Borders around the World

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous borders in the world. Chinese emperors began construction of the Great Wall—a border between northern China and warring nomadic groups—in 220 BCE. At various points, the wall is made of earth, stone, or brick, and features watchtowers, trading centers, and barracks. Source: National Geographic

U.S. Mexico Border

U.S.-Mexico Border A border is a physical or political line that separates geographic areas. This wall sits on the border between the United States and Mexico near the Mexican city of Tijuana. The graffiti on the border wall—Ni una muerte mas! Reforma ya! (Not one more death! Reform now!)—is a plea for immigration reform. The white crosses symbolize the deaths that resulted as Mexican immigrants attempted to cross the border into the United States. Source: National Geographic

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Durand Line

The Durand Line serves as the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The line, established in 1893, was reached in an agreement between the Amir of Afghanistan, Abdur Rahman Khan, and the British colonial government of India. It has been disputed by Pakistan, which became an independent nation in 1947, and Afghanistan ever since. Source: National Geographic

Gaza Strip

A Palestinian man walks along the immense concrete wall that marks the border of the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Strip is one of the Palestinian Territories, autonomous areas in Israel whose residents are mostly Muslim Arabs. The Gaza Strip borders Egypt to the south, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, and Israel to the north and east. Source: National Geographic

Berlin Wall (1961-1989)

The Berlin Wall, constructed in 1961, was the border between West Berlin and East Berlin, a single city in Germany separated by different political cultures. West Berlin was affiliated with democratic West Germany, although the city was actually divided into French, British, and American sectors. East Berlin was controlled by the Soviet Union.

Korea

This sculpture stands on the South Korean side of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between South Korea and North Korea. The two nations share a united history and culture but have been politically divided since 1945. South Korea is democratic and capitalist, while North Korea is an authoritarian, communist government. This sculpture represents the hope of many Koreans that the two nations will someday reunify.Source: National Geographic