Did you know that there are two countries in the world that are “double landlocked”? That means they are landlocked countries, completely surrounded by other countries, and those other countries are also landlocked. The two countries in question are Uzbekistan in Central Asia and Liechtenstein in Europe.
Uzbekistan is the largest landlocked country in the world and is located in the heart of Central Asia. Despite being surrounded by other countries such as Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan, it still manages to be a hub for trade and commerce, with its economy thriving on natural gas, cotton, and gold exports. Uzbekistan is also known for its ancient cities, beautiful mosques, and hospitable people.
On the other hand, Liechtenstein is a tiny European country, nestled in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria. It is the only country in the world to be doubly landlocked and is also the fourth smallest country. Despite its small size, Liechtenstein is one of the top 10 richest countries in the world and has a highly skilled workforce in the finance and technology sectors. As a tourist destination, Liechtenstein offers stunning mountain landscapes, picturesque villages, and delicious alpine cuisine.
Definition of a Double Landlocked Country
A double landlocked country is a nation that is completely surrounded by other landlocked countries. These countries are unable to directly access the sea or ocean due to their geographic location, which poses several economic and geopolitical challenges.
A landlocked country, in general, is a nation that does not have any territory touching a coastline or a body of saltwater. Therefore, these countries face difficulties in trading goods through ports or establishing water-based trade routes. Double landlocked countries, on the other hand, are unique as they require crossing two other countries to reach the nearest coastline or sea. This distinction makes them particularly dependent on neighboring countries and poses additional challenges to their landlocked counterparts.
Characteristics of Double Landlocked Countries
- They have no direct access to the sea or ocean.
- They depend on neighboring countries for access to international waters and sea-based trade routes.
- They are more vulnerable to economic and political pressures from neighboring countries.
- They often face higher transportation costs and delays due to their geographic location.
- They are often at a disadvantage in negotiating international trade agreements.
Examples of Double Landlocked Countries
The two double landlocked countries in the world are Uzbekistan, located in Central Asia, and Liechtenstein, located in Western Europe. These countries have no direct access to the sea and must cross two other countries to reach seaports and establish trade routes.
Economic Implications of Being a Double Landlocked Country
The challenges of being a double landlocked country have significant economic implications. Trade routes are often more complex and costly, making it challenging to compete with coastal countries. Additionally, a lack of direct access to the sea impedes economic growth and development. Countries that are landlocked, especially double landlocked countries, must rely on neighboring countries for transportation of goods, which comes with the additional cost of transit fees.
| Indicators | Uzbekistan | Liechtenstein |
|---|---|---|
| GDP (PPP) per capita | $7,294 | $180,831 |
| Rank (World Bank, 2020) | 122nd | 1st |
| Main industries | Cotton, gold, uranium, agriculture, energy | Banking, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, energy |
Despite the challenges, both Uzbekistan and Liechtenstein have been successful in developing their economies. Uzbekistan has focused on crop production, natural resources, and energy, while Liechtenstein has focused on high-value services such as banking, tourism, and manufacturing.
Challenges Faced by Double Landlocked Countries
Double landlocked countries are nations that are completely surrounded by other landlocked countries, with no access to the sea. As a result, they face unique challenges that other countries do not. Here we will discuss some of the challenges faced by double landlocked countries:
- Lack of access to sea: The most obvious challenge faced by double landlocked countries is the lack of access to the sea. This makes it difficult for these countries to engage in international trade and also limits their access to certain resources that are only available through sea transport.
- Dependence on neighbors: As double landlocked countries are surrounded by other landlocked nations, they are heavily dependent on their neighbors for access to markets and resources. This can lead to economic and political challenges, especially if relations with these neighbors become strained.
- Limited transportation options: With no direct access to the sea, transportation options can be limited for double landlocked countries. This can make it challenging to export goods and get goods that are essential to the country’s economy.
To better understand the challenges faced by double landlocked countries, let’s take a closer look at two such countries:
1. Liechtenstein:
Liechtenstein is a small, double landlocked country located in central Europe. With no access to the sea, it is heavily dependent on Austria and Switzerland for access to international markets and resources. This dependence on neighbors can make it difficult for Liechtenstein to negotiate favorable trade agreements and can lead to economic challenges if relations with these countries become strained.
