The 17th Parallel North is a circle of latitude that is 17 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane. It is significant in geography and history, particularly in relation to the division of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The parallel served as a boundary between North Vietnam and South Vietnam from 1954 until the reunification of the country in 1976. This line of latitude runs through several countries, including Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. It is often referenced in discussions about the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia and the historical context of the Cold War, highlighting the impact of international politics on regional boundaries.