Two countries have the world's 'shortest border' - just 150 metres

The world's shortest border is not in Europe, Asia or the Americas, but in sub-Saharan Africa.

When asked what the world's shortest border is, a few answers might immediately come to mind. You might choose the border between Russia and North Korea, which is about 12 miles long. Or you might think of the border between Vatican City and Italy in Rome. Of course, it's best known as the home of the Pope, a treasure trove of iconic art and architecture, but the Vatican is actually a city in its own right.

The Vatican's border with the Italian capital is just over 2 miles long, making it one of the shortest in the world. However, you'll need to look further south to discover the world's smallest border.

Bridge to be built in 2021 connecting border of two African countries

PHOTO: GETTY

In sub-Saharan Africa are the countries of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, all of which are fascinating places to visit. It may seem like all of these countries are converging into one single spot. However, a closer look reveals the answer to the original question.

The 150-meter-long border between Botswana and Zambia is the shortest land border in the world.

The Botswana–Zambia border spans two tripoints on the Zambezi River, one with Namibia to the northwest and one with Zimbabwe to the southeast. This land boundary, also known as the quadrangle, is where four separate political territories meet.

The double demarcation was done during the period when the countries were under colonial rule. While all four other boundaries received formal demarcation, the Botswana-Zambia border was never formally agreed upon.

The border between Botswana and Zambia is only 150 meters long.

PHOTO: GETTY

Botswana and Zambia have not revisited their boundary demarcation since independence, but the two countries maintain good political relations.

Some argue that the shortest border is actually between the Spanish territory of Penon de Velez de la Gomera and Morocco, which is only 85 meters long. Others will point out that if the cities of Ceuta and Melilla are included, the total length of the Spain-Morocco border is much longer, so the border between Botswana and Zambia is still the shortest.