Landlock, is a situation when a country's land is completely enclosed by other countries.
Being landlocked creates political and
economic handicaps that access to the high seas avoids. For this reason, states large and small across history have striven to gain access to open waters, even at great expense in wealth, bloodshed, and political capital.
The map shows all landlocked countries in blue and double landlocked countries in red.
The economic disadvantages of being landlocked can be alleviated or aggravated depending on degree of development, language barriers, and other considerations.
And thanks to politics, the situation gets even worse if you don't have something that your neighbour wants.
Take Afghanistan for an Example.
The country is landlocked by Iran,Pakistan and Turkmenistan. To get access to the sea, it must be in good terms with the neighbours. While its relations are fairly good with Iran and Turkmenistan it simply hates Pakistan. Imagine if all its neighbours stop giving it sea access.
Not being able to trade is a nightmare for every country.
Now take Switzerland as Example.
The situation is the same here except this time, the neighbours are rather friendly.
Also on the map, one can see rivers and lakes.
Water bodies are a great relief as they provide with freshwater and transportation.
But not all landlocked countries are able to flourish.
Most of the African countries which were given independence from colonial rule are poor. And while one can point out many reason for poverty and underdevelopment, being landlocked is the major reason.
Check out the cartoon
Now what could possibly be worse than being landlocked? DOUBLE LANDLOCK!!
This is the most fucked up situation a country can be in.
Now you're landlocked by a landlocked country, which means trouble x trouble = (trouble)². Good luck with that!
To counter the problem, treaties are signed and trade groups are made. One of the major jobs of the EU is trade regulation, without which the landlocked countries in Europe would be in trouble.
But things are not looking well for Africa.
So, to conclude.
1.Be in goods with the neighbours if you're landlocked.
2.Give in to the whims of the powerful to stay happy.
3.Stay neutral
4.Make treaties
5.Hope that you don't annoy your friends.
Did you enjoy it? If you read all the way here, you have my gratitude.
What Girls & Guys Said
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Need to add in South Sudan to the map.
Good post, though - very enjoyable!
Thanks! Not many users here liked it though.
I've noticed similar things - people go to some trouble to write something educational and it gets very few replies or likes, whereas if anything sexual is posted, 15+ replies in 15 mins.
It's kind of a shame, as it discourages people from posting more serious stuff, but sadly, I suspect it will always be thus...
Please, checkout my other takes too! You'll like them.
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