Why Some Countries Are Landlocked

Imagine running a business but being unable to directly access any marketplace yourself. Instead, you must always go through a neighbor—paying their fees, following their rules, and relying on their roads. This is the daily reality for landlocked countries, which have no access to the open sea.

Out of the world’s 195 countries, 44 are landlocked. These nations must rely on surrounding coastal countries to reach global markets—and that comes with huge economic, political, and strategic consequences.

But why are these countries landlocked in the first place? And does geography doom them, or can they rise above the tide?

Why Some Countries Are Landlocked

1. Natural Geography

Not every country gets a coastline. Some regions are simply enclosed by mountains, deserts, or other countries. Take Nepal, for instance—nestled between India and China, its rugged terrain made ocean access practically impossible.

Similarly, Paraguay in South America lies deep inland, surrounded by Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. Though it has access to major rivers like the Paraguay and Paraná, it still relies heavily on its neighbors' port facilities for international trade.

2. Colonial Borders and History

Many African landlocked countries owe their status to the arbitrary borders drawn during the colonial era. European powers carved up Africa without regard for natural trade routes or access to the sea. Mali, Niger, and Chad are all examples of countries trapped inland due to colonial cartography.

One of the most dramatic cases is Bolivia, which used to have a Pacific coastline. It lost this access during the War of the Pacific (1879–1884) to Chile. To this day, Bolivia commemorates the "Day of the Sea" every year, and has even taken the case to international courts to reclaim maritime rights.

3. Political Change and Secession

Some countries became landlocked after political shifts. Ethiopia had access to the Red Sea until Eritrea gained independence in 1993, taking the coastline with it. Now, Ethiopia is one of the world’s most populous landlocked nations and must depend on neighboring Djibouti for port access.

Another example is South Sudan, which became landlocked after gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. Though rich in oil, the country faces extreme difficulty exporting its resources because pipelines and infrastructure remain tied to Sudan's port access.

Why Being Landlocked Matters

Being landlocked is more than just a map issue. It deeply affects a country’s economy, diplomacy, and even security.

1. Trade Costs Are Significantly Higher

Landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) often pay up to three times more to move goods internationally. That’s because they have to transport exports and imports through another nation’s territory—often involving:

• Longer travel times

• More paperwork and customs fees

• Dependency on another country’s infrastructure and politics

For example, Zambia relies heavily on ports in Tanzania and South Africa. If political unrest or road closures occur, Zambia's entire economy can slow down.

According to the World Bank, freight costs for landlocked countries are 50–85% higher than for their coastal neighbors.

2. Stunted Economic Growth

A study by economists Paul Collier and Anthony Venables found that being landlocked reduces a country’s annual growth by up to 1.5% on average. Many of the poorest countries in the world—like Burundi, South Sudan, and Niger—are landlocked.

With limited access to global markets, these countries often rely on just one or two sectors—usually raw materials. This makes them vulnerable to commodity price shocks and climate-related issues.

Furthermore, lack of access to ports means delays in acquiring essential imports like medicine, food, or industrial inputs. This can halt manufacturing and public health efforts altogether.

3. Dependence and Vulnerability

LLDCs depend heavily on transit countries—which can be risky. Border closures, diplomatic disputes, or even just inefficiency can strangle trade.

Take Afghanistan, for instance. Despite its rich mineral reserves, the nation finds it difficult to export due to political instability and tense relationships with neighboring transit countries like Pakistan and Iran. The limited and fragile transit routes impact both economic development and humanitarian efforts.

Another case is Lao People's Democratic Republic, which is dependent on Thailand and Vietnam for access to seaports. While regional cooperation exists, the country remains vulnerable to changes in foreign policy and infrastructure breakdowns beyond its control.

4. Geopolitical Limitations

Without a coastline, countries cannot develop a navy or participate in maritime affairs. This limits their global influence and ability to protect economic interests on international waters.

It also restricts their participation in sectors like marine trade, fisheries, and offshore energy exploration. In an increasingly connected global economy, this absence from maritime activity can be a strategic handicap.

How Landlocked Countries Adapt and Thrive

Not all landlocked countries struggle. Some have turned their geographic disadvantage into an opportunity through smart policy, diplomacy, and infrastructure development.

Switzerland: A Landlocked Powerhouse

Switzerland is landlocked but has one of the most advanced economies in the world. It relies on:

• World-class rail and road infrastructure

• Close integration with European Union markets

• Access to ports via agreements with Germany, Italy, and France

Switzerland even leases port facilities in Rotterdam and Hamburg, ensuring smooth trade flows. The country compensates for its lack of coastline with technological excellence, robust banking, and manufacturing sectors.

Rwanda: The Rising Star of Africa

Rwanda, once devastated by genocide, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Yet it's become a tech and investment hub thanks to:

• Streamlined customs and border procedures

• Heavy investment in road and airport infrastructure

• Regional cooperation with Kenya and Tanzania

It now takes just days—not weeks—to move goods from Kigali to the port of Mombasa.

Regional Trade Corridors and Agreements

Several LLDCs collaborate to build international trade corridors. For example:

• Central Asia's Lapis Lazuli Corridor connects Afghanistan to Europe via Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

• The Trans-African Highway system is designed to connect landlocked African countries to seaports.

• Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are investing heavily in railways linking them to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), reducing their reliance on Russian transit routes.

Such projects aim to reduce transport time, increase reliability, and cut costs—giving LLDCs a much-needed economic boost.

Leveraging Rivers and Inland Waterways

Some landlocked nations use rivers for trade. For example:

• Paraguay uses the Paraguay-Paraná waterway to access ports in Argentina and Brazil.

• Hungary and Austria are connected to the Black Sea via the Danube River, enabling container shipping from inland cities.

These alternatives offer cheaper transport options, although they often depend on seasonal conditions and river maintenance.

Conclusion: Geography Isn't Destiny

Being landlocked is a major hurdle—but not an unbeatable one. It affects trade, growth, and politics, but with strategic alliances, infrastructure investment, and smart policies, landlocked countries can still thrive.

In today’s interconnected world, even geography can be negotiated with diplomacy, innovation, and resilience. Countries like Switzerland, Rwanda, and Kazakhstan show us that a missing coastline does not have to mean missing opportunity.

So the next time you look at a map, remember: what seems like a disadvantage might just be the beginning of a unique success story.