Landlockedness

Landlockedness is the condition of lacking direct access to the world’s oceans through a coastline. For a country, this typically means that all international trade must pass through neighboring states to reach seaports. Geography is the primary determinant, but political arrangements and border reliability also shape the practical level of access.

The consequences include higher transport costs and longer delivery times, greater exposure to border delays, and dependence on stable transit routes through neighbors. These factors can constrain growth, trade diversification, and energy security. While the disadvantage is persistent, it can be mitigated by efficient infrastructure and favorable transit regimes.

Many regions have landlocked states. In Europe, examples include Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. In Asia, Afghanistan and Mongolia are commonly cited; in Africa, Chad and Niger; in South America, Bolivia and Paraguay; in Central Asia, Kazakhstan. Some countries gain sea access through transit agreements with neighbors, while others rely on inland waterways or multiple routes to ports.

Policy responses emphasize securing reliable transit rights, investing in cross-border transport links, reducing customs friction, and diversifying routes to multiple ports. International organizations monitor the phenomenon and support regional cooperation to lower trade costs and improve resilience to disruptions.