12 of the World’s Most Fascinating International Borders

Not all international borders are uncomplicated, straight lines dividing one country from another. In reality, a political map shows what a mess these boundaries—often invisible, but occasionally obvious—can be.

You’ll find countries surrounded on all sides by other countries, and countries scattered in pieces throughout other countries.

There are borders expressed as painted lines that divide villages—the line between Belgium and the Netherlands even goes right through homes and cafés—and those that rise up 29,029 feet above sea level.

Scroll down to see some of the most interesting international borders you might encounter around the world.