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Outposts of Power: The Strange History of Countries Owning Territory Inside Others

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4. Llivia (Spain in France)

4. Llivia (Spain in France)
Image Source Wikimedia Commons.

Llivia is a fascinating enclave: a Spanish town enveloped entirely by French territory. When the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed in 1659, most villages in the Cerdanya region were transferred to France, but Llivia stayed Spanish because it was officially classified as a “town,” not a “village.” This seemingly minor legal distinction has survived for centuries, making Llivia a living example of how bureaucratic nuances can shape—and preserve—borders long after the treaties are signed.

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