Which Country Shares Borders with the Most Countries in the World?

Countries around the world are separated by land borders, seas, and natural boundaries. While some nations are isolated islands, others are positioned at the centre of major continents and share borders with many neighbouring countries.

According to current geographical records, China and Russia jointly hold the world record for sharing borders with the highest number of countries—14 each. These borders play an important role in trade, security, diplomacy, and regional influence.

Top Nations with the Highest Number of Neighbours

Let’s explore the countries with the highest number of neighbouring nations.

1. China – Shares Borders with 14 Countries

China ranks first globally (tied with Russia) for having the highest number of neighbouring countries.

Capital: Beijing
Population: Around 1.41 Billion
Area: 9.6 Million sq km

Neighbouring Countries:

• Mongolia
• Russia
• North Korea
• Vietnam
• Laos
• Myanmar
• India
• Bhutan
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Afghanistan
• Tajikistan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Kazakhstan

China’s strategic location in Asia has helped it become one of the world’s largest trade and manufacturing centres. Its extensive border network also makes it a major geopolitical power.

2. Russia – Shares Borders with 14 Countries

Russia is the largest country in the world by land area and ties with China for the highest number of international borders.

Capital: Moscow
Population: Around 143 Million
Area: 17.1 Million sq km

Neighbouring Countries:

• Norway
• Finland
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Poland
• Belarus
• Ukraine
• Georgia
• Azerbaijan
• Kazakhstan
• Mongolia
• China
• North Korea

Stretching across Europe and Asia, Russia’s geographic position gives it strategic importance in global politics and trade.

3. Brazil – Shares Borders with 10 Countries

Brazil dominates South America and has the third-highest number of neighbouring nations.

Capital: Brasília
Population: Around 221 Million
Area: 8.5 Million sq km

Neighbouring Countries:

• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Colombia
• French Guiana
• Guyana
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Suriname
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

Interestingly, Brazil shares borders with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador.

4. Germany – Shares Borders with 9 Countries

Germany is centrally located in Europe and is connected to multiple neighbouring nations.

Capital: Berlin
Population: Around 84 Million
Area: 357,588 sq km

Neighbouring Countries:

• Denmark
• Poland
• Czech Republic
• Austria
• Switzerland
• France
• Luxembourg
• Belgium
• Netherlands

Germany’s location has helped establish it as one of Europe’s strongest economic powers.

5. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) – Shares Borders with 9 Countries

Located in Central Africa, DR Congo is among the countries with the most neighbouring states.

Capital: Kinshasa
Population: Around 105 Million
Area: 2.34 Million sq km

Neighbouring Countries:

• Angola
• Burundi
• Central African Republic
• Republic of the Congo
• Rwanda
• South Sudan
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zambia

The country is globally important due to its vast mineral resources, especially cobalt.

Bonus Fact: Which Two Countries Share the Longest International Border?

The Canada–United States border is the longest international land border in the world.

Border Length: Approximately 8,891 km (5,525 miles)

It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and also separates Canada from Alaska in the northwest.

Longest Continuous Land Border in the World

If measured as one uninterrupted land stretch, the Kazakhstan–Russia border is considered the longest continuous land border.

Length: Approximately 7,644 km (4,750 miles)