The issue of sovereignty has always been respected, protected and placed at the top by all countries. There have even been wars in the world because of the struggle 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.
There is even a new border that runs along the Pyrenees and the Bidasoa River to the Atlantic Bay of Biscay, which separates France and Spain. In fact, Pheasant Island would also be divided in the same way. However, the two governments have decided to make this place a unique shared home.
This has made Pheasant the strangest case of sovereignty, the border between two countries. The island has a fairly small area, only about 6,820 m 2 and is always under strict surveillance. However, in the last half century, the area of the island has been eroded by rivers, so it has decreased by almost half, from 6,820 m 2 up to about 3,000 m 2 †
Pheasant Island is considered one of the most magical countries in the world. Photo: Amusingplanet
To date, Pheasant Island has overcome all barriers to become the oldest communal territory in the world.
The special thing about Pheasant Island is not the simultaneous sharing of sovereignty, but the “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 nationality as a result. 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 of France and Spain met and together signed the Treaty of the Pyrenees – officially ending the 24 Years’ War (since 1635).
Before the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed, the island was chosen as the meeting place between two countries France – Spain. Many important historical events have taken place on the island or in exchange for 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 a meeting on the island.
Over the years there have been many solemn wedding ceremonies between the two countries on Pheasant Island and that is perhaps why the two countries do not want to argue about 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 royal families of the two countries. Photo: Fascinatingspain
Pheasant can be considered a unique and priceless island, so when you are here you will also encounter strange things. While on Pheasant Island, you can go to full sleep while in Spain, but wake up in France, without moving an inch.
This makes visitors interested in the island and the change of nationality of the indigenous population. Many people said that they also wanted to naturalize on this island and become citizens of both world powers, as well as enjoy the many privileges that both countries bring. Until now, however, Pheasant is a country 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 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 six-month border rotation ceremony.
Source: Amusingplanet and Grandsudinsolite
