<p>Located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati Balaji Temple also referred to as Sri Venkateswara Temple, is one of the oldest and most revered temples in India. Each day, it attracts many devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara. The generous offerings from these visitors showcase their deep faith and commitment.</p>

<p>Here are some heartwarming facts about this beloved temple:</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tirupati-prasadam-row-ex-andhra-cm-jagan-reddy-says-lab-report-false-blames-naidu-of-playing-faith-politics-760443">Tirupati Prasadam row: Ex-Andhra CM Jagan Reddy says lab report false, blames Naidu for playing faith politics</a></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Beautiful architecture</strong><br />
	The temple showcases stunning Dravidian architecture, with detailed carvings and tall entrance towers called gopurams.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Self-manifested statue</strong><br />
	Inside the temple, there is a self-manifested statue of Lord Sri Venkateswara, made from black stone. The deity, known as Balaji, Srinivasa, or Govinda, holds a conch (Shankha) &nbsp;and a discus (chakra), with hands in blessing positions.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Five deities in Garbha Griha</strong><br />
	The Garbha Griha of the temple features five deities in accordance with the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition. The primary deity, Srinivasa Moola Murthy, is central to daily rituals. Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy, a replica of the Moola Murthy, receives offerings and is placed in a golden cradle for most of the year. Ugra Srinivasa Murthy is taken out in procession on auspicious occasions, while Koluvu Srinivasa Murthy oversees the temple's finances from the Tirumamani Mandapam. Malayappa Swamy, a naturally formed idol, participates in processions during special festivals.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Famous laddu prasadam</strong><br />
	The Tirupati laddu is offered to devotees after their prayers. This practice started in 1715. The laddu is made in the temple kitchen, where about 650 cooks work.</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/british-scientists-preserve-human-genome-on-5d-memory-crystal-which-can-last-for-millions-of-years-760398">British scientists preserve human genome on 5D memory crystal which can last for millions of years</a></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Temple History</strong><br />
	The construction of Tirupati Balaji Temple began around 300 AD, with many rulers contributing to its development. In the mid-18th century, a Maratha General named Raghoji I Bhonsale set up a committee to manage the temple.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Special recognition</strong><br />
	In 2009, the laddu received a Geographical Indication tag, which means only the temple can make it, preventing others from producing or selling it.<b>&nbsp;</b></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati Balaji Temple also referred to as Sri Venkateswara Temple, is one of the oldest and most revered temples in India. Each day, it attracts many devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara.

Located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati Balaji Temple also referred to as Sri Venkateswara Temple, is one of the oldest and most revered temples in India. Each day, it attracts many devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara. The generous offerings from these visitors showcase their deep faith and commitment. Here are some heartwarming facts about this beloved temple: Also read | Tirupati Prasadam row: Ex-Andhra CM Jagan Reddy says lab report false, blames Naidu for playing faith politics Beautiful architecture The temple showcases stunning Dravidian architecture, with detailed carvings and tall entrance towers called gopurams. Self-manifested statue Inside the temple, there is a self-manifested statue of Lord Sri Venkateswara, made from black stone. The deity, known as Balaji, Srinivasa, or Govinda, holds a conch (Shankha) and a discus (chakra), with hands in blessing positions. Five deities in Garbha Griha The Garbha Griha of the temple features five deities in accordance with the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition. The primary deity, Srinivasa Moola Murthy, is central to daily rituals. Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy, a replica of the Moola Murthy, receives offerings and is placed in a golden cradle for most of the year. Ugra Srinivasa Murthy is taken out in procession on auspicious occasions, while Koluvu Srinivasa Murthy oversees the temple's finances from the Tirumamani Mandapam. Malayappa Swamy, a naturally formed idol, participates in processions during special festivals. Famous laddu prasadam The Tirupati laddu is offered to devotees after their prayers. This practice started in 1715. The laddu is made in the temple kitchen, where about 650 cooks work. Also read | British scientists preserve human genome on 5D memory crystal which can last for millions of years Temple History The construction of Tirupati Balaji Temple began around 300 AD, with many rulers contributing to its development. In the mid-18th century, a Maratha General named Raghoji I Bhonsale set up a committee to manage the temple. Special recognition In 2009, the laddu received a Geographical Indication tag, which means only the temple can make it, preventing others from producing or selling it. (With inputs from agencies)

