The Most Complex Borders in Europe

Netherlands And Belgium Border

Most of you might already know about the most complicated border situation between Baarle-Nassau, Netherlands and Baarle-Hertog, Belgium. But, did you know the story behind it?

Netherlands And Belgium Border 2 Netherlands And Belgium Border 3

Well, the border’s complexity results from a number of equally complex medieval treaties, agreements, land-swaps and sales between the Lords of Breda and the Dukes of Brabant. Generally speaking, predominantly agricultural or built environments became constituents of Brabant, other parts devolved to Breda. These distributions were ratified and clarified as a part of the borderline settlements arrived at during the Treaty of Maastricht in 1843.

Netherlands And Belgium Border 4 Netherlands And Belgium Border 5 Netherlands And Belgium Border 6

Tom Scott has recently posted a really interesting and informative video (below) about the Baarle-Nassau/Baarle-Hertog border, which will help us understand the story behind it.

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