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Austria, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia are all European countries that share unique geographical proximities to one another. These countries are part of the Schengen Area, which allows for the free movement of people, goods, services, and money across borders. In addition to their shared membership in the Schengen Area, these countries have other commonalities, such as their historical links, cultural exchanges, and geographical similarities, particularly in the Alpine and Danube regions.
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What You'll Learn
- The Austria-Slovakia border is about 185 miles long
- The busiest crossing point between Austria and Slovenia is the Sentilj-Spielfeld checkpoint
- Germany is a sovereign state occupying about 137,988 sq miles
- Liechtenstein is the smallest nation on earth surrounded by two countries
- Poland's accession to the EU in 2004 made its borders with Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic redundant
The Austria-Slovakia border is about 185 miles long
No single country borders Austria, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia. However, Austria and Slovakia share a border that is approximately 185 miles long. This border is dominated by the Pohorje massif, the Karawank chain, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Julian Alps. The lower course of the River Morava forms a significant part of the border. The landscape on the Slovakian side is mostly mountainous, and the official language of the country is Slovak.
The border crossing between Berg in Austria and Bratislava in Slovakia is a significant connection between the two countries. The only motorway crossing between the two countries is in Jarovce. Slovakia occupies an area of about 19,000 square miles and has a population of over 5,435,343 people. Bratislava is the country's largest city and capital.
Austria's neighbours include Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Croatia. The country has a population of over 8,823,054 and is a landlocked state with a mountainous terrain. Its highest point is approximately 12,461 feet above sea level, and 68% of the country is over 1,640 feet. Austria occupies an area of about 32,385 square miles.
Austria's relations with its neighbouring countries are a regional priority in its foreign policy. The country pays special attention to maintaining friendly ties and close cooperation, especially with those that share historical links, geographical similarities, and intense economic interrelations. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of regional cooperation between Austria and its neighbours.
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The busiest crossing point between Austria and Slovenia is the Sentilj-Spielfeld checkpoint
Austria is a landlocked country in southern Central Europe, surrounded by several other countries. To the northwest lies Germany, to its north is the Czech Republic, to the northeast is Slovakia, and Hungary is to the east. Other neighbouring countries include Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Slovenia. The country has a mountainous terrain, with the highest point being approximately 12,461 ft above sea level.
The Slovenia-Austria boundary is about 185 miles long and is characterised by the Pohorje massif, Karawank chain, Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Julian Alps. The busiest crossing point between the two countries is the Sentilj-Spielfeld checkpoint, which offers facilities for processing and screening travellers.
The checkpoint has been subject to changing regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2021, Austria closed four checkpoints on the border with Slovenia, including the Sentilj-Spielfeld crossing, as a precautionary measure. However, as of June 2021, non-essential travel between the two countries became possible again, and the Sentilj checkpoint on the main road was reopened.
The border between Austria and Slovenia has seen varying levels of traffic and restrictions over the years. During certain periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of open checkpoints and entry requirements may change. It is always advisable to check the latest information before travelling between these two countries.
In addition to the Sentilj-Spielfeld checkpoint, there are other notable crossing points between Austria and its neighbouring countries. For example, the border crossing between Berg in Austria and Bratislava in Slovakia, and the crossing points between Austria and Hungary, which have historically been separated by an electric border fence until the collapse of communism in Hungary in 1989.
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Germany is a sovereign state occupying about 137,988 sq miles
Germany has a long and complex history. The region was invaded by the Roman Empire under Augustus, creating a short-lived Roman province of Germania between the Rhine and Elbe rivers. The outcome of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD dissuaded the Romans from their ambition of conquering Germania. By 100 AD, Germanic tribes had settled along the Rhine and the Danube, occupying most of modern-day Germany.
Following the fall of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna founded the German Confederation, a loose league of 39 sovereign states. Disagreements within restoration politics led to the rise of liberal movements and new measures of repression. The revolutions of 1848 in the German states raised the "German question", and King Frederick William IV of Prussia was offered the title of emperor, but with a loss of power. He rejected the crown and the proposed constitution, a temporary setback for the liberal movement.
In 1866, the North German Confederation Treaty established the Prussia-led North German Confederation, which became the German Empire in 1871. After World War I and the German Revolution, the Empire was replaced by the Weimar Republic. The Nazi rise to power in 1933 led to the establishment of a totalitarian dictatorship, World War II, and the Holocaust.
After World War II, Germany was organised into two separate polities with limited sovereignty: the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). In 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall became a symbol of the Fall of Communism and German reunification. Germany officially reunified on 3 October 1990, with the accession of the five re-established states of the former GDR.
