook, China has the longest border in the world, with a total length of 22,147 km (13,762 mi) and 14 neighboring countries.

Q: Which country has no border with any other country?

A: There are several island nations that have no land border with any other country, such as Australia, Iceland, Japan, Madagascar, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan. However, some of these countries may have maritime boundaries with other countries.

Q: Which country has the most borders with other countries?

A: According to the CIA World Factbook, Russia has the most borders with other countries, with a total of 16 neighboring countries.

Q: Which continent has no borders?

A: Antarctica has no borders because it is not a sovereign state or territory, but rather an international zone governed by a treaty system that regulates the activities of various countries on the continent.

Q: Which country shares its border with only one other country?

A: There are several countries that share their border with only