2. Uzbekistan:
Uzbekistan is a large, double landlocked country located in central Asia. Its lack of access to the sea and its dependence on neighbors has historically made it difficult to engage in international trade. Additionally, Uzbekistan’s physical position between Russia and China has led to political challenges, especially during periods of tension between these two nations.
To overcome these challenges, double landlocked countries must work to foster positive relationships with their neighbors and focus on developing transportation infrastructure that allows for greater access to markets and resources. By overcoming these challenges, double landlocked countries can become valuable players in the global economy.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Double Landlocked Country
A double landlocked country is a landlocked country that is surrounded by other landlocked countries. In other words, it is a country that has no direct access to the sea or ocean and is also surrounded by other landlocked countries. There are only two countries in the world that are classified as double landlocked countries – Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan. While being a double landlocked country has its advantages, it also has its disadvantages.
Advantages
- Geopolitical Stability – Being landlocked provides a level of geopolitical stability to a region. It also means that there are fewer conflicts and disputes over maritime borders, which can be a hotbed of tension between neighboring countries.
- Resource Management – A landlocked country has to rely on its own resources, which can force the government to be more self-sufficient and focus on developing their own resources. It can also incentivize the government to create a more efficient transport network to transport goods in and out of the country.
Disadvantages
While being a double landlocked country has its advantages, there are also a number of disadvantages that come with it, including:
- Limited Access to Trade – A landlocked country has limited access to sea trade routes and is forced to rely on its neighbors to transport goods in and out of the country. This can create bottlenecks and other inefficiencies in the trade network which can drive up costs.
- Challenging Infrastructure – Creating a transport network to move goods in and out of a landlocked country can be incredibly difficult and expensive. This means that landlocked countries often face additional costs that neighboring sea-bordering countries do not face.
- Lesser Economic Opportunity – A landlocked country may have fewer opportunities for economic growth as compared to a sea-bordering country. This could be a result of limitations on trade and tourism-oriented initiatives.
The Verdict
While being a double landlocked country can present certain challenges, it is not necessarily a negative factor. Countries like Switzerland and Austria have been able to prosper despite their lack of sea access. It is evident that with the correct governance strategies and sufficient resources, being a double-landlocked country places nations at significant advantages over a sea-bound one.
| Country | Population | GDP per capita |
|---|---|---|
| Liechtenstein | 38,749 | $143,467 |
| Uzbekistan | 33,594,000 | $1,518 |
It is evident from the table that double landlocked countries like Liechtenstein, with their powerful economic engines, serve as big motivating factors for the economies all around them.
History of Double Landlocked Countries
Double landlocked countries are those that are landlocked and surrounded only by other landlocked countries. This means that their citizens have to cross two different borders to access a coastline. There are only two double landlocked countries in the world, Austria and Uzbekistan.
Origins of Double Landlocked Countries
- Most countries become landlocked as a result of historical events such as wars and politics. For example, after World War I, Hungary lost access to the Adriatic sea, which made it landlocked.
- Sometimes, neighboring countries may also become landlocked as a result of these historical events.
- When landlocked countries are surrounded only by other landlocked countries, they become double landlocked.
The Challenges Faced by Double Landlocked Countries
Being double landlocked presents a unique set of challenges to both Austria and Uzbekistan and their citizens. Some of these challenges include:
- High transportation costs due to the absence of a coastline
- Difficulty in accessing foreign markets
- Reliance on neighboring countries for trade and commerce
- Limited opportunities for tourism and economic development
A Unique Identity
Despite the challenges, being double landlocked also gives these countries a unique identity. It sets them apart from other nations and gives them an interesting history and culture. This uniqueness is evident in the food, music, traditions, and language of these countries.
