Countries With Only One Border

When you look at a world map, most countries are surrounded by multiple neighbors. However, a small and fascinating group of nations share a land border with only one country. These “one-border countries” are rare examples of unique geography, history, and political boundaries.

In this article, we’ll explore these single-neighbor nations, where they’re located, and what makes them stand out.

What Is a One-Border Country?

A one-border country is a nation that shares a land border with just one other country.
They may have sea borders with others, but only one land connection exists.
Such borders often form due to natural barriers, colonial divisions, or geopolitical agreements.

List of Countries With Only One Land Border

Here’s the full list of countries that have just one land neighbor:

Historical and Geographical Reasons

Each of these countries has a unique story behind why it borders only one other nation.

• Colonial History: Many African and Caribbean one-border countries, such as The Gambia and Haiti, were shaped by colonial agreements between European powers.

• Geographical Isolation: Nations like Lesotho and Vatican City are completely surrounded by another country — making them enclaves.

• Political Division: South Korea is a one-border nation due to the political split with North Korea after World War II.

• Natural Barriers: Mountain ranges, rivers, and coastlines have often determined borders, as seen with Portugal’s separation from Spain.

Highlights of the Most Interesting One-Border Nations

1.Canada – United States

Canada has the longest international border in the world, stretching over 8,800 km with the United States. Despite having only one neighbor, it’s one of the most peaceful and cooperative borders globally.

2. Portugal – Spain

Portugal’s border with Spain, known as the “Raia,” runs for about 1,214 km. It has existed since the 13th century, making it one of the oldest borders in Europe.

3. Vatican City – Italy

The Vatican is the smallest country in the world, entirely surrounded by the city of Rome. It serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

4. South Korea – North Korea

The border between North and South Korea is one of the most heavily guarded borders on Earth — a symbol of ongoing political tension on the Korean Peninsula.

5. Qatar – Saudi Arabia

Qatar’s only land neighbor is Saudi Arabia. The rest of the country is surrounded by the Persian Gulf, giving it a strong maritime identity.

6. Lesotho – South Africa

Lesotho is a landlocked enclave, completely surrounded by South Africa. It’s the only independent state in the world located entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation.

7. The Gambia – Senegal

The Gambia follows the Gambia River and is almost completely surrounded by Senegal. Its unusual shape is a legacy of colonial divisions between the British and French empires.

Why Are These Countries Important?

One-border countries highlight how geography and history shape political maps.
They offer fascinating insights into:

• Colonial pasts (like The Gambia and Lesotho)

• Natural boundaries (like Canada’s forests and rivers)

• Religious or political enclaves (like the Vatican and San Marino)

• Strategic locations (like Qatar and South Korea)

Each of these nations has a story that reflects centuries of diplomacy, conflict, and cooperation.

Final Thoughts

Out of nearly 200 countries in the world, only a handful share a border with just one other nation. From the icy stretches of Canada to the deserts of Qatar, these unique countries show how diverse and surprising our planet’s borders can be.

So next time you look at a map, remember — not all borders are created equal. Some countries need only one line to define them.