Reflections on landlocked states

THE 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) defines landlocked states as “states which have no seacoast” or simply a sovereign state that does not have territory connected to an ocean.

As of latest count, there are 44 landlocked states around the world. Majority are classified as landlocked developing countries (LLDC).  Four are found in Asia — Laos, the only Asean LLDC, bordered by Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and China; Bhutan and Nepal (both bordered by China and India); and Mongolia (bordered by China and Russia). Some, however, are quite affluent — Austria, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Of interest are three states landlocked by a single country: Lesotho (a state surrounded by South Africa); San Marino (a state surrounded by Italy); and Vatican City (a state surrounded by Rome and, thus, surrounded by Italy). Mention should likewise be made of countries becoming landlocked because of political repercussions. The latest example is Ethiopia, which became landlocked with the independence of Eritrea brought about by successful separatist movements.