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enclave
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enclave

political geography
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Quick Summary

In political geography, an enclave is a territory completely surrounded by a foreign territory. The term originates from the Latin word inclavatus, meaning "shut in or locked up."1

An enclave can also function as an exclave, which is a territory belonging to one country but geographically separated from it and surrounded by another country. For instance, Vatican City is an enclave within Italy and is the world's smallest sovereign nation. Lesotho is a country entirely surrounded by South Africa, making it an enclave.1

A semi-enclave or semi-exclave is a territory that borders foreign land but also has access to a body of water, allowing connection to its main territory. Point Roberts, Washington, is an example of a semi-enclave, bordered by Canada and water accessible to the United States.1

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. enclave
  2. What’s the Difference Between Enclaves and Exclaves?
  3. enclaves

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