12 Countries With Enclaves Inside Other Nations

Enclaves are rare and intriguing phenomena where a portion of one country lies entirely within another nation’s borders. They often result from historical treaties, wars, or colonial boundaries that left scattered territories behind. From Europe to Asia, each example tells a compelling story of coexistence, culture, and diplomatic balance.

1. 1. Lesotho inside South Africa

Lesotho is a completely landlocked country surrounded by South Africa. It maintains its own government, language, and culture despite its dependence on South Africa for trade. The nation’s high-altitude terrain gives it the nickname “Kingdom in the Sky.” Lesotho’s isolation has preserved many of its traditions and natural beauty.

2. 2. San Marino inside Italy

San Marino is one of the world’s oldest republics and is completely enclosed by Italy. The microstate thrives on tourism and finance, maintaining independence since the 4th century. Despite being surrounded by Italy, San Marino has its own governance and legal system. Its cultural identity remains strong and proud of its historical autonomy.

3. 3. Vatican City inside Italy

Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world, is entirely surrounded by Rome. It serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope resides here, and it attracts millions of visitors annually. Despite its size, it holds significant influence in global religious and cultural matters. Its sovereignty was established through the Lateran Treaty of 1929.

4. 4. Büsingen am Hochrhein inside Switzerland

Büsingen am Hochrhein belongs to Germany but is completely surrounded by Switzerland. The town uses the Swiss franc alongside the euro and follows many Swiss regulations. It demonstrates an unusual coexistence between the two countries’ laws and systems. Its unique position makes it a fascinating case of European geography.

5. 5. Campione d’Italia inside Switzerland

Campione d’Italia is an Italian enclave located within Swiss territory near Lake Lugano. The area uses the Swiss franc and integrates with Swiss infrastructure. However, it remains politically tied to Italy. Residents often navigate a mix of Italian and Swiss services, including healthcare and postal systems. Its dual identity makes it both a challenge and a charm.

6. 6. Llivia inside Spain

Llivia is a small Catalan town in France, but it is surrounded by Spanish territory. France retained it due to a treaty that exempted towns from being ceded to Spain. The enclave has French administration, yet deep Catalan cultural roots. Locals speak Catalan and French interchangeably, symbolizing a fusion of identities. Its history reflects centuries of shifting European borders.

7. 7. Nahwa inside the United Arab Emirates

Nahwa is an enclave of the UAE situated inside Oman’s territory, which itself encloses the Omani enclave of Madha. This creates a fascinating “enclave within an enclave” scenario. The arrangement stems from historical tribal agreements before national borders were formalized. Residents often cross borders casually for daily activities. It is a rare geographical curiosity in the Arabian Peninsula.

8. 8. Baarle-Hertog inside the Netherlands

Baarle-Hertog is part of Belgium but is located within the Netherlands. Its borders are extremely intricate, with Dutch and Belgian properties interlaced throughout the town. Some buildings are divided between two countries. The municipality manages this complex setup through cooperation and shared governance. The enclave is a symbol of how diplomacy can overcome border complexity.

9. 9. Akrotiri and Dhekelia inside Cyprus

Akrotiri and Dhekelia are British Sovereign Base Areas located within Cyprus. They serve as military bases for the United Kingdom and are governed separately from Cyprus. The areas retain strategic importance for regional security and intelligence. British and Cypriot cultures blend in these territories, creating a unique coexistence.

10. 10. Ceuta and Melilla inside Morocco

Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish enclaves located on the northern coast of Africa, surrounded by Morocco. These cities have been under Spanish control for centuries and act as vital Mediterranean ports. They are known for their cultural diversity and economic vitality. Despite being geographically in Africa, they are administratively part of Spain and the European Union.

11. 11. Sokh inside Kyrgyzstan

Sokh is an Uzbek enclave located within Kyrgyz territory in the Fergana Valley. The area is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Tajiks, adding further complexity to its identity. Border tensions have occasionally flared due to resource access and movement restrictions. Efforts continue to ease relations between neighboring communities.

12. 12. Cooch Behar enclaves inside India and Bangladesh (before 2015)

Before a historic land exchange in 2015, India and Bangladesh contained numerous enclaves known as the Cooch Behar enclaves. These pockets of land created administrative confusion for decades. The eventual agreement resolved hundreds of these enclaves through mutual exchange. It marked a significant diplomatic success between the two nations.

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