
It is good diplomatic relations with neighboring countries and good governance that helps these countries remain prosperous. In fact, some of the landlocked countries like Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and others, are some of the world's richest nations. However, lacking direct access to the coast does not always mean being economically weak. It provides numerous income opportunities in the form of fishing, tourism, etc. Having territories in coastal areas is also advantageous in several other ways. The landlocked status of a country is believed to be an impediment to the prosperity of the country due to lack of direct and independent access to the sea and hence, trade via the sea route. It is also one of the most densely populated countries in Europe and the World. All residents and people working at the Vatican are Catholics. The population comprises mainly the clergy, religious members, and laypeople, including Swiss Guards. The citizens are approximately 370 and reside within the country and elsewhere, including diplomats to other countries. The Vatican has a population of about 800 people, including Vatican citizens and residents. Vatican City is not only the smallest landlocked country by size but also by population. Smallest Landlocked Country By Population - Vatican City It is bordered to the north by Eritrea, northeast by Somaliland and Djibouti, east by Somali, south by Kenya, west by South Sudan, and northwest by Sudan. South America has only two landlocked countries.Įthiopia is located mainly in the Horn of Africa and shares a land border with several other Eastern Africa countries. Asia and Europe have 12 and 14 landlocked countries respectively. Africa has 16 landlocked countries, the highest among the continents of the world. North America and Oceania do not have any landlocked countries while Antarctica has no countries. Contents:Īs observed in the world map below, landlocked countries are found in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. The world’s two doubly-landlocked countries are Uzbekistan and Liechtenstein. In a double landlocked country, the residents have to cross at least two international borders before they can access a coastline. Singly landlocked countries are often referred to as enclaves. Only three countries are singly landlocked San Marino and Vatican City (surrounded by Italy) and Lesotho (surrounded by South Africa). A singly landlocked country is a country surrounded by just one country. Some of these countries are singly landlocked, while others are double landlocked.
