Original photo by Oleksii/ Adobe Stock
Pheasant Island is an uninhabited landmass located on the Bidasoa river separating France and Spain. Those two countries split control of the 1.69-acre island, with stewardship alternating every six months: Pheasant Island falls under Spanish rule from February 1 through July 31 and French control from August 1 through January 31 each year. This makes the island the world’s smallest “condominium” — a term that denotes any territory governed by multiple sovereign entities without being divided into separate national zones. It’s also the only condominium where control alternates rather than being shared simultaneously.
Oops, incorrect!
It's a factSpain’s national anthem is one of a few in the world with no lyrics. The tune is titled “Marcha Real,” and its sheet music dates to 1761. Dictator Francisco Franco had lyrics added during his reign, but they were abandoned after his death. The anthem has remained wordless since 1978.
This unusual agreement dates back to the mid-17th century. In 1648, the island served as a neutral site for France and Spain to discuss peace in the wake of the Thirty Years’ War. More than a decade later, Louis XIV of France and Philip IV of Spain returned to sign the Treaty of the Pyrenees, which formally ended the Franco-Spanish War. In 1660, Pheasant Island was the site of a ceremony wherein Philip’s daughter, Maria Theresa, crossed the island from Spain into France before marrying Louis XIV to symbolize becoming part of the French royal family.
Those events helped establish Pheasant Island as a symbol of peace, and it was decided that the countries would jointly administer it as a gesture of goodwill; this arrangement was formalized as part of the 1856 Treaty of Bayonne. Today, access to the island is largely forbidden, though ceremonies are held biannually to hand over control. Thus far, the island has exchanged hands between France and Spain more than 700 times.
Numbers Don't Lie
More Interesting Reads
The world’s most populated island is ______.
Ready to reveal?
Confirm your email to play the next question?
The world’s most populated island is Java.
The president of France also serves as co-prince of Andorra.
In addition to their duties governing France, the incumbent French president serves as co-prince of an entirely different country: Andorra, a microstate nestled between France and Spain. The princely position is shared with the Bishop of Urgell (Urgell is a county located in the Catalonia region of Spain), thus making Andorra the world’s only co-principality. This odd arrangement can be traced back to a treaty signed in 1278, though the role was redefined in 1993, when Andorra unveiled a new national constitution. Today, the co-prince role is largely ceremonial, but either prince can technically enact or veto legislation if they wish. This unique diarchic position has been held by French President Emmanuel Macron since 2017 and Bishop Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat since 2025.
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Optimism Media, and previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers." Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.
top picks from the optimism network
Interesting Facts is part of Optimism, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
