8 Hotly Disputed Borders of the World: Quick Facts

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Photos

Map of Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, East China Sea

Map of eastern Asia and surrounding regions with the Kuril Islands labeled in orange off the eastern coast of Russia, between Russia and Japan. The map highlights the location of the Kuril Islands in the northwest Pacific Ocean. An inset in the upper right shows a zoomed-out view of the highlighted area within the larger continent.

Locator map of the demilitarized zone, the Korean peninsula

Map showing Western Sahara along the northwest coast of Africa, bordered by Morocco to the north, Mauritania to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Major towns such as Laayoune, Al-Dakhla, and Bir Gandus are labeled, with a note indicating the territory is occupied by Morocco. An inset map highlights the region's location within northwest Africa.

Antarctic territorial claims

Map showing Taiwan's location in East Asia, with surrounding countries and regions labeled, including China to the west, Japan to the northeast, South Korea further north, the Philippines to the south, and Vietnam to the southwest. Major cities such as Taipei, Hong Kong, and Macau are also marked.

Groups of adult emperor penguins and fluffy gray chicks stand together on snowy ground in Antarctica, with ice formations and more penguins in the background.

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