Here is a concise summary of the text:
**Unconventional International Borders**
The article highlights 10 unusual international borders around the world, featuring unique characteristics such as:
1. **Macau (China)**: Drivers switch from left to right side of the road when crossing from Macau to China.
2. **Poland-Ukraine**: A border marked by a land art installation of two colossal fish.
3. **Brazil-Argentina-Paraguay**: The "Triple Border" where three countries meet.
4. **USA-Russia (Diomede Islands)**: Islands 3.7 km apart, separated by the International Date Line, resulting in a 21-hour time difference.
5. **Netherlands-Belgium**: A complex border running through the city of Baarle-Nassau, with some houses divided between countries.
6. **Vatican City-Italy**: The world's smallest international border (3.2 km long).
7. **Brazil-Argentina (Iguazu Falls)**: A breathtaking natural wonder marking the border.
8. **Hungary-Slovakia-Austria**: A "triple point" marked by a picnic table-like monument.
9. **Spain-Portugal**: A zip line connects the two countries, with a 1-hour time difference.
10. **Malaysia-Indonesia**: A border with recently defined land and maritime boundaries (completed in 2000, with some work still ongoing).
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, each with a number and in short sentences, excluding opinions:
**1. Macau, China**
* Macau was a Portuguese colony for hundreds of years.
* Macau's full name is Macau Special Administrative Region of the Republic of China.
* Drivers must switch sides of the road when crossing from China to Macau.
**2. Poland, Ukraine**
* The border features a land art piece of two colossal fish made from different plants.
* The artwork was created by Polish artist Jaroslaw Koziara.
**3. Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay**
* The three countries meet at a point known as the Triple Border.
* Each country has its own obelisk or stone pillar at the border, painted in their national colors.
**4. United States, Russia (Diomede Islands)**
* The Diomede Islands are located in the Bering Strait between Siberia and Alaska.
* The islands are only 3.7 km apart but belong to different countries (Russia and the US).
* The International Date Line passes between the islands, resulting in a 21-hour time difference.
**5. Netherlands, Belgium (Baarle-Nassau)**
* The border crosses through the city of Baarle-Nassau, dividing it between the two countries.
* Some houses, streets, and even photo galleries are split between the Netherlands and Belgium.
* Big white crosses mark the border on streets.
**6. Vatican City, Italy**
* Vatican City is surrounded by a 3.2 km long border with Italy.
* The country's size is approximately 40 hectares (about an eighth of Central Park's size).
* Vatican City has its own stamps, media, anthem, flag, license plates, and passports.
**7. Brazil, Argentina (Iguaçu Falls)**
* The Iguaçu Falls mark the border between Brazil and Argentina.
* The falls are located in Rio Iguaçu, with the highest waterfall being the Devil's Throat (over 79 meters high and 149 meters wide).
**8. Hungary, Slovakia, Austria**
* A "triple point" where the three countries meet is located in Europe.
* The tripoint is marked by a stone picnic table.
* All three countries are part of the Schengen Area, eliminating border crossing points.
**9. Spain, Portugal**
* A zip line connects Spain and Portugal, allowing for a unique border crossing.
* The zip line is located in São Lucas de Guadiana, Andalusia, Spain.
* Riders can reach speeds of over 80 km/h and experience a time difference of one hour upon landing in Portugal.