Brazil is building a virtual border fence to keep out illegal immigrants and other undesirables

Brazil's border is pretty mammoth, and a growing economy has made illegal activities (chief among them illegal immigration) an equally growing concern. But the country has a plan: a 10,000-mile fence, except that this one is virtual. For reference, America's southern border is only about 20% as long. The Sistema Integrado de Monitoramento de Fronteiras (aka Sisfron) will take a decade and some $13 billion to erect, and it will be a mix of satellites, drones, electromagnetic signaling, and an increased army presence. The country's border touches that of 10 other countries. The portion touching Bolivia (a major cocaine producer) and Paraguay (which attracts black market items) will be tackled first.