Landlocked country

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Landlocked_countries

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Landlocked country

A landlocked country is a sovereign state that does not have territory connected to an ocean or whose coastlines lie on endorheic basins. These countries are entirely surrounded by the land of other countries or have coastlines that do not lead to the open sea.

Characteristics

Landlocked countries often face significant economic challenges due to their lack of direct access to maritime trade routes. This can lead to higher transportation costs for imports and exports, which can hinder economic development. Additionally, these countries may rely heavily on neighboring countries for access to ports and international markets.

Examples

There are currently 44 landlocked countries in the world, including Afghanistan, Armenia, Austria, Bolivia, Chad, Ethiopia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mali, Nepal, Niger, Paraguay, Switzerland, and Zimbabwe.

Economic Implications

The economic implications for landlocked countries can be profound. Without direct access to the sea, these countries often face higher costs for transportation and trade. They may also experience delays and complications in the movement of goods. To mitigate these challenges, landlocked countries often enter into agreements with neighboring countries to secure transit rights and access to ports.

Geopolitical Considerations

Landlocked countries may also face geopolitical challenges. Their reliance on neighboring countries for access to international trade routes can lead to dependency and vulnerability. Political instability or conflict in neighboring countries can further exacerbate these challenges.

Historical Context

Historically, being landlocked has often been a disadvantage for countries, particularly in terms of trade and military strategy. However, some landlocked countries have managed to overcome these challenges through strategic alliances, economic diversification, and investment in infrastructure.

Related Pages

• List of landlocked countries
• Endorheic basin
• Maritime trade
• Geopolitics
• Economic development

See Also

• Enclave and exclave
• Double landlocked country
• Transport infrastructure