Historically, access to the sea has been a critical factor in a nation’s economic success. Coastal regions tend to be more populous, prosperous, and better connected to global trade—while landlocked countries face higher costs, logistical hurdles, and slower growth.
Key Challenges for Landlocked Countries:
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No direct maritime trade – Must rely on neighboring nations for imports/exports
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Higher transport costs – Goods often change transport modes (road/rail to port)
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Limited access to fisheries & marine resources
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Slower economic development – 32 of 44 landlocked nations are developing countries
The Rare “Double-Landlocked” Nations
Only two countries in the world are double-landlocked, meaning they must cross two borders before reaching a sea:
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Liechtenstein (Europe) – Surrounded by Switzerland & Austria
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Uzbekistan (Central Asia) – Borders Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, & Kyrgyzstan
This extreme isolation severely limits trade efficiency, making economic growth even more difficult.
Why Does Maritime Access Matter?
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80% of global trade by volume travels via sea (UNCTAD)
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Coastal nations dominate GDP rankings – Easier access to markets & supply chains
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Landlocked countries pay up to 50% more in transport costs (World Bank)
Can Landlocked Nations Overcome the Disadvantage?
Some strategies include:
✔ Strong trade agreements with neighboring coastal states (e.g., Botswana & South Africa)
✔ Investing in rail & road corridors (e.g., Kazakhstan’s Belt & Road Initiative links)
✔ Regional economic blocs (e.g., East African Community for Uganda/Rwanda)
Yet, for many—especially Africa’s 16 landlocked nations—the geographic barrier remains a major hurdle to development.