Interesting facts about Tirumala Venkateswara Temple you need to know

<p>Divorce is something we normally associate with humans. But, did you know birds too go through a divorce? A new study on bird breakups has revealed fascinating information. Affairs and lengthy spells of time apart can lead to divorce not just in humans but in birds too.</p>

<p>However, in contrast to human divorces, separation in birds is a bit different, it is not driven by emotions but rather something else. Here's all you need to know:</p>

<h2><strong>Bird divorces</strong></h2>

<p>As per a report in The Guardian, it is thought that approximately 90 per cent of bird species generally remain monogamous and have a single mate during a breeding season. However, some birds choose to divorce their partners and seek new mates for subsequent breeding seasons, even when their original mates are still alive.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/unveiling-the-depth-third-active-octopus-nursery-found-in-deep-sea-habitat-off-costa-rican-coast-watch-610518">Unveiling the depth: Third active octopus nursery found in deep-sea habitat off Costa Rican coast. Watch!</a></strong></p>

<p>This behaviour, known as "divorce" in birds, has intrigued researchers, who have sought to uncover the underlying factors behind these avian breakups. Earlier research had pegged the reason for avian separations as something to do with the "ultimate goal (which) is to maximise lifetime reproductive success."</p>

<p>Now, a team of researchers from China and Germany claims to have identified two key factors that contribute to divorce from a wide range of bird species: male promiscuity and long-distance migrations.&nbsp;The team published their findings in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.</p>

<h2><strong>How did researchers analyse bird divorces?</strong></h2>

<p>To investigate the factors associated with divorce in birds, the researchers analysed divorce rates, mortality data, and migration distances for 232 bird species. They assigned separate "promiscuity scores" to males and females of each species based on existing information about their mating behaviour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, they considered the evolutionary relationships between species to account for the impact of common ancestry.</p>

<h2><strong>Study findings</strong></h2>

<p>The results of the analysis revealed a notable pattern: species with high divorce rates tended to be closely related to each other, as did species with low divorce rates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A similar pattern was observed for male promiscuity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Certain bird species such as plovers, swallows, martins, orioles, and blackbirds exhibited both high divorce rates and male promiscuity, while others such as petrels, albatrosses, geese, and swans displayed low divorce rates and male promiscuity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-scientist-he-jiankui-proposes-controversial-gene-editing-research-on-embryos-611545">Chinese scientist He Jiankui proposes controversial gene-editing research on embryos</a></strong></p>

<p>Interestingly, the researchers found that higher male promiscuity correlated with higher divorce rates, while female promiscuity did not have the same effect.</p>

<h2><strong>Male promiscuity vs. female promiscuity</strong></h2>

<p>As per Dr Zitan Song of Germany's Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, a co-author, male promiscuity is characterised by dividing attention and resources among multiple females, which they say can diminish the male's commitment and make him less attractive as a partner for the next breeding season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, mating with multiple females can enhance a male bird's fitness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the researchers suggested that female promiscuity might not lead to the same consequences because uncertainty about offspring paternity could result in increased male involvement in parental care.</p>

<h2><strong>What else can lead to divorce in birds?</strong></h2>

<p>The study also uncovered a relationship between divorce rates and migration distances. Birds with longer migration distances tended to have higher divorce rates.&nbsp;Asynchronous arrival at breeding destinations could lead to a situation where early-arriving birds mate with different partners, resulting in divorce. Additionally, migrating birds might land in different breeding sites, unintentionally causing divorce due to separation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After migrating, pairs may arrive at their destination asynchronously, leading to a situation where the early arrival might mate with a different partner, resulting in a ‘divorce’. Migration could also lead to pairs landing in different breeding sites, thereby causing ‘divorce’ due to accidental loss. This effect intensifies with increasing migration distance,” said Song.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Divorce can aid in facilitating immediate breeding upon arrival, rather than waiting for a previous partner," she added.</p>

<p>Longer migrations also narrowed the window for breeding, which might contribute to divorce as pairs seek immediate breeding opportunities upon arrival.</p>

<p>The results as per the researchers suggest that divorce in birds is not simply a strategy to enhance an individual's fitness or a response to ecological factors like migration, but may be influenced by both.</p>

<p>Dr Samantha Patrick, a marine biology expert from the University of Liverpool who was not involved in the study, welcomed the research. As per The Guardian, she found the results linking migration asynchrony to divorce particularly interesting. She remarked that climate change could increase variability in migration timings and potentially raise divorce rates across species. "As the climate becomes more unpredictable migration timings may become more variable and this paper suggests that across species this could increase divorce rates."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Divorce is something we normally associate with humans. But, did you know birds too go through a divorce? A new study on bird breakups has revealed fascinating information.

