Border barrier

A border barrier is a separation barrier that runs along an international border. Such barriers are typically constructed for border control purposes, viz. to curb illegal immigration, human trafficking and smuggling.

In cases of a disputed or unclear border, erecting a barrier can serve as a de facto unilateral consolidation of a territorial claim.

Examples include the ancient Great Wall of China, a series of walls separating China from nomadic empires to the north and the modern Mexico–United States barrier.

List of current barriers

Note: The table can be sorted alphabetically or chronologically using the icon.

Barriers by region

Africa

Botswana

In 2003, Botswana began building a 300-mile (480 km)-long electric fence along its border with Zimbabwe. The official reason for the fence is to stop the spread of foot-and-mouth disease among livestock. Zimbabweans argue that the height of the fence is clearly intended to keep out people. Botswana has responded that the fence is designed to keep out cattle, and to ensure that entrants have their shoes disinfected at legal border crossings. Botswana also argued that the government continues to encourage legal movement into the country. Zimbabwe was unconvinced, and the barrier remains a source of tension.