Landlocked Countries
A landlocked country is a nation that is entirely enclosed by land or whose coastlines lie solely on closed endorheic basins. This geographical condition impacts various aspects of a country's economy, politics, and culture. As of now, there are 44 landlocked countries worldwide, two of which are doubly landlocked: Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan, meaning they are surrounded entirely by other landlocked countries.
Geographical and Economic Challenges
The absence of a coastline presents significant economic challenges for landlocked countries. Without direct access to the open ocean, these countries often rely on neighboring countries for access to ports. This dependency can lead to increased transportation costs and logistical complexities, affecting trade and economic growth. The concept of free trade zones can sometimes alleviate these difficulties by providing tariff and duty concessions.
Landlocked countries can be found on nearly every continent, with significant examples including Bolivia in South America, Switzerland in Europe, and Kazakhstan in Asia. These countries often need to establish strong diplomatic relations to ensure access routes for trade and travel, which can be governed by international agreements like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Landlocked Developing Countries
The term landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) refers to nations that not only lack a coastal line but also face economic disadvantages due to their status. LLDCs often struggle with limited market access, higher transportation costs, and dependency on neighboring countries for transit routes. These challenges contribute to lower levels of economic development and can impede poverty reduction efforts.
Several initiatives, such as the Almaty Programme of Action, aim to support LLDCs by improving transportation infrastructure, fostering regional cooperation, and promoting sustainable development.
Landlocked Navies
Interestingly, some landlocked countries maintain naval forces, known as landlocked navies. These are typically small forces that patrol large lakes or rivers within their territory. For example, the Landlocked country of Paraguay possesses a navy that patrols the Paraguay River and other water bodies, ensuring security and sovereignty over its water resources.
Cultural and Political Aspects
The cultural and political landscapes of landlocked countries are often shaped by their geographical constraints. Historically, these nations have developed unique cultures and political systems influenced by interactions with neighboring countries. For instance, Switzerland's policy of neutrality is partly attributed to its landlocked status and the need to maintain peaceful relations with all its neighbors.
Landlocked countries often exhibit a rich diversity of languages and cultures, as they are typically situated at crossroads of major trade routes and historical migration paths.