Which of the following describes the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area refers to a group of European countries that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their mutual borders, allowing for the free movement of people. This arrangement facilitates travel and trade among the member countries by creating a borderless zone, wherein individuals can move across national borders without facing the typical checks associated with immigration.

As a result, people can travel freely within the Schengen Area as if it were a single country, making it easier for residents to live, work, and travel without the administrative burden of crossing international borders. This feature underscores the primary characteristic that distinguishes the Schengen Area from other forms of cooperation between nations, such as financial institutions or military alliances.

A group that enforces strict border controls or a military alliance does not align with the principles of the Schengen Agreement, while a financial institution is also unrelated as it deals with economic matters rather than freedom of movement among countries.