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Liechtenstein is the smallest nation on earth surrounded by two countries
Liechtenstein is a small, German-speaking country in Central Europe, nestled in the Alps between Austria to the north and east and Switzerland to the south and west. With just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) of land and a population of around 40,000 people, it is the smallest nation on Earth surrounded by two countries and the fourth-smallest country in Europe.
Liechtenstein is a semi-constitutional monarchy or an "absolute monarchy" according to the BBC, with the current ruler, Prince Hans-Adam II, holding extensive powers. The country is divided into 11 municipalities, or Gemeinden, with the majority consisting of a single town or village. Five of these Gemeinden fall within the electoral district of Unterland (the lower county), while the remaining six are in Oberland (the upper county). The capital, Vaduz, is located in the Upper County and is home to around 5,000 people.
The country has a rich history, having been closely tied to the Austrian Empire and later to Austria-Hungary until the end of World War I. The ruling princes derived much of their wealth from estates in the Habsburg territories. In 1921, a new constitution was introduced, establishing a unicameral Landtag (Diet) consisting of 25 members elected to four-year terms. The country is also unique in that it is one of the few nations in the world with no debt.
Tourism is a significant sector of Liechtenstein's economy, with visitors drawn to its stunning alpine landscape and winter sports opportunities. The country's single ski area, Malbun, has produced several notable skiers, including Olympic medallists Hanni Wenzel and her brother Andreas. Liechtenstein has won more Olympic medals per capita than any other nation, with 10 medals overall. The country is also known for its strong banking sector and stable political situation, making it attractive to foreign firms.
In terms of geography, Liechtenstein is characterised by its mountainous terrain, with the eastern two-thirds consisting of the rugged foothills of the Rhätikon Mountains. The highest peak, Grauspitz, rises to 8,527 feet (2,599 meters). The western section of the country is occupied by the Rhine River floodplain, which, along with the valley of the Ill River, forms a triangular lowland widening northward. This area was once marshy but was drained in the 1930s, making it ideal for agriculture.
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Poland's accession to the EU in 2004 made its borders with Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic redundant
Poland is bordered by Germany to the west, Slovakia and the Czech Republic to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and Lithuania and the Russian province of Kaliningrad Oblast to the northeast. In 2004, Poland acceded to the European Union (EU), along with nine other countries: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, and Slovenia. This was the largest enlargement of the EU in terms of the number of states and population.
Poland's accession to the EU in 2004 had a significant impact on its borders with Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Prior to joining the EU, these borders were highly controlled and restricted, often with physical barriers such as barbed wire, minefields, and watchtowers. However, with Poland's membership in the EU, many of these restrictions became redundant, and the borders became more open and accessible.
One of the key changes was the implementation of the Schengen Agreement, which aimed to abolish border controls between EU member states. While this process took time and was not fully realized immediately after Poland's accession, it significantly changed the dynamics of Poland's borders with its EU neighbours. The free movement of people and goods across these borders contributed to increased economic integration and trade within the EU.
Additionally, Poland's accession to the EU led to the establishment of various cross-border cooperation initiatives and regional cooperation programmes. For example, the "European Region of Tyrol-South Tyrol -Trentino" was created to foster cooperation between Poland, Germany, and Slovakia in areas such as business, transport, communication, research, culture, and tourism. This facilitated a more seamless exchange of goods, services, and people across these borders, making them less of a barrier and more of a connector.
Furthermore, Poland's membership in the EU also brought about changes in border management and security. The establishment of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, led to a more unified approach to border control and management. This meant that Poland's borders with Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic became part of a larger, coordinated effort to secure the external borders of the EU, rather than being solely the responsibility of individual countries.
In conclusion, Poland's accession to the EU in 2004 transformed its borders with Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. The removal of physical barriers, the implementation of the Schengen Agreement, the establishment of cross-border cooperation initiatives, and the development of coordinated border management practices all contributed to making these borders more open, interconnected, and focused on facilitating trade and movement within the EU.
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Frequently asked questions
Liechtenstein is the only country that borders all four of these countries.
Liechtenstein is a double-landlocked German-speaking country in Central Europe. It is a constitutional monarchy and is the fourth smallest European state, covering an area of about 62 sq miles.
Other countries that border one or more of these four countries include Switzerland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Hungary.
Yes, historically Poland has also shared borders with Romania, Hungary, Latvia, and the former countries of Czechoslovakia and East Germany.