Divorce is something we normally associate with humans. But, did you know birds too go through a divorce? A new study on bird breakups has revealed fascinating information. Affairs and lengthy spells of time apart can lead to divorce not just in humans but in birds too. However, in contrast to human divorces, separation in birds is a bit different, it is not driven by emotions but rather something else. Here's all you need to know: Bird divorces As per a report in The Guardian, it is thought that approximately 90 per cent of bird species generally remain monogamous and have a single mate during a breeding season. However, some birds choose to divorce their partners and seek new mates for subsequent breeding seasons, even when their original mates are still alive. Also read | Unveiling the depth: Third active octopus nursery found in deep-sea habitat off Costa Rican coast. Watch! This behaviour, known as "divorce" in birds, has intrigued researchers, who have sought to uncover the underlying factors behind these avian breakups. Earlier research had pegged the reason for avian separations as something to do with the "ultimate goal (which) is to maximise lifetime reproductive success." Now, a team of researchers from China and Germany claims to have identified two key factors that contribute to divorce from a wide range of bird species: male promiscuity and long-distance migrations. The team published their findings in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. How did researchers analyse bird divorces? To investigate the factors associated with divorce in birds, the researchers analysed divorce rates, mortality data, and migration distances for 232 bird species. They assigned separate "promiscuity scores" to males and females of each species based on existing information about their mating behaviour. Additionally, they considered the evolutionary relationships between species to account for the impact of common ancestry. Study findings The results of the analysis revealed a notable pattern: species with high divorce rates tended to be closely related to each other, as did species with low divorce rates. A similar pattern was observed for male promiscuity. Certain bird species such as plovers, swallows, martins, orioles, and blackbirds exhibited both high divorce rates and male promiscuity, while others such as petrels, albatrosses, geese, and swans displayed low divorce rates and male promiscuity. Also read | Chinese scientist He Jiankui proposes controversial gene-editing research on embryos Interestingly, the researchers found that higher male promiscuity correlated with higher divorce rates, while female promiscuity did not have the same effect. Male promiscuity vs. female promiscuity As per Dr Zitan Song of Germany's Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, a co-author, male promiscuity is characterised by dividing attention and resources among multiple females, which they say can diminish the male's commitment and make him less attractive as a partner for the next breeding season. On the other hand, mating with multiple females can enhance a male bird's fitness. However, the researchers suggested that female promiscuity might not lead to the same consequences because uncertainty about offspring paternity could result in increased male involvement in parental care. What else can lead to divorce in birds? The study also uncovered a relationship between divorce rates and migration distances. Birds with longer migration distances tended to have higher divorce rates. Asynchronous arrival at breeding destinations could lead to a situation where early-arriving birds mate with different partners, resulting in divorce. Additionally, migrating birds might land in different breeding sites, unintentionally causing divorce due to separation. "After migrating, pairs may arrive at their destination asynchronously, leading to a situation where the early arrival might mate with a different partner, resulting in a ‘divorce’. Migration could also lead to pairs landing in different breeding sites, thereby causing ‘divorce’ due to accidental loss. This effect intensifies with increasing migration distance,” said Song. "Divorce can aid in facilitating immediate breeding upon arrival, rather than waiting for a previous partner," she added. Longer migrations also narrowed the window for breeding, which might contribute to divorce as pairs seek immediate breeding opportunities upon arrival. The results as per the researchers suggest that divorce in birds is not simply a strategy to enhance an individual's fitness or a response to ecological factors like migration, but may be influenced by both. Dr Samantha Patrick, a marine biology expert from the University of Liverpool who was not involved in the study, welcomed the research. As per The Guardian, she found the results linking migration asynchrony to divorce particularly interesting. She remarked that climate change could increase variability in migration timings and potentially raise divorce rates across species. "As the climate becomes more unpredictable migration timings may become more variable and this paper suggests that across species this could increase divorce rates." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Bird divorces are on the rise. Here's the fascinating reason behind avian breakups

