Spain’s bordering countries
Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe, sharing its borders with a diverse range of countries and territories. To the north lies France, while the west is bordered by Portugal. In the heart of the country is the tiny principality of Andorra, while to the south lies the Mediterranean Sea and the African countries of Morocco and Algeria. Spain also has two enclaves located on the African coast, Ceuta and Melilla, and the British overseas territory of Gibraltar.
The neighbor to the north: France
Spain shares a border with France to the north, stretching over a distance of approximately 646 kilometers. The Pyrenees mountain range forms a natural barrier between the two countries, with the border running along the highest peaks. The border is marked by several crossing points, including the Somport Tunnel, which connects the cities of Pau in France and Jaca in Spain.
France and Spain have a long history of cultural exchange and trade, and the border region is home to a unique blend of both French and Spanish cultures. The Basque Country, which straddles the border region, is known for its distinctive culture and language that is spoken on both sides of the border.
The neighbor to the west: Portugal
Spain’s western border is shared with Portugal, with a total length of approximately 1,214 kilometers. The border is mostly formed by the Guadiana River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean near the town of Ayamonte in Spain and Vila Real de Santo António in Portugal.
The relationship between Spain and Portugal has been historically complex, with both countries competing for territory and power during the colonial era. Today, however, the two countries enjoy excellent relations and have strong economic ties, with Portugal being one of Spain’s largest trading partners.
The small country in the heart of Spain: Andorra
Andorra is a small principality located in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, covering an area of just 468 square kilometers. Despite being an independent country, Andorra has a unique relationship with both France and Spain, with both countries acting as co-princes of the country.
The border between Spain and Andorra stretches over a distance of approximately 84 kilometers and is marked by several crossing points, including the Envalira Pass, which is one of the highest mountain passes in Europe. The border region is an important tourist destination, with many visitors coming to enjoy the skiing, hiking, and cultural attractions of the Pyrenees.
The British territory in Southern Spain: Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British territory located on the southern tip of Spain, covering an area of just 6.7 square kilometers. The territory has been under British control since 1713, and its strategic location on the entrance to the Mediterranean has made it an important military and trading hub throughout history.
The border between Spain and Gibraltar stretches over a distance of just 1.2 kilometers and is marked by a fence and several crossing points. The relationship between Spain and Gibraltar has been historically complex, with Spain making territorial claims on the territory and accusing the UK of using it as a tax haven. Despite these tensions, the border is open to pedestrians and vehicles, and many people cross over to work or visit family and friends.
The tiny exclave on the African coast: Ceuta
Ceuta is a Spanish exclave located on the northern tip of Morocco, covering an area of just 18.5 square kilometers. The city has been under Spanish control since the 16th century and is an important commercial and military hub in the region.
The border between Ceuta and Morocco is marked by several crossing points, including the Tarajal border crossing, which is one of the busiest in the region. The relationship between Spain and Morocco has been historically complex, with Morocco making territorial claims on Ceuta and accusing Spain of mistreating Moroccan immigrants who try to cross the border.
The second exclave on the African coast: Melilla
Melilla is another Spanish exclave located on the northern coast of Morocco, covering an area of just 12.3 square kilometers. The city has been under Spanish control since the 15th century and is an important commercial and military hub in the region.
The border between Melilla and Morocco is also marked by several crossing points, including the Beni-Enzar border crossing, which is one of the busiest in the region. Like Ceuta, Melilla has been the subject of territorial disputes between Spain and Morocco, with Morocco accusing Spain of illegally occupying the territory.
The African country to the east: Morocco
Morocco is an African country located to the east of Spain, sharing a land border of approximately 13 kilometers with the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. The relationship between Spain and Morocco has been complex, with both countries competing for influence in the region and tensions arising over issues such as immigration and territorial disputes.
Despite these tensions, Spain and Morocco have strong economic ties and cultural exchange, with many Moroccan immigrants living and working in Spain and many Spanish tourists visiting Morocco.
The Mediterranean country to the south: Algeria
Algeria is another African country located to the south of Spain, sharing a maritime border with Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. The relationship between Spain and Algeria has been complex, with tensions arising over issues such as immigration, trade, and territorial claims over the Western Sahara.
Despite these tensions, Spain and Algeria have strong economic ties and cultural exchange, with many Algerian immigrants living and working in Spain and many Spanish tourists visiting Algeria.
The autonomous cities of Spain
In addition to the countries and territories that border Spain, the country also has two autonomous cities located on the coast of Morocco: Ceuta and Melilla. These cities are governed by their own authorities and have a unique relationship with both Spain and Morocco.
Conclusion: Spain’s diverse borders
Spain’s borders are diverse and complex, reflecting the country’s history, geography, and cultural ties. From its neighbors in France and Portugal to its enclaves in Africa and the British territory of Gibraltar, Spain’s borders are marked by a unique blend of cultures and traditions.
References and further reading
- Spain borders. WorldAtlas. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/which-countries-border-spain.html
- Spain and France. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/PoliticaExteriorCooperacion/Europa/Paginas/EspanaYFrancia.aspx
- Spain and Portugal. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/PoliticaExteriorCooperacion/Europa/Paginas/EspanaYPortugal.aspx
- Andorra. Visit Andorra. https://visitandorra.com/en/
- Gibraltar. Visit Gibraltar. https://www.visitgibraltar.gi/
- Ceuta and Melilla. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/PoliticaExteriorCooperacion/Africa/Paginas/CeutaMelilla.aspx
- Spain and Morocco. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/PoliticaExteriorCooperacion/Africa/Paginas/EspanaMarruecos.aspx
- Spain and Algeria. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/PoliticaExteriorCooperacion/Africa/Paginas/EspanaArgelia.aspx
