A divided city is one which, as a consequence of political changes or border shifts, currently constitutes (or once constituted) two separate entities, or an urban area with a border running through it. Listed below are the localities and the state they belonged to at the time of division.
Especially notable examples of divided cities are divided capitals, including Nicosia (since 1974), Jerusalem (1948–1967 de jure; ongoing since 1948), Berlin (1949–1990) and Beirut (1975–1990).
Border wall in NicosiaWest Bank barrier in Jerusalem
East Jerusalem (al-Quds), under Jordanian control 1948–1967, under Israeli control since 1967, claimed by Jordan 1967–1988; recognized by the international community as Palestinian territory under Israeli occupation 1967–present[a]
Laredo, New Spain/Mexico (note: Mexican city was founded when the border was established, by people moving over the border from what had just become the US city)
The community was founded in 1903 in what was then the Northwest Territories, and located on the Fourth Meridian of the Dominion Land Survey, which became the boundary between the newly created provinces two years later. In 1930, the community was reunited as a single town under the shared jurisdiction of both provinces, and reincorporated as a single city in 1958.
Padang Besar, Malay Peninsula, divided between Malaysia and Thailand. (Note: as the history of the area is somewhat hazy, it is not clear whether the town constituted a single settlement divided by an international border, or is instead an example of a geographical twin city. However, both towns' names, and the majority of their inhabitants, are of Malay origin.)
^ There was international controversy on the status of Jerusalem in 1948 which has been further complicated since 1967. See positions on Jerusalem for further information.