Question

Why do geographers consider borders to be more than lines on maps, but also processes that are enacted and changed over time, even if they don’t move?

Answer 1

Borders are the lines on maps which demarcate different areas on a map. In reality, borders are the perimeters which set apart geographic regions. Borders are essentially political barriers. They are the edges which set apart nations, states, districts, cities, towns and rural areas.

The government can administer its laws and rules only to the areas that are within the confines of their boundary. Borders are not permanent they change when some rulers encroach the land of others and annex it to their own area by force and violence. Sometimes, the owner of a particular area may sale the land to another. Certain areas of a country are forfeited due to some international pacts during war times. All these make modifications in the border lines.

Borders are not confined only to the land areas, the natural landforms like rivers, mountains, lakes also sometimes, become part of the borders. The borders between nations do not allow the citizens of different countries to pass the border of another country easily. A lot of documents are required like passport, visa etc to gain permission to cross the borders and enter other countries. The borders within a country do not hamper the citizens to travel from one place to another. People are free to move within their territory.

People sometimes flee from their countries because of war and conflict which renders them homeless. These people seek refuge in other countries as they do not get the basic necessities of life and are also scared for their lives. Previously, the developed countries used to welcome these refugees graciously, but now due to the fear of terrorists entering their countries in the guise of refugees is causing these countries to close their borders.

People who are in search of better employment opportunities and livelihood also migrate to other countries. Many countries open their borders for the migrants who settle in these countries. These migrants help to boost the economy of not only, the country where they settle but also, their homeland where they send money to their loved ones.

There is heavy security on the borders especially, on the borders between the countries which are at war. The border security force is very alert and vigilant and deals with the trespassers very stringently. Despite the heavy security on the borders smuggling still takes place across borders. Drugs, alcohol and also people are smuggled across borders very rampantly.

Borders are created by man due to selfish intentions. Borders are not only imaginary lines on map, they also form borders in the hearts of people. Political leaders of certain countries are not satisfied with their own borders and territory but want to extend their borders by invading other's borders. This war due to greed of land and extension of borders is fought since the ancient times. Thus, the contention of the geographers that borders are more than lines on maps is absolutely correct as these inanimate lines cause many changes in the world without moving.