The Peculiar Little Island That Changes Nationality Every 6 Months and Has Restricted Access for Military Personnel; But Why?

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 22/11/2025 at 10:48

Updated on 22/11/2025 at 10:50

Vista aérea da Ilha dos Faisões, localizada no rio Bidasoa, mostrando a fronteira entre a França e a Espanha. Google Earth

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Small European Island Alternates Spanish And French Rule Every Six Months, Following 1659 Treaty That Maintains Historical Neutrality, Symbolic Military Ceremony And Restricted Access, Preserving Unique Diplomatic Memory On The Bidasoa River To This Day

A small European island switches nationality every six months because it follows an ancient treaty made between Spain and France. This constant change draws attention because the agreement is over three centuries old and is still in effect.

The Isle of The Pheasants is located between Irun and Hendaye. It is an uninhabited stretch of 200 meters in the Bidasoa River. The site is under Spanish administration for half the year and under French administration for the other half.

Historical Origin

The alternation derives from the Treaty of the Pyrenees. The document was signed on November 7, 1659. The agreement ended the Franco-Spanish War and designated the island as the border between the two nations.

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The territory is under Spanish control from February 1 to July 31. Then, it passes to French rule from August 1 to January 31.

This cycle remains in place to this day. The alternation continues unchanged and reinforces the historical continuity of the treaty.

“When the wars between France and Spain ended, they kept the island as a neutral space,” said Sylvie Salaberria Mercier from the tourism sector in Hendaye. The statement highlights how neutrality has become a regional symbol to this day.

Memory And Symbolism

“It is a small island, but a reminder of the past. A reminder of wars and a reminder of peace.” This statement summarizes the symbolic weight of the place, which remains uninhabited and preserved.

A monolith was erected in the center of the island to record this history. The inscription highlights the cooperation between the two countries and reinforces the diplomatic value of the place.

The monument stands as a reference for visitors and scholars interested in the agreement.

Semiannual Ceremony

The power exchange occurs twice a year. The ceremony includes a formal military parade. The event takes place around the monolith, which has become the focal point of the celebration.

The island is known as the smallest condominium in the world. This nickname reinforces the curious administrative division and the idea of two rules coexisting in the same space.

Island Curiosities

The island hosted the meeting between Louis XIV and Maria Theresa of Spain. This moment marked the union that influenced European politics.

The area is densely wooded. Ironically, there are no pheasants there.

The space is only open to the public during the semiannual celebrations. The strict control ensures preservation.

The small bipartite island is located in the Basque Country. Access is restricted to military personnel.

With information from New York Post.

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The Peculiar Little Island That Changes Nationality Every 6 Months and Has Restricted Access for Military Personnel; But Why?

Small European Island Alternates Spanish And French Rule Every Six Months, Following 1659 Treaty That Maintains Historical Neutrality, Symbolic Military Ceremony And Restricted Access, Preserving Unique Diplomatic Memory On The Bidasoa River To This Day

Historical Origin

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The Peculiar Little Island That Changes Nationality Every 6 Months and Has Restricted Access for Military Personnel; But Why?

Small European Island Alternates Spanish And French Rule Every Six Months, Following 1659 Treaty That Maintains Historical Neutrality, Symbolic Military Ceremony And Restricted Access, Preserving Unique Diplomatic Memory On The Bidasoa River To This Day

Historical Origin

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Island Curiosities

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Where there was only sand and wind at 40 degrees, China built a megacity of 500,000 inhabitants with farms, wineries, and universities in the middle of the desert using melted glacier water from hundreds of kilometers away.

China bets on the Fishery-PV model and transforms fish farms into giant solar plants, covering ponds with panels that generate energy while utilizing the same space for large-scale aquaculture production.

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