Why Are the Borders of Countries and States Not Straight?
A better question is why should borders be straight. A border is the dividing line between two different political entities. Usually, such lines separate groups of people with different cultures, habits, languages, and laws. These dividing lines often follow where people live and sometimes natural boundaries like mountains. Borders do not follow straight lines, except in unpopulated areas.
And borders are marked on the ground by border markers placed in agreement between the two countries. The border does go in straight lines between the markers. However, this is typically for shorter distances, e.g., 10 to 200 meters. For example, on a map, the red dots are border markers. Note the scale from the football pitch near marker 8.
Historical Treaties and Conflicts
Many borders were established through treaties, wars, and negotiations that reflect historical claims and conflicts. The boundaries often follow the outcomes of these events rather than being drawn straight. Historical treaties and conditional concessions play a significant role in shaping today's borders. For instance, the Treaty of Versailles after World War I altered the map of Europe dramatically, creating new nation-states that still have irregular borders.
Geographical Features
Natural features like rivers, mountains, and lakes often serve as boundaries. These geographical elements can create irregular borders that follow the contours of the land rather than straight lines. For example, the border between India and Nepal follows the Himalayan mountain range, creating a jagged and scenic border that aligns with the natural terrain.
Cultural and Ethnic Divisions
In some regions, borders have been drawn to reflect the distribution of various ethnic, cultural, or linguistic groups. This can lead to jagged borders that encompass communities rather than cutting through them. For instance, the border between Poland and Russia stretches through various ethnic areas, including towns with mixed Polish and Russian populations.
Colonial History
Many borders, especially in Africa and the Middle East, were drawn during the colonial period without regard for the local ethnic and cultural landscapes. Colonial powers often created arbitrary lines that do not follow natural or cultural divisions. This is evident in the borders of several African countries, where straight lines cut through the territories of distinct ethnic groups, leading to political and social unrest.
Political Compromises
Borders can also result from political negotiations and compromises, which may involve trade-offs that lead to non-linear boundaries. These compromises often aim to balance the interests of multiple parties. For example, the border between Germany and Poland was redefined after World War II, balancing the needs of both nations while respecting certain historical and cultural considerations.
Administrative Decisions
In some cases, state or provincial borders are determined by administrative decisions that consider local governance, economic zones, and population distributions, resulting in irregular shapes. For instance, the border between Quebec and Ontario in Canada is shaped by historical and administrative decisions, as well as the distribution of linguistic and cultural communities.
These factors combined create a complex tapestry of borders that reflect the unique history and geography of each region rather than simple straight lines. Understanding these complexities is crucial for recognizing the diverse and multifaceted nature of border creation and management around the world.