An exclave is a portion of a country geographically separated from the main part by surrounding alien territory.

Field Briefing: FAQ

Q: Can you legally cross the border inside the Haskell Free Library?

Yes, but you must remain inside the building. If you exit the building into the opposite country without reporting to a border crossing, you are crossing illegally.

What is the difference between an enclave and an exclave?

It depends on perspective. An enclave is a territory totally surrounded by a foreign state. An exclave is a part of a state that is geographically separated from the main part by foreign soil. For example, Büsingen is a German exclave, but to Switzerland, it is a German enclave.

Can you legally cross the border inside the Haskell Free Library?

Yes. The library sits directly on the US-Canada border. You may enter from either country to read a book. However, if you enter from the US and leave through the Canadian door without passing through official customs, you have committed an illegal border crossing.

How was the Cooch Behar enclave crisis solved?

In 2015, India and Bangladesh ratified a historic Land Boundary Agreement. They essentially swapped 162 enclaves. Residents were allowed to choose whether they wanted to remain and adopt the citizenship of the surrounding country, or pack up and relocate to their original homeland.

Are there borders with no physical markings?

Yes, thousands of miles. Deep in unpopulated mountain ranges (like the Andes between Chile and Argentina) or vast deserts, borders are often just coordinates on a GPS without fences, posts, or patrols.