Unique Geopolitical Enclaves: Landlocked Countries Completely Surrounded by Another Nation
The world of geopolitics is filled with fascinating and unique geographic enclaves that challenge our understanding of borders and nations. Among these, one notable category consists of landlocked countries that are entirely surrounded by another country. These enclaves offer rich and intricate geopolitical landscapes. Let's explore the most notable examples, which include Lesotho, Vatican City, and San Marino.
Lesotho: South Africa's Unique Enclave
Lesotho is the only landlocked country in the world that is completely surrounded by the territory of another nation. Situated in the mountainous region of southern Africa, Lesotho is entirely encircled by the Republic of South Africa. This unique geopolitical positioning has both advantages and challenges. Lesotho's terrain is characterized by a high elevation, with the entire country lying above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), making it a stunning mountainous landscape.
Landlocked Advantages and Disadvantages:
Being landlocked often brings with it certain disadvantages such as limited access to maritime trade and natural resources. However, it also offers unique opportunities, such as a strong focus on tourism and mountain resources. Lesotho's strategic location amidst South Africa provides valuable trade and support networks.
Vatican City: The Perfect Example of a Country in a City
Vatican City stands as another exceptional enclaved state, being the smallest independent state in the world. Completely surrounded by Rome, Italy, Vatican City is a prime example of a geopolitical enclave that operates seamlessly within a larger city. At only 0.4 square kilometers (0.15 square miles), it requires unique administrative and legal frameworks to function and maintain its sovereignty.
San Marino: A Hidden Gem Within Italy
San Marino, known as the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, is another significant geopolitical enclave. Located in the mountains of Italy, San Marino is completely surrounded by the Italian Republic. This small republic has managed to maintain its independence through a combination of strategic positioning and strong governance, making it a fascinating study in geopolitical resilience.
A Closer Look at the Unique Enclaves
The following are the three countries that fit the criteria of being completely landlocked by only one other country:
Vatican City: Surrounded by the Italian Republic on all sides. San Marino: Surrounded by the Italian Republic on all sides. Lesotho: Surrounded by the Republic of South Africa on all sides.These enclaves stand as testaments to the complex and sometimes surprising nature of geopolitical landscapes. Each country offers unique insights into how nations navigate the challenges and opportunities of such settings.
While other enclaves exist, including the Republic of the Gambia and the Principality of Monaco, their situations differ slightly due to their access to the sea. Other countries like the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Principality of Andorra, and the Principality of Liechtenstein, while mostly surrounded, have smaller borders with a second neighboring state, thus not fully fitting the example of a country completely surrounded by another nation.
Understanding and studying these enclaves provides valuable insights into the dynamics of geopolitics, state sovereignty, and the interplay between natural and constructed borders.