Landlockeds

Landlockeds is a term used to describe political units that lack direct access to an ocean or sea. It most often refers to sovereign states that have no coastline, but it can also describe enclaves or inland regions with no coastline. The condition is geographic and not tied to a nation’s wealth or policy, though impacts vary by economy and infrastructure.

The main implications of being landlocked relate to trade and transport. Without a coast, these entities depend on neighboring countries for access to ports, railways, and road corridors. This can raise transportation costs, increase transit times, and heighten exposure to border delays, tariffs, and policy shifts. Access to viable corridors and quality border infrastructure is crucial, and many landlockeds pursue transit agreements, regional integration, and diversified routing (rail, road, river) to mitigate disadvantages.

Notable landlockeds are spread across continents. Examples include Afghanistan, Bolivia, Chad, Niger, and Ethiopia in Africa and Asia; Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia in Europe; Mongolia and Kazakhstan in Central and East Asia; Paraguay in South America; Uganda and Rwanda in East Africa; and Lesotho, a country entirely surrounded by South Africa. Some regions within larger states can also be landlocked, such as subnational areas lacking coastlines.

Policy responses emphasize reducing transport costs and improving corridor efficiency. International bodies promote transit rights, multilateral agreements, and investment in cross-border infrastructure to enhance trade access for landlockeds.