Austria and Uzbekistan: A Comparison
While both Austria and Uzbekistan share the distinction of being double landlocked, they have vastly different histories and cultures. One way to compare them is by looking at their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita.
| Country | GDP per capita (in USD, PPP) | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | $51,940 | 8,859,992 |
| Uzbekistan | $6,208 | 33,469,203 |
Austria has a much higher GDP per capita than Uzbekistan. This is due to a variety of factors, including the country’s long history of industrialization and an economy that is largely service-oriented. Uzbekistan, on the other hand, is heavily reliant on its agricultural sector for its economy.
Examples of Double Landlocked Countries Besides Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan
Aside from the well-known double landlocked countries Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan, there are two more countries that fall under this category. To recap, a double landlocked country is a nation that is landlocked and is surrounded by other landlocked countries. This means that citizens of these countries need to cross at least two borders just to reach a sea or ocean.
- San Marino – This small republic is located within the borders of Italy and is completely encircled by the country’s territory. With a population of just over 33,000 people, San Marino is the smallest double landlocked country in the world. Despite its size, the republic has its own government, currency, and postal system.
- Vatican City – As the smallest country in the world, Vatican City is also a double landlocked nation. It is located within the city of Rome, Italy, and is entirely enclosed by the city’s territory. Measuring just 44 hectares, Vatican City is a theocratic state ruled by the Bishop of Rome, commonly known as the Pope.
Both San Marino and Vatican City are small countries but they each have their own unique culture and way of life. As with other double landlocked nations, their geographical location does present some challenges when it comes to trade and transportation.
Here is a table summarizing the four double landlocked countries:
| Country | Population | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Liechtenstein | 38,749 | Central Europe |
| Uzbekistan | 33,593,644 | Central Asia |
| San Marino | 33,860 | Italy |
| Vatican City | 799 | Italy |
Despite being surrounded by other countries, these four double landlocked nations prove that small can be mighty and that a country’s size does not necessarily determine its impact in the world.
Economic Development of Double Landlocked Countries
Double landlocked countries are countries that are not only landlocked, but are also surrounded by other landlocked countries. This means that these countries have no direct access to a coastline or a port, and must rely heavily on their neighboring countries for access to the sea. The economic development of double landlocked countries can be affected by a variety of factors including geography, politics, and trade relationships.
One of the main challenges that double landlocked countries face is the high cost of exports and imports due to the lack of access to the sea. This can make it difficult for these countries to participate in international trade and can limit their economic growth. However, there are some double landlocked countries that have managed to overcome this challenge and have seen significant economic development. Two examples of double landlocked countries that have experienced economic growth are Uzbekistan and Liechtenstein.
- Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan is a country in Central Asia that became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991. Since then, the country has pursued economic reforms and has taken steps to diversify its economy. Uzbekistan has a wealth of natural resources including natural gas, gold, and uranium, which has helped to drive its economic growth. In recent years, the country has also made progress in attracting foreign investment, particularly in the energy and manufacturing sectors. Despite these successes, Uzbekistan still faces challenges related to corruption and political instability.
- Liechtenstein: Liechtenstein is a small country in Europe that is sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland. Despite its size and lack of access to the sea, Liechtenstein has managed to become one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The country has a strong and diversified economy that is based on manufacturing, financial services, and tourism. Liechtenstein is known for its highly skilled workforce and its favorable tax policies, which have helped to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth.
In addition to the challenges of being double landlocked, many of these countries also face other economic challenges such as political instability, corruption, and weak infrastructure. However, with the right policies and investments, double landlocked countries can achieve significant economic growth and development.
One way that double landlocked countries can improve their economic prospects is by focusing on regional trade partnerships. By working with neighboring countries to develop trade corridors and improve transportation infrastructure, these countries can improve their access to international markets and reduce the cost of trade. For example, the creation of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program has helped to facilitate trade and investment between Central Asian countries, including double landlocked countries like Uzbekistan.
Overall, while being double landlocked presents significant economic challenges, there are examples of countries that have managed to overcome these challenges and achieve significant economic growth. By focusing on regional trade partnerships and diversifying their economies, double landlocked countries can improve their economic prospects and contribute to regional and global economic development.
| Country | GDP (PPP) per capita | Ranking (out of all countries) |
|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan | $8,852 | 103 |
| Liechtenstein | $139,100 | 1 |
Table source: World Bank (2021)
Geopolitical Significance of Double Landlocked Countries
Double landlocked countries are those that are landlocked and are surrounded by other landlocked countries. There are only two countries in the world that are classified as double landlocked: Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan. While it may seem like being landlocked twice is just a geographical quirk, there are significant geopolitical implications that come with being double landlocked. Here, we will explore the geopolitical significance of double landlocked countries.
