A landlocked country is one that has no coastline — no beaches, no ports, no navy. There are 44 landlocked countries in the world, from massive Kazakhstan to tiny Liechtenstein. This quiz tests whether you can distinguish landlocked from coastal countries.
Why Landlocked Geography Matters
Being landlocked is one of the most significant geographic disadvantages a country can face. Landlocked nations have no direct access to maritime trade routes, which historically meant higher costs for imports and exports. This has shaped the economies and politics of countries like Bolivia, Paraguay, and the Central Asian republics.
Learning which countries are landlocked helps you understand global trade patterns, military strategy, and why some nations invest heavily in relations with their coastal neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many landlocked countries are there?
44 sovereign nations are landlocked. The largest by area is Kazakhstan, the smallest is Vatican City.
Which continent has the most landlocked countries?
Africa has the most — 16 landlocked countries, including Mali, Niger, Chad, Zimbabwe, and Uganda.