The British Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) located on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus is an example of a border that falls into the category of “Crazy Borders”. This special autonomous zone allows people from Cyprus to enter the United Kingdom every day without having to face the same rigorous immigration process as other visitors.
The SBA comprises two areas, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which are located in the southern portion of Cyprus and encompass a total area of 98 square miles. This region holds immense military importance for both Britain and Europe due to its strategic position at the junction of three continents – Europe, Asia, and Africa. It also serves as an important port for British forces traveling between Britain and NATO countries in the Middle East.
Though this unusual border has been around since 1960, it continues to be largely unknown to many people in spite of its historical significance. To learn more about its unique history, culture, and politics, we recommend watching Crazy Borders – a documentary series produced by BBC Four which explores some of the world’s most amazing borders. From the Turkish-Greek Cypriot Buffer Zone to South Korea’s DMZ (De-Militarised Zone), this series will take you on a fascinating journey across some truly incredible boundaries and explain why they exist in modern times.
Crazy Borders is definitely worth watching for anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating borders or curious about life in geopolitically unstable regions around the world. So don’t wait – come explore these crazy borders with us!