<p>Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, established Friendship Day in 1930. Every year on August 2nd, he planned to celebrate Friendship Day. People were upset because they thought Hall had discovered a way to sell more greeting cards in the name of "Friendship Day." This notion quickly faded from people's minds. On July 30, 1958, this concept resurfaced in the minds of an international organization called World Friendship Crusade. On July 20, 1958, Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho had the idea of celebrating Friendship Day worldwide. Later, in 1998, the then-General-Secretary of the United Nations, Kofi Annan's wife, Mrs. Nane Annan, named Winnie the Pooh the world's Ambassador of Friendship at the United Nations. Finally, on April 27th, the United Nations General Assembly declared the 30th of July to be an official International Friendship Day. Furthermore, the assembly urged people to observe this day in accordance with their traditions and customs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Know about the Significance of Friendship Day</strong></p>

<p>This day commemorates the friendship between two or more people and brings this special bond together across geographies, gender, religion, and other differences. The United Nations also encourages governments and civil organisations to foster and promote social harmony among people so that truth and peace can prevail and there is more love and less hatred among people, allowing humanity to triumph.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Friendship Day is observed every year on the first Sunday of August in India</strong></p>

<p>Friendship Day is observed on various dates throughout the world. In India, it is always observed on the first Sunday of August each year. To commemorate this day, people, mostly children, tie friendship bands around the wrists of their friends. This is interpreted as a promise to be best friends. This day was first designated as International Friendship Day in Paraguay in 1958. However, it is widely assumed that Joyce Hall's idea of a friendship day celebration was to make money by selling greeting cards to their friends to commemorate friendship day.</p>

<p><strong>Interesting Facts About Friendship Day</strong></p>

<p>1: Although it was unpopular in the United States and Europe to honor friendship, several Asian countries, including India, China, and Malaysia, began celebrating Friendship Day in the 1950s by exchanging gifts with their friends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>2: In the United States, The first Sunday in August was thought to be the origin of Friendship Day in 1935. Congress's decision to have a day to honour friends emphasised its significance.</p>

<p>3: The third Sunday in September is designated as Women's Friendship Day.</p>

<p>4: The friendship between Lord Krishna and Arjun is beautifully depicted in the famous Hindu epic "The Mahabharata." The Islamic religion has always placed a high value on the concepts of friendship and camaraderie.&nbsp;</p>


Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, established Friendship Day in 1930. Every year on August 2nd, he planned to celebrate Friendship Day. People were upset because they thought Hall had discovered a way to sell more greeting cards in the name of "Friendship Day.

Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, established Friendship Day in 1930. Every year on August 2nd, he planned to celebrate Friendship Day. People were upset because they thought Hall had discovered a way to sell more greeting cards in the name of "Friendship Day." This notion quickly faded from people's minds. On July 30, 1958, this concept resurfaced in the minds of an international organization called World Friendship Crusade. On July 20, 1958, Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho had the idea of celebrating Friendship Day worldwide. Later, in 1998, the then-General-Secretary of the United Nations, Kofi Annan's wife, Mrs. Nane Annan, named Winnie the Pooh the world's Ambassador of Friendship at the United Nations. Finally, on April 27th, the United Nations General Assembly declared the 30th of July to be an official International Friendship Day. Furthermore, the assembly urged people to observe this day in accordance with their traditions and customs. Know about the Significance of Friendship Day This day commemorates the friendship between two or more people and brings this special bond together across geographies, gender, religion, and other differences. The United Nations also encourages governments and civil organisations to foster and promote social harmony among people so that truth and peace can prevail and there is more love and less hatred among people, allowing humanity to triumph. Friendship Day is observed every year on the first Sunday of August in India Friendship Day is observed on various dates throughout the world. In India, it is always observed on the first Sunday of August each year. To commemorate this day, people, mostly children, tie friendship bands around the wrists of their friends. This is interpreted as a promise to be best friends. This day was first designated as International Friendship Day in Paraguay in 1958. However, it is widely assumed that Joyce Hall's idea of a friendship day celebration was to make money by selling greeting cards to their friends to commemorate friendship day. Interesting Facts About Friendship Day 1: Although it was unpopular in the United States and Europe to honor friendship, several Asian countries, including India, China, and Malaysia, began celebrating Friendship Day in the 1950s by exchanging gifts with their friends. 2: In the United States, The first Sunday in August was thought to be the origin of Friendship Day in 1935. Congress's decision to have a day to honour friends emphasised its significance. 3: The third Sunday in September is designated as Women's Friendship Day. 4: The friendship between Lord Krishna and Arjun is beautifully depicted in the famous Hindu epic "The Mahabharata." The Islamic religion has always placed a high value on the concepts of friendship and camaraderie.

