In a world where The limits Usually they are measured in hundreds or thousands of kilometers, but there is also one that defies all common norms due to its size, origin and geographical location. It's about the smallest border in the world, a tiny strip of land that connects two continents while separating two nations with a long shared and complex history. This line is located in the western Mediterranean and was unexpectedly created by a natural disaster in 1930: a strong magnitude 7 earthquake.
This small border is a perfect example of how natural events, in this case an earthquake nearly 100 years ago, can shape global geography. With barely 85 meters long, this line will also become an interesting attraction for fans of history and international politics. Currently no one lives near the area anymore. It is even closely guarded by the army and its passage is forbidden.
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What is the smallest border in the world and how long is it?
He Peñón de Velez de la Gomera It houses this extraordinary border, the length of which is barely 85 meters. In addition to being the world's smallest separating two continents, this narrow land corridor lies on the northern coast of Morocco, near the Spanish autonomous city of Melilla. Despite its small size, the strategic and symbolic importance of this place is enormous and it has served as a surveillance and defense point over the centuries.
What are its main features and how did it come about?
The creation of the world's smallest border is not due to international treaties or conquests, but to a geological event: an earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale in 1930. This earthquake caused a landslide that connected the rock, which was previously an island, to the African continent through a sand gap. This feature changed the geography of the region and became a strategic enclave overseen by Spain.
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Are there people living on the border?
He Peñón de Velez de la Gomera, which once housed 400 residents, today witnesses the presence of a small group of the Spanish army. These soldiers, under the Melilla General Military Command, guard the smallest border: an 85-meter-long line demarcated by a distinctive blue sailor's cape.
For adventurers and history buffs, the Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera offers a unique opportunity to explore a living piece of Spanish history. Through travel agencies in Melilla, visitors can take excursions that reveal the rock's rich military history and allow them to learn about its impressive geography and biodiversity.
What is the story behind Spanish sovereignty over the Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera?
The history of the Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera is as fascinating as its geography. It was captured in 1508 by a Spanish naval brigade under the command of Pedro Navarro. The rock served as a base for anti-piracy operations. Over the centuries, this territory changed hands several times until Spain consolidated its control in 1564. Despite disputes and changes of power, the Spanish country retained its sovereignty over this enclave, making it an interesting point in the Spanish language. Moroccan relations to this day.
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The longest border in South America and the third largest in the world: which countries are included?
The border that separates Chile from Argentina stretches for 5,308 kilometers and is the largest in South America and the third largest in the world. This extensive border crosses the impressive Andes mountain range and also flows into Tierra del Fuego province. It offers a landscape mosaic that captures the essence of both countries. From the Atacama Desert to the Patagonian ice, this border is a vivid portrait of South America's geographical diversity.
What are the two longest borders in the world?
Before entering the heart of the mountains, it is important to recognize the two borders, which extend in length beyond the Chilean-Argentine border. The border between Canada and the United StatesWith its 8,891 kilometers it takes first place, closely followed by the huge area that separates it Kazakhstan of Russia, with 7,644 kilometers. These borders, like the South American one, are more than just lines on a map; They are zones of cultural, economic and natural exchange that define the identity of the nations they separate.