Where people change nationality every 6 months
(Baonghean) - Every six months, the people of Pheasant Island have a new nationality, first French and then Spanish again.
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| Pheasant Island is jointly administered by France and Spain. |
About 6 km from the Bidasoa River, next to the French-Spanish border and right in the Atlantic Ocean, is the small island of Pheasant. The island has existed for a long time, but it took on a new mission in 1659: when the French and Spanish governments signed the Treaty of Pyrenees, ending 30 years of war between the two sides.
According to the treaty, the island was divided in two: one half French, the other Spanish. A new border was drawn, running along the Pyrenees, extending through the Bidasoa River and ending in the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, the island was automatically divided into two countries, with two different halves.
However, the Spanish and French governments had a unique division of control. They jointly controlled the entire territory of Pheasant, every six months. The first six months were French, and the next six months were Spanish.
As a result, the people living on this island have dual citizenship. Twice a year, they are Spanish for six months and French for half a year. Today, Pheasant is the world's oldest and most unique common territory.
Tourists are interested in the change of nationality of the local people. Many people said that they also want to become naturalized on this island and become citizens of both world powers, as well as enjoy many incentives that both countries bring. However, up to now, Pheasant is still a land that tourists are not allowed to visit.
Before the war and the treaty, Pheasant did not officially belong to any country. It was a neutral place, becoming the place where high-level meetings between the kings of France and Spain often took place. It was also used as a place for prisoner exchanges between the two countries.
Over the years, important historical events have taken place on the island. One of them was the meeting between the French king Louis XIII and his Spanish bride, Princess Ana of Austria. The Spanish king Philip IV also met his future French wife on the island. Today, every six months, a small ceremony takes place on the island to mark the transfer of power between the two sides.
