The World’s Most Fascinating Enclaves

Imagine living in a town or even a whole country that’s completely surrounded by another nation. These curious geographical quirks are called enclaves, and they often come with complex histories and unique cultural identities.

What Is an Enclave?

An enclave is a territory, or a portion of a state, that is entirely surrounded by the territory of another state. In many cases, enclaves are also exclaves, meaning they are politically attached to a larger country but physically separated from it. These odd pockets of land usually result from historical treaties, colonial legacies, or border reshuffles — and they often create headaches for politicians and residents alike.

The term enclave comes from the Old French word enclaver, meaning “to enclose.” Some enclaves are home to ethnic or cultural groups that differ from those in the surrounding country, sometimes leading to social tensions or calls for reunification with the parent state.

Let’s explore some of the most intriguing enclaves across the globe.

Melilla and Ceuta, Spain

Located along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, Melilla and Ceuta are two Spanish autonomous cities with deep colonial roots. Spain acquired Ceuta in 1668, while Melilla became part of Spain in the 19th century. These territories are heavily fortified with fences, watchtowers, and security systems to curb unauthorized migration from Africa into Europe — a constant source of political debate.

Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia

Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave tucked between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea. Once part of Germany (then called Königsberg), the region was handed over to the Soviet Union after World War II. Most of the German population fled or was deported, and it was repopulated with Soviet citizens. Today, Kaliningrad remains strategically important to Russia but physically disconnected from it.

Gibraltar, United Kingdom

Gibraltar sits at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, where Europe meets Africa. A British Overseas Territory, it’s known for its iconic limestone Rock of Gibraltar and a peculiar airport whose runway intersects with the city’s main road. Every time a plane lands or departs, traffic must stop — one of the quirks of life in this geopolitical oddity.

Vatican City

The smallest independent state in the world, Vatican City is an enclave within the heart of Rome, Italy. With a population of around 840 and a border of just 3.2 km, the Vatican was established as a sovereign city-state in 1929. It serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope.

San Marino

Another enclave surrounded by Italy, San Marino claims to be the world’s oldest surviving sovereign state, dating back to the year 301 AD. This tiny republic covers just 61 square kilometers and is home to about 30,000 people. Despite its size, San Marino has a proud history of independence and self-governance.

Lesotho

Lesotho is a mountainous kingdom completely surrounded by South Africa. With a land area of 30,000 square kilometers and a population of about 2 million, Lesotho gained independence from Britain in 1966. Its geographic isolation and high altitude make it one of the most unique nations in Africa.

Point Roberts, United States

This small American community of about 1,300 people lies at the southern tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula, which is otherwise part of Canada. To reach Point Roberts by land, one must cross the Canadian border — twice. The bizarre boundary was set by the 1846 treaty between the U.S. and Britain, and proposals to hand Point Roberts over to Canada have never materialized.

Cabinda, Angola

Cabinda is a sliver of Angolan territory separated from the rest of the country by the Democratic Republic of Congo. Though it’s technically not landlocked thanks to its Atlantic coastline, Cabinda is geographically isolated. It was once a separate Portuguese protectorate and only became part of Angola after independence in 1975. Today, Cabinda remains a politically sensitive region with an active independence movement.

Os de Civís, Spain

This small Spanish village of about 100 residents is only accessible by road through Andorra, a tiny country nestled in the Pyrenees. Technically part of Spain, Os de Civís is geographically cut off from the rest of the country by mountains, making it an enclave of sorts — at least in practice.

Jungholz and Mittelberg, Austria

These two Austrian communities are technically part of Austria, but Jungholz and the Kleinwalsertal valley can only be accessed by road through Germany due to the mountainous terrain. Jungholz has a population of around 300, while Kleinwalsertal is home to about 5,000 people. Their unusual geography creates interesting cross-border interactions with their German neighbors.

Why Enclaves Matter

While enclaves might seem like quirky cartographic leftovers, they often highlight deeper issues — from colonial legacies and border politics to ethnic identities and economic isolation. Some residents embrace their unique geography, while others seek closer ties with the surrounding country. Either way, enclaves are living examples of how borders are often more complicated than they appear on a map.