What is a Landlocked Country?

When we talk about landlocked countries, we are referring to nations that do not have a coastline or access to the sea. However, the concept of landlocked status is not as straightforward as it might initially seem. The geographical and historical factors can significantly influence a country's status.

The Concept Explained

A landlocked country is one that has no direct access to the sea. This term is used to describe a variety of situations, and the term itself is not subject to change based on the location of the country in question. The definition is consistent and straightforward: a country is landlocked if its coastline or access to the sea is completely surrounded by land.

Historical Examples: Hungary

Consider the case of Hungary. Prior to World War I, Hungary had a small access to the Adriatic Sea. However, with the independence of the Slavic minorities, Hungary became landlocked. This illustrates how a country's status as landlocked can change due to geopolitical shifts and international borders.

Landlocked Countries in Europe

Europe is home to several landlocked countries. These include:

Switzerland Luxembourg Austria Czech Republic Slovakia Serbia North Macedonia Belarus Yugoslavia (if still considered relevant)

There are also countries that have only limited access to the sea, such as Moldova and Bosnia, which have very small coastlines. Additionally, there are several microstates with no access to the sea at all, including:

Andorra San Marino Vatican City Liechtenstein

Challenges Faced by Landlocked Countries

Landlocked countries often face unique challenges regarding trade, economic development, and geopolitical influence. One of the most common challenges is the limited access to international markets and ports, which can significantly impact economic growth and development.

Russia provides a good example of these challenges. Despite having several ports on various seas, Russia still faces issues with access to open seas. Ports on the Baltic Sea are controlled by Denmark, those on the Black Sea are influenced by Turkey, and the Arctic Sea requires seasonal ice to be cleared for navigation. As a result, Russia has long sought to secure alternative routes to enhance its global influence and strategic presence, including maintaining a military base in Syria.

Conclusion

The term 'landlocked country' is a fixed concept that describes a country's geographical situation. While the status of a country as landlocked can change due to geopolitical changes, the term itself remains the same. Understanding the challenges faced by landlocked countries can provide valuable insights into the broader geopolitical landscape and the importance of access to the sea.