This peculiar european island swaps nationalities every six months

World NewsThis peculiar European island swaps nationalities every six monthsBy Anna YoungPublishedJune 3, 2025, 10:22 p.m. ET

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. 

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.

MoreArchaeologists uncover 4,500-year-old baby rattles that reveal ancient parenting techniquesUS soldiers’ remains found at historic Revolutionary War landmark are revealed to be from a

completely different eraMysterious ‘dumped’ bodies of woman and child found by archaeologists in picturesque town

“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.

stock.adobe.com3The 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.

Filed underdiscoveryfrancehistoryspain6/3/25Read NextWashington Post admits to faulty reporting on claim that I...Trending Nowin World NewsThis story has been shared 32,777

times.32,777Shocking video reportedly shows power failures inside Air India plane hours before it crashed: 'Nothing is working'This story has been shared 17,642 times.17,642Israel launches

air strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, killing top military officials: 'If we don't act now, there will not be another generation'This story has been shared 14,627 times.14,627Miracle

passenger in seat 11A survives Air India plane crash that killed over 200 people: 'Bodies all around me'This story has been shared 5,986 times.5,986Doomed Air India passengers posted tragic

video about their 'magical trip' just before crash: 'Going back happily calm'Most CommentedJoin the conversationThis story has 3.5K comments.3.5KGov. Newsom adds fuel to fire, dares Trump’s

border czar Tom Homan to arrest him amid violent anti-ICE riotsThis story has 2.9K comments.2.9K2,000 LA anti-ICE rioters take over 101 Freeway downtown as self-driving cars are lit on fire

in chaotic sceneThis story has 2.4K comments.2.4KOver 80 arrested during chaotic NYC anti-ICE protest as thousands flood the streetsNow on Page SixAnna Wintour allegedly ‘steamrolled’ Condé

Nast’s CEO with Vanity Fair hire: sourcesWhy Taylor Swift is more excited than ever for Travis Kelce’s upcoming NFL season: reportSee AllVideoLA riots birthed the 'American Intifada' |

Reporter Replay