The borders of Guatemala are the international borders which it shares with four nations: * Mexico * Honduras * Belize * El Salvador Over its history Guatemala has been the subject of a number of territorial disputes with its neighbours, stemming in large part from the absence of any definition of its borders prior to independence. Guatemala is situated in the central area of Central America. In more densely populated regions along the borders there are fences to prevent illegal immigration. Areas close to Guatemalan borders experience high rates of crime. The Central American area, notably the Guatemalan border area, is listed as one of the world's most dangerous places.