- Access to trade: Landlocked countries already face challenges when it comes to international trade, and being double landlocked makes it even more challenging. These countries have to rely solely on their neighbors for transportation and trade, which can be limited and costly. This can hinder economic growth and development.
- Dependency on neighbors: Being double landlocked creates a reliance on neighboring countries for access to the sea and international markets. This can leave double landlocked countries vulnerable to political and economic pressures from their neighbors. It also means they have little control over their own transportation infrastructure, which can lead to increased costs and inefficiencies.
- Regional stability: Due to their dependency on their neighbors, double landlocked countries are often more invested in regional stability and cooperation. They have a vested interest in maintaining good relations with their neighbors to ensure smooth transportation and trade. This can create opportunities for increased regional cooperation and integration.
While there are only two double landlocked countries in the world, their unique geographic position has significant geopolitical implications. They face challenges when it comes to international trade and can become overly dependent on their neighbors. However, their dependency on their neighbors also creates opportunities for increased regional stability and cooperation. Understanding the geopolitical significance of double landlocked countries is important for understanding global politics and international relations.
To further illustrate these points, consider the example of Uzbekistan. As a double landlocked country, Uzbekistan relies heavily on its neighbors for transportation and trade. It has made efforts to strengthen economic ties with neighboring countries, particularly with China and Russia, through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union. However, it has also faced challenges in maintaining good relations with its neighbors, particularly with Kazakhstan, which has periodically closed its borders with Uzbekistan, causing disruptions in trade.
| Country | Continent | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Liechtenstein | Europe | 38,256 |
| Uzbekistan | Asia | 33,469,203 |
As the only double landlocked country in Europe, Liechtenstein has also faced challenges due to its geographic location. However, it has been able to leverage its close ties with neighboring Switzerland and Austria to minimize the impact of being double landlocked. Liechtenstein is known for its highly developed service sector and has a strong financial industry, which has helped to drive economic growth despite being double landlocked.
What are 2 double landlocked countries?
Double landlocked countries are those that are entirely surrounded by other landlocked countries. As such, they have no direct access to the sea or oceans and must rely entirely on their neighbors to trade over the seas. Among the list of countries in the world, only two countries are considered double landlocked. Here are some FAQs about these countries:
1. What are the two double landlocked countries?
The two double landlocked countries are Uzbekistan and Liechtenstein.
2. How did these countries become double landlocked?
Uzbekistan was part of the Soviet Union before it collapsed in 1991, and Liechtenstein is bordered by Austria and Switzerland, which are also landlocked countries.
3. How do these countries trade without ports?
Double landlocked countries use their neighboring countries to trade across the seas. They rely on land transport to access their neighboring countries’ ports to export their goods.
4. What are the main economic activities of these countries?
In Uzbekistan, agriculture is the main economic activity, while in Liechtenstein, its service-based industries and financial sector are the primary contributors to its economy.
5. What makes these countries unique compared to other landlocked countries?
Double landlocked countries are unique compared to other landlocked nations because they are entirely surrounded by other landlocked countries, which makes trade and transportation of goods more complicated.
6. Is there any way to connect double landlocked countries to the sea?
There are no natural options to connect double landlocked countries to the sea, but trade agreements and diplomatic relations can help these countries access the port and foreign markets.
7. Are there any benefits of being landlocked?
Landlocked countries have several benefits, including being more secure from external attacks, cheaper to defend, and having a higher sense of national unity.
Closing Thoughts
We hope that this article has been informative and has shed some light on the status of Uzbekistan and Liechtenstein as double landlocked countries. It’s fascinating to learn about countries’ unique geographical features and how they impact their economies. Thanks for reading, and we hope you visit us again soon for more informative content!