When you visit North Korea (which, believe it or not, we quite often do), you will often be told that Korea is, post-Berlin-Wall, the last of the divided countries on earth. As with anything, however, the truth is a tad more complicated than that.
Here are our top 5 (other) divided countries.
5) Samoa and American Samoa
Who knew? Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa) and genuine US colony of American Samoa are basically the same people separated by colonialism. Despite the fact that they are literally next to each other, their clocks are 24 hours apart due to their differing time zones. We’ll be visiting there in January if you fancy it.
4) South and North Ossetia
North Ossetia is in Russia and South Ossetia is (or was, depending on your perspective) part of Georgia. During Soviet times this wasn’t especially an issue, but then capitalism won. Following this there was a war, and South Ossetia is now recognised by great nations of Nauru, Venezuela and Russia. The biggest chance of reunification is if Russia annexes the South.
3) Romania and Moldova
Moldova was basically a part of Romania known as Bessarabia. After the fall of the Soviet Union there was a lot of talk of reunification, but this has since cooled. There are many reasons for this, such as Transnistria, Gagauzia, and the fact that Moldova now call their language ‘Moldovan’ (spoiler alert: it’s Romanian). Sometimes absence really does not make the heart grow fonder.
2) Cyprus/Northern Cyprus
Slightly different to the others on our list due to the fact that it involved an actual invasion and mass migration. The northern part is populated by Turks and the south by Greeks. They talk a lot about reunification, but the reality is that people seem quite happy as they are.
1. Ireland
And last, but by no means least, is the divided nation of Ireland. Not only is Ireland divided, but Northern Ireland is split along sectarian lines.
Ironically, out of all the above, Ireland is the most likely to unite – and it’s all down to Brexit (though in fairness, Scotland and Wales may also throw in the towel). Who would have thought that the UK would be ripped apart by the Tories and DUP? Of course, we have no opinion on this.
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