This peculiar European island swaps nationalities every six months
A tiny European island nestled between northern Spain and southern France oddly flips nationalities every six months due to a unique three-century-old treaty struck between the two countries.
Pheasant Island, an uninhabited 660-foot-long spot in the Bidasoa River, bounces back and forth between the Spanish city of Irun and the French town of Hendaye, according to the area's tourism website.
The twice-yearly handover, marked by a formal military parade, stems from the Treaty of the Pyrenees.
3 Aerial view of Pheasant Island, located on the Bidasoa River, showing the border between France and Spain.
Google Earth
The unusual agreement, signed on Nov. 7, 1659, ended the Franco-Spanish War and established the desolate island as a border between the two nations — effectively placing the sliver of territory under Spanish control from Feb. 1 to July 31, and under French governance from Aug. 1 to Jan. 31.
'When the wars between France and Spain ended, they kept the island as a neutral space,' said Sylvie Salaberria-Mercier, a Hendaye tourism official, according to The Telegraph.
'It's a small island, but a reminder of the past. A reminder of the wars and a reminder of peace.'
A monolith — engraved with a commemorative inscription detailing the island's historic role — was erected at the center of the pint-sized parcel to honor the spirit and cooperation between the two countries.
The twice-yearly flag-swapping ceremony now takes place around the prized stone marker.
3 Panoramic view of Irun and Hendaye, towns on the Spain-France border.
dudlajzov – stock.adobe.com
3 The twice-yearly handover, marked by a formal military parade, stems from the Treaty of the Pyrenees.
Google Earth
The island, known as the world's smallest condominium, or place with two rules, also holds historical significance as the meeting place of Louise XIV and his future wife, Maria Theresa of Spain.
The densely forested islet — ironically home to no pheasants — is only open to the public during the semiannual celebrations.
The little bipartite island, located in Basque Country, is restricted to military personnel.
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