Longest socialist wall

The longest wall constructed for political reasons by a socialist country was the German Democratic Republic’s 96-mile Berlin Wall, started on 13 August 1961 and standing until demolition between 1990–92. Officially intended to prevent fascist interventions within East Germany, it was called the "Anti-Fascist Protection Rampart" (Antifaschistischer Schutzwall) by GDR authorities. In fact, it operated as a physical barrier to prevent emigration and defection from East Berlin to West Berlin. Developed over several different phases, the final US$3,650,000 Stützwandelement UL 12.11 version was built between 1975 and 1980. It consisted of separate concrete, each 3.6 metres high and 1.2 m wide. By this stage the Berlin Wall was also fitted out with more than 300 watchtowers, and a no-man's-land “Death Strip” with anti-vehicle trenches, nail beds and other such devices. At least 130 people were killed at the Berlin Wall, the last being Chris Gueffroy in 1989.

Nine official border crossings were provided, including the famous Checkpoint Charlie, at the junction of Zimmerstrasse and Friedrichstrasse.