Which Countries Are Landlocked?
Landlocked countries, totalling 49 globally, are unique in the international community. Defined as nations entirely surrounded by land, they face distinctive challenges and opportunities in a world where access to the sea is often equated with economic prosperity.
The List of Landlocked Countries
In 2023, the world has 49 landlocked countries. This represents one-fifth of all nations with distinct geographical and political contexts. The list includes:
| Country | Region | Surrounding Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Asia | China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan |
| Andorra | Europe | France, Spain |
| Armenia | Asia | Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Nagorno-Karabagh, Turkey |
| Austria | Europe | Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland |
| Azerbaijan | Asia | Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Russia, Turkey |
| Belarus | Europe | Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine |
| Bhutan | Asia | China, India |
| Bolivia | South America | Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru |
| Botswana | Africa | Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe |
| Burkina Faso | Africa | Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Togo |
| Burundi | Africa | Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania |
| Central African Republic | Africa | Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Sudan |
| Chad | Africa | Cameroon, Central African Republic, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan |
| Czech Republic | Europe | Austria, Germany, Poland, Slovakia |
| Eswatini | Africa | Mozambique, South Africa |
| Ethiopia | Africa | Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan |
| Hungary | Europe | Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine |
| Kazakhstan | Asia | Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan |
| Kyrgyzstan | Asia | China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan |
| Laos | Asia | Burma, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Lesotho | Africa | South Africa |
| Liechtenstein | Europe | Austria, Switzerland |
| Luxembourg | Europe | Belgium, France, Germany |
| Malawi | Africa | Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia |
| Mali | Africa | Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal |
| Moldova | Europe | Romania, Ukraine |
| Mongolia | Asia | China, Kazakhstan, Russia |
| Nepal | Asia | China, India |
| Niger | Africa | Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Libya, West Africa |
| Paraguay | South America | Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil |
| Rwanda | Africa | Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Uganda |
| San Marino | Europe | Italy |
| Serbia | Europe | Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania |
| Slovakia | Europe | Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine |
| South Sudan | Africa | Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda |
| Switzerland | Europe | Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein |
| Tajikistan | Asia | Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan |
| Turkmenistan | Asia | Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan |
| Uganda | Africa | Congo, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania |
| Uzbekistan | Asia | Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan |
| Vatican City | Europe | Italy |
| Zambia | Africa | Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe |
| Zimbabwe | Africa | Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia |
Two countries are doubly landlocked (surrounded entirely by landlocked countries), a rare geographical feature in Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan.
Landlocked Countries by Continent
| Continent | Number of Landlocked Countries | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | 16 | Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Malawi, Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho |
| Europe | 16 | Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Moldova, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Vatican City |
| Asia | 12 | Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Nepal, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Bhutan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan |
| South America | 2 | Bolivia, Paraguay |
Landlocked Countries by Degree
Landlocked by a Single Country
These countries are entirely enclosed within another country, creating unique geopolitical and economic relationships.
- Lesotho: Completely surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho’s unique position means it relies heavily on South Africa for access to the global market.
- San Marino: Enclaved within Italy. As one of the world’s smallest countries, its economy and transport are closely tied to Italy.
- Vatican City: Encircled by Rome, Italy. This unique city-state, also the smallest independent state in the world, is entirely surrounded by the Italian capital.
Landlocked by Two Countries
These countries are bordered by precisely two nations, often leading to close ties with both neighbours.
- Andorra: Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra’s economy is heavily influenced by these larger neighbours, especially in tourism and trade.
- Bhutan: Sandwiched between China and India, Bhutan’s strategic location significantly impacts its foreign policy and trade relations.
- Eswatini (Swaziland): Located between Mozambique and South Africa, Eswatini’s economic activities are deeply interconnected with these neighbouring countries.
- Liechtenstein: Positioned between Austria and Switzerland. It’s also doubly landlocked, adding another layer of reliance on its neighbours for access to global markets.
- Moldova: Bordered by Romania and Ukraine. Moldova’s political and economic landscape is shaped by its relationships with these two countries.
- Mongolia: Lies between China and Russia. Mongolia’s vast landmass and location influence its economic and diplomatic endeavours.
- Nepal: Situated between China and India. Its powerful neighbours significantly influence Nepal’s trade, tourism, and overall development.
These categories help us understand the varying degrees of isolation and dependence that landlocked countries experience, impacting their international relations, economic development, and strategic considerations.
What Did We Learn Today?
Being landlocked poses unique challenges but also opportunities for innovation and regional cooperation. By understanding these countries’ specific needs and challenges, international efforts can better support their integration into the global economy and help mitigate the disadvantages of their geographical locations.