A buffer zone is an area that separates two other areas from each other. Known types of buffer zone are demilitarized zones and state buffer zones (green belts). A buffer zone can also include a whole country and thus form a buffer state.
Buffer zones can be set to prevent violence, protect nature or the environment, protect residential areas from industrial accidents or natural disasters, prevent escaped prisoners from finding hostages or shelter quickly.
Buffer zones often result in large uninhabited areas, which may be somewhat special in many densely populated areas. Also see
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