Unit 2 · Neighbors & Borders
Some countries are surrounded — literally
Russia and China are tied for the most land borders — 14 countries each. Russia stretches from Norway to North Korea. China touches everything from Afghanistan to Vietnam. Having lots of neighbors means lots of trade routes — and lots of potential conflicts.
Brazil borders every South American country EXCEPT Chile and Ecuador. That's 10 countries sharing a border with one nation. The Amazon rainforest makes many of these borders almost impossible to patrol.
Germany borders 9 countries in tiny Europe: Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands. Being in the center of Europe made Germany a crossroads of trade — and unfortunately, a battleground in two World Wars.
France actually borders the MOST countries if you count overseas territories. French Guiana (in South America) borders Brazil and Suriname. Réunion and Mayotte are near Madagascar. France technically borders countries on every continent except Antarctica.
Some countries border only ONE other country: Canada (USA), Portugal (Spain), Denmark (Germany), Monaco (France), Vatican City (Italy), Lesotho (South Africa), San Marino (Italy). Being surrounded by just one neighbor shapes everything about your economy and culture.
Your neighbors determine your trade partners, security threats, cultural influences, and even what food you eat. Landlocked countries depend entirely on neighbors for ocean access. Countries with hostile neighbors spend more on military. Good neighbors = prosperity.
Answer all ten, then see your stars. You can retake it as many times as you like.
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