Physical Geography
Doubly Landlocked Country
A doubly landlocked country is one where all neighboring countries are also landlocked, meaning at least 2 border crossings are needed to reach the sea. Only Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan hold this extremely rare geographic distinction worldwide.
Liechtenstein (160 km2) is surrounded by Switzerland and Austria, both landlocked. Uzbekistan is surrounded by 5 landlocked nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan.
Doubly landlocked gives just 2 choices. Add Europe and it points to Liechtenstein; add Asia and it points to Uzbekistan. Because it cuts the field to two countries at once, it is a useful fact to remember for geography quizzes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which countries are doubly landlocked?
- Only two: Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan. Liechtenstein is the European example and Uzbekistan the Asian one.
- What does doubly landlocked mean?
- A doubly landlocked country is a landlocked country whose neighbors are all landlocked as well, so reaching the sea requires crossing at least two borders.