Only two countries in the world are doubly landlocked: Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan. A doubly landlocked country is one that is surrounded entirely by land and whose neighboring countries are also all landlocked, meaning it requires crossing at least two international borders to reach a coastline.
What Does Doubly Landlocked Mean?
The term “doubly landlocked” is a geographical classification that goes a step beyond simply being landlocked. A standard landlocked country (like Switzerland or Mongolia) has no direct access to the sea. A doubly landlocked country has the additional distinction that every one of its neighbors is also landlocked. Therefore, to travel from a doubly landlocked nation to any ocean, you must pass through at least two other countries. This creates unique logistical, economic, and geopolitical challenges that are not faced by merely landlocked states.
Liechtenstein: The Alpine Double Lock
Liechtenstein is a small principality nestled between Switzerland and Austria in the Alps. Both of its neighbors are landlocked, making it doubly landlocked. To reach the nearest sea (the Adriatic), a traveler from Liechtenstein would need to cross into either Switzerland or Austria, and then pass through a second country like Italy or Germany. This tiny nation, with an area of about 160 square kilometers, is one of only two countries in the world with this status. Its economy is highly developed and relies heavily on financial services, industry, and a favorable tax regime, which helps mitigate the disadvantages of its geographic position.
Uzbekistan: The Central Asian Double Lock
Uzbekistan is the other doubly landlocked country, and the only one in Central Asia. It is bordered by five landlocked countries: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. To reach the Indian Ocean or any other sea, goods and people from Uzbekistan must cross at least two of these borders. For example, a route to the Arabian Sea would go through Turkmenistan and then Iran or Afghanistan, or through Kazakhstan and then China. Uzbekistan is the more populous of the two doubly landlocked nations, with over 35 million residents, and it possesses significant natural gas and agricultural resources, particularly cotton.
Why Does This Matter?
Being doubly landlocked has profound implications for trade and economics. It increases transport costs, complicates logistics, and creates a heavy dependence on the political stability and infrastructure of neighboring countries. For landlocked countries generally, the United Nations has long recognized the “particular problems” they face, including lack of territorial access to the sea. For doubly landlocked countries, these problems are magnified. They must negotiate not just one transit agreement but multiple, and any disruption at any border can halt their international trade entirely. This is why both Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan have developed economic strategies that are less reliant on physical exports and more focused on high-value services, finance, or industries that can bear higher transport costs.
Common Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that there are more than two doubly landlocked countries. Some people mistakenly include countries like Switzerland or Austria, but these are only singly landlocked because they have at least one neighbor with sea access. Another misconception is that being “doubly landlocked” means the country itself has no rivers or lakes. In reality, both Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan have significant freshwater resources—Liechtenstein lies along the Rhine, and Uzbekistan borders the Aral Sea (though it has shrunk dramatically) and contains the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. The term refers solely to maritime access, not internal water bodies.
Comparisons: Doubly vs. Singly Landlocked
The practical difference between singly and doubly landlocked countries is best illustrated by comparing their transit options. A singly landlocked country like Switzerland can reach the sea by crossing just one border (e.g., into Italy or France). A doubly landlocked country must always cross two. This doubles the number of customs checks, potential transit fees, and political hurdles. For instance, a Swiss truck can reach the port of Genoa with a single border crossing, while a truck from Liechtenstein must first enter Switzerland or Austria, and then cross into Italy or Germany. This extra layer of complexity is why the doubly landlocked status is a distinct and challenging category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any other doubly landlocked countries?
No. As of now, Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan are the only two recognized doubly landlocked countries in the world. This is a fixed geographical fact, though it could theoretically change if a neighboring country were to gain or lose sea access, which is highly unlikely.
What is the nearest ocean to a doubly landlocked country?
For Liechtenstein, the nearest ocean is the Adriatic Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean. For Uzbekistan, the nearest ocean is the Indian Ocean, though the exact distance depends on the route. Both require crossing at least two borders to reach any coastline.
How do doubly landlocked countries get imports and exports?
They rely on complex transit agreements with their neighbors. For example, Uzbekistan uses ports in the Baltic states, the Black Sea, and the Persian Gulf through various rail and road corridors. Liechtenstein relies on Swiss and Austrian infrastructure, often using the Rhine for river transport and Swiss ports for overseas shipping. These arrangements are often formalized through international treaties.
Does being doubly landlocked affect tourism?
Yes, but not necessarily negatively. Liechtenstein is a popular destination for tourists interested in its alpine scenery and unique status as a microstate. Uzbekistan has seen a boom in tourism, particularly around the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. The difficulty of access can be a draw for some travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, though it does require more planning.
Could a country become doubly landlocked in the future?
In theory, yes, but it would require a major geopolitical change. For example, if a landlocked country were to annex a coastal neighbor, or if a coastal country lost its coastline due to sea-level rise or political change, the status could shift. However, no such changes are currently anticipated, and the current two are likely to remain the only ones for the foreseeable future.
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