What Are Neighboring Countries? Definition & Examples

Neighboring countries (or border countries) are sovereign states that share a land or maritime border.

Examples

• USA–Canada: World's longest land border (5,525 mi / 8,891 km)
• USA–Mexico: 1,954 mi (3,145 km) land border
• France–Germany: Core EU neighbors, Rhine River border
• China–Russia: 2,615 mi (4,209 km) border
• Brazil: Borders 10 countries (every SA nation except Chile/Ecuador)

Maritime Neighbors

Countries sharing exclusive economic zones (EEZ) or territorial waters without land contact (e.g., UK–France, Japan–South Korea, Australia–New Zealand).

Significance

Border relationships define trade, security, migration, environmental cooperation, and diplomatic engagement.