Which Countries Border Brazil?

Brazil is a large South American country that is home to over 200 million people. During the pre-colonial period, the borders of Brazil were not well defined as they are now. During this period, many communities lived within Brazil's boundaries such as the Tremembé, the Tupiniquim, and the Goitacá. The edges of Brazil took their modern form after European nations such as Portugal and Spain developed an interest in the continent. The Brazilian border stretches for roughly 10,492 miles long. Brazil shares its land bounder with 10 different nations such as Suriname, Venezuela, Guyana, and Colombia.

Brazil-French Guiana border

The border separating French Guiana and Brazil is approximately 403 miles. The two nations are linked by a bridge, referred to as the Oyapock River Bridge since it passes over the Oyapock River. The bridge links two significant cities, Oiapoque, which is situated within Brazil's boder and Saint Georges-de-l'Oyapock which is located within the border of French Guiana. The bridge was officially unveiled to the public on March 18, 2007, and it improved business activities in the area as it allowed traders to move quickly from one region to another. Residents in both countries can cross the bridge without paying a toll which has also contributed to boosting business in the area. In French Guiana, the government set up a checkpoint to investigate the identification of people crossing over from Brazil. On the Brazilian side, the government did not set up such a checkpoint.

Brazil-Suriname border

The border that separates Brazil and Suriname is roughly 368 miles long and passes through two primary Brazilian states of Amapa and Para. The boundary between Suriname and Brazil was defined by a treaty signed in 1906, referred to as the Treaty of Limits. The deal has ensured that Brazil and Suriname have a stable relationship. In Suriname, the Brazilian government is represented by an embassy situated in Paramaribo. On the other hand, in Brazil, the government of Suriname is represented by an embassy located in Brasilia.

Brazil-Guyana border

The border that separates Brazil and Guyana is roughly 998 miles long, and there are many important rivers along it such as the Takatu River and the Ireng River. Brazil and Guyana have strong diplomatic ties that stretch way back to the 1960's. Due to a policy put in place by the government of Brazil, the relationship between the two nations has improved significantly. One of the sectors where Brazil and Guyana cooperate is on security matters. The government of Brazil has contributed considerably to training the Guyana military. In Guyana, the Brazilian government is represented by an embassy situated in the city of Georgetown as well as a vice-consulate located in the town of Lethem. In Brazil, the government of Guyana is represented by three diplomatic missions; an embassy situated in the city of Brasilia and two consulates which are situated in Rio de Janeiro and Boa Vista.

Brazil-Venezuela border

The border separating Venezuela and Brazil is approximately 1,367 miles long and was decided by the two nations in 1859. Despite the boundary being determined in the 19th century, the two countries made it official in 1929. Some of the natural features along this border include Cucuy rock, Hua waterfall, Mount Cerro Cupi, and Mount Roraima. Brazil and Venezuela maintain close diplomatic ties with the Brazilian government being represented by an embassy located in Caracas while the Venezuelan government is situated in Brasilia. The relationship between Brazil and Venezuela was significantly affected when Brazil chose to side with Guyana in a border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.

Brazil-Colombia border

Brazil and Colombia are separated by a boundary that is roughly 1,021 miles long that was defined by the two nations after they signed several treaties. The first border treaty that Colombia and Brazil signed was the 1907 Vasquez Cobo-Martins treaty. In this treaty, the two nations used some rivers to describe the boundary such as the Rio Negro and the River Apaporis. Colombia and Brazil later signed another treaty in 1928 which was referred to as the Tratado de Limites y Navegacion Fuvial.

Brazil-Peru border

The boundary separating Brazil and Peru is roughly 1,861 miles long and touches two major Brazilian states, Amazonas and Acre. Brazil and Peru have strong diplomatic ties, and in 2013, they had a celebration to mark the 10th year of their alliance. Brazil and Peru work together in some sectors such as the infrastructure sector and trade. The two countries have come up with some collaborative projects with one of the most important being the Interoceanic Highway which was officially opened to public use in 2011.

Brazil-Bolivia border

The border between Brazil and Paraguay is roughly 2,127miles long and crosses through the Amazon forest. Brazil and Bolivia signed some treaties to define the boundary with the first one being signed in 1867. However, the settlement erroneously awarded a region with a high Brazilian population to the Bolivian government. The issue sparked conflict and was resolved after the treaty of Petropolis was signed.

Brazil-Paraguay border

The boundary that separates Paraguay and Brazil stretches for approximately 848 miles long. The treaty that defined the boundary between the two countries was signed after the Paraguayan War. One of the main features of the boundary is the International Peace Bridge which allows individuals to cross from one nation to the other.

Brazil-Argentina border

Brazil and Argentina are separated by a boundary that is approximately 784 miles long. There are some features along the boundary such as the Parana River, the Iguacu River, the Iguacu falls, and the San Antonio River. Brazil and Argentina signed a treaty in 1898 that defined each country's limits. Brazil and Argentina have strong diplomatic ties and cooperate on many other aspects such as trade and security.

Brazil-Uruguay border

Uruguay and Brazil are separated by a boundary that is approximately 664 miles long. In some areas, the boundary between Uruguay and Brazil follows several rivers such as the River Quarai and River Jaguarao. Brazil and Uruguay have strong diplomatic and economic ties.

Solving Border Disputes 

Several approaches have been put in place to solve boundary disputes between nations. One of the primary methods is taking the issue to international courts such as the International Court of Justice. Apart from taking the issue before the courts, countries can depend on arbitration or mediation.