Enclave, EHN klayv or AHN klayv, is a territory belonging to one country but lying within the boundaries of another country. For example, Gibraltar is a British enclave on the coast of Spain (see Gibraltar). Enclaves were once common in Europe and other areas. In most cases, rulers permitted passage through their territory to the enclaves within it. Today, nations believe that the presence of foreign territories within their boundaries violates national sovereignty.