When is Friendship Day 2022? Know history, significance, interesting facts

<p>What if I told you that some countries are separated by...barely anything.&nbsp;Going from one country to another&nbsp;is literally&nbsp;like crossing the&nbsp;street. Sometimes, rather than a brief border&nbsp;void,&nbsp;something quirky falls on the line straddling the two&nbsp;countries, highlighting the casual relations between them.</p>

<p>Scroll down for some of the most porous&nbsp;and interesting international borders:&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Norway and Sweden:</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Blanketed with ice and dense forests, Norway and Sweden have a lot in common. In the above picture, the border trail in the middle divides the two countries, with Norway on the right and Sweden on the left. Adventure travellers use the area to race&nbsp;snowmobiles. This is not the only quirky border the two share:&nbsp;in&nbsp;other places there are&nbsp;walkways with basically only chalk lines&nbsp;dividing&nbsp;the&nbsp;two countries, such as in the&nbsp;picture below.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/norwayswedenborder1-20160929125334.jpeg" />
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<p>Norway-Sweden border (Twitter)</p>
</div>
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<p>Norway-Sweden border (Twitter)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Netherlands and Belgium:&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>A quaint little town of Baarle falls both in Netherlands and Belgium. It means that the town is essentially split in two, with the Belgium side officially recognised as Baarle-Hertog and the side in Netherlands, recognised as Baarle-Nassau. There are places where buildings and&nbsp;cafes&nbsp;fall&nbsp;within both&nbsp;countries.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Belgium-Netherlands border through a cafe (Twitter)</p>
</div>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Ethiopia and Somalialand:</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>The inhabitants of these countries must get along pretty well. The two neighbours are literally divided by only a string that signifies its border.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Ethiopia-Somalia border (Twitter)</p>
</div>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Russia and the United States:&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Little is known about the Diomede Islands,&nbsp;situated between mainland Alaska and Siberia, that fall under both&nbsp;Russian and&nbsp;American territory. They are&nbsp;2.4 miles apart from one another;&nbsp;the Big Diomede is&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;while the&nbsp;Little Diomede is a part of the&nbsp;US. Time-wise, the Russian island is 21 hours ahead of the American island.</p>

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<p>Diomede Islands (Twitter)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Spain and Portugal:</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>The European countries have a zipline that people can take&nbsp;in&nbsp;Spain and&nbsp;land in Portugal. Littles less than half a mile long, anyone wanting to enter Portugal from Spain can look forward to one of the most exciting ways to travel. And the best is you gain an hour&rsquo;s time, as the latter falls in a different time zone.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Spain-Portugal border (Twitter)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>United States and Mexico:</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Bordering countries America&nbsp;and Mexico have a road running between them, and this road has&nbsp;a very stark contrast on either side.&nbsp;While the American side is&nbsp;largely&nbsp;barren, the Mexican side is&nbsp;bustling&nbsp;with buildings and industry.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>United States-Mexico border (Twitter)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>United States and Canada:</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>The countries share the world&rsquo;s longest border, which covers all possible biodiversity. The border runs through the town of <em>Derby Line</em> which splits some buildings in&nbsp;half. Thick forest cover is carefully cleared out every year to make way for a distinguishable boundary between the two nations. The process is called <em>Slash</em> which is a treeless zone, 20 feet wide.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>United States- Canada border (Twitter)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Poland and Ukraine:</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>The two countries Poland and Ukraine share a peaceful border where the artist <em>Jaroslaw Koziara</em> has designed two fishes in a unique manner on the grasslands. It symbolises the unity they share.</p>

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<p>Poland-Ukraine border (Twitter)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Argentina/Paraguay/Brazil:</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>The three South American nations share a natural border. The Parana River and Iguazu River&nbsp;splitt&nbsp;the three countries right where the landmasses&nbsp;meet.</p>

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<p>Parana and Iguazu Rivers borders between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. (Twitter)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Argentina and Chile:</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>A statue of Jesus known as <em>Christ the Redeemer of the Andes</em>&nbsp;was put up in 1904 to signify peace between the two South American countries. There is also <em>The Eyes of the Salt Flat</em>, a natural miracle on the border between Argentina and Chile.</p>

