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It has not been stated outright in the books when/how the Muggle and magical worlds were separated. The why, of course, is because the Muggles feared the magic, i.e. as in extreme reactions like the Inquisition. Too, there are the pureblood wizard families, like the Malfoys, who like to torment Muggles, so this separation is as much for the protection of the non-magical.
Large areas, such as Hogwarts castle and Hogsmeade are protected by Muggle-repelling spells. These seem to come in two varieties:
1. Illusion - If a Muggle were to encounter Hogwarts, they would see a large, dilapidated castle with a "Danger! Unsafe building" sign on it.
2. Misdirection - In Goblet of Fire, [the 4th book] it is explained that the Muggle repelling spells are nothing sinister; the Muggle who came too close would suddenly remember an appointment, or look in a different direction at just the right moment to miss it.
Muggles don't believe in magic, and when they are confronted with it, many times they will rationalize it away - "swamp gas and weather balloons" type excuses.
If you get the chance to read the books, do it! Though ostensibly written for children, Ms. Rowling is an excellent writer who does not talk down to or patronize her readers. I call this type of story a "basic fantasy" because I know very few people who did not, at one time, believe they were adopted, and were part of something bigger. I remember being a Princess stolen away from the good King and Queen - usually when I was pissed at my parents as a kid.
The shape I\'m in you could donate my body to science fiction! - Rodney Dangerfield, \"Back to School\"
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