The issue of sovereignty has always been respected, protected and placed on top by all countries. There have even been wars in the world because of competing for sovereignty. However, two European countries, France and Spain, accept the rotation of sovereignty between the two countries on the same island. That’s Pheasant Island.
In fact, there is a new border that runs along the Pyrenees and the Bidasoa River all the way to the Atlantic Bay of Biscay, separating France and Spain. In fact, Pheasant Island would also be divided in the same way. However, the two governments have decided to turn this place into a unique shared home.
This has made Pheasant the strangest case of sovereignty, the border between two countries. The island has a rather small area, only about 6,820 m 2 and always has a strict guard. However, in the past half century, the area of the island has been eroded by rivers, so it has decreased by nearly half, from 6,820 m 2 to about 3,000 m 2 .
Pheasant Island is considered one of the most magical lands in the world.Photo: Amusingplanet
Up to the present time, Pheasant Island has overcome all barriers to become the oldest common territory in the world.
The special feature of Pheasant Island is not the simultaneous sharing of sovereignty but “alternating”. For the first six months of the year, Pheasant Island belonged to France. In the last 6 months of the year, the island belongs to Spain. The people on the island also changed their nationality because of that. Sometimes it’s French, sometimes it’s Spanish.
To this day, despite its strangeness, Pheasant is still a powerful symbol of peace and neutrality.
The rendezvous of history…
In the first 6 months of the year, the island is owned by the French, but in the last 6 months of the year, it belongs to Spain.Photo: Amusing
In 1659, representatives from France and Spain met and together signed the Treaty of the Pyrenees – officially marking the end of the 24-year war (since 1635).
Before the Treaty of Pyrenees was signed, the island was chosen as a meeting place between two countries France – Spain. Many important historical events have taken place on the island or in exchange of prisoners. This is also the place where King Louis XIII of France met his future wife, the princess of Spain. Meanwhile, King Philip IV of Spain also married a French girl through meeting on the island.
Over the years, there have been many solemn wedding ceremonies between the two countries taking place on Pheasant Island and that may be the reason why the two countries do not want to dispute over this island.
Pheasant Island is considered a symbol of the friendly relationship between France and Spain.In the past, this island has become the venue for many weddings between the two countries’ royal families.Photo: Fascinatingspain
Pheasant can be considered a unique and priceless island, so when you are here, you also encounter strange things. While on Pheasant Island, you can completely go to sleep while in Spain, but wake up in France, while not moving an inch.
It is because of this that visitors are interested in the island and the change of nationality of the indigenous people. Many people said that they also want to be naturalized in this island and become citizens of both world powers, as well as enjoy many privileges that both countries bring. However, up to now, Pheasant is a land that visitors are not allowed to visit.
On the island, many important events took place between the two countries.Photo: Amusingplanet
Located on the border between the two countries, which is heavily guarded, Pheasant Island is also the land of the Royals of the two countries, so the access here is also very limited. Only the troops guarding the border of the two countries come here to do their duty, and especially to organize the border rotation ceremony every 6 months.
Source: Amusingplanet and Grandsudinsolite
Source: Vietnam Insider