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<p>&#39;Christ the Redeemer of the Andes&#39; statue at the Argentina and Chile border (Twitter)</p>
</div>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Germany and the Netherlands:</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Germany and Netherlands have a unique border where one&nbsp;building is a part of each country. There is&nbsp;literally a dividing line in the middle of the floor, serving as a national border. So on one side&nbsp;you have a German mailbox and a German policeman, and on the other&nbsp;a Dutch mailbox and a&nbsp;Dutch policeman.</p>

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<p>Germany-Netherlands border through a building (Twitter)</p>
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<p>Are you planning on packing your bags to check them out? I feel like doing so!</p>

<p><em>(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)</em></p>


Take one step towards left or right and you will be in a different country

What if I told you that some countries are separated by...barely anything. Going from one country to another is literally like crossing the street. Sometimes, rather than a brief border void, something quirky falls on the line straddling the two countries, highlighting the casual relations between them. Scroll down for some of the most porous and interesting international borders: Norway and Sweden: Blanketed with ice and dense forests, Norway and Sweden have a lot in common. In the above picture, the border trail in the middle divides the two countries, with Norway on the right and Sweden on the left. Adventure travellers use the area to race snowmobiles. This is not the only quirky border the two share: in other places there are walkways with basically only chalk lines dividing the two countries, such as in the picture below. Norway-Sweden border (Twitter) × Norway-Sweden border (Twitter) × Netherlands and Belgium: A quaint little town of Baarle falls both in Netherlands and Belgium. It means that the town is essentially split in two, with the Belgium side officially recognised as Baarle-Hertog and the side in Netherlands, recognised as Baarle-Nassau. There are places where buildings and cafes fall within both countries. Belgium-Netherlands border through a cafe (Twitter) × Ethiopia and Somalialand: The inhabitants of these countries must get along pretty well. The two neighbours are literally divided by only a string that signifies its border. Ethiopia-Somalia border (Twitter) × Russia and the United States: Little is known about the Diomede Islands, situated between mainland Alaska and Siberia, that fall under both Russian and American territory. They are 2.4 miles apart from one another; the Big Diomede is Russian while the Little Diomede is a part of the US. Time-wise, the Russian island is 21 hours ahead of the American island. Diomede Islands (Twitter) × Spain and Portugal: The European countries have a zipline that people can take in Spain and land in Portugal. Littles less than half a mile long, anyone wanting to enter Portugal from Spain can look forward to one of the most exciting ways to travel. And the best is you gain an hour’s time, as the latter falls in a different time zone. Spain-Portugal border (Twitter) × United States and Mexico: Bordering countries America and Mexico have a road running between them, and this road has a very stark contrast on either side. While the American side is largely barren, the Mexican side is bustling with buildings and industry. United States-Mexico border (Twitter) × United States and Canada: The countries share the world’s longest border, which covers all possible biodiversity. The border runs through the town of Derby Line which splits some buildings in half. Thick forest cover is carefully cleared out every year to make way for a distinguishable boundary between the two nations. The process is called Slash which is a treeless zone, 20 feet wide. United States- Canada border (Twitter) × Poland and Ukraine: The two countries Poland and Ukraine share a peaceful border where the artist Jaroslaw Koziara has designed two fishes in a unique manner on the grasslands. It symbolises the unity they share. Poland-Ukraine border (Twitter) × Argentina/Paraguay/Brazil: The three South American nations share a natural border. The Parana River and Iguazu River splitt the three countries right where the landmasses meet. Parana and Iguazu Rivers borders between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. (Twitter) × Argentina and Chile: A statue of Jesus known as Christ the Redeemer of the Andes was put up in 1904 to signify peace between the two South American countries. There is also The Eyes of the Salt Flat, a natural miracle on the border between Argentina and Chile. 'Christ the Redeemer of the Andes' statue at the Argentina and Chile border (Twitter) × Germany and the Netherlands: Germany and Netherlands have a unique border where one building is a part of each country. There is literally a dividing line in the middle of the floor, serving as a national border. So on one side you have a German mailbox and a German policeman, and on the other a Dutch mailbox and a Dutch policeman. Germany-Netherlands border through a building (Twitter) × Are you planning on packing your bags to check them out? I feel like doing so! (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

Most insane country borders you never knew existed

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