Living in a landlocked country can present a novel set of challenges and opportunities for its inhabitants. Landlocked countries are defined as people who haven’t any access to the ocean and are completely surrounded by other countries. Examples of landlocked countries are Switzerland, Austria, Nepal, Bolivia and Laos.
One of the essential challenges of living in a landlocked country is restricted access to trade and transport routes. Since landlocked countries should not have direct access to the ocean, they have to depend on neighboring countries to move goods and services to and from the country. This may end in higher transport costs and longer delivery times, which can impact the economy and the standard of lifetime of residents.
In addition to limited access to move and trade, landlocked countries also face environmental challenges, akin to limited access to freshwater and arable land. This could make it harder for these countries to support their growing populations and develop their economies. In many cases, landlocked countries must depend on international aid and support to satisfy their basic needs.
Despite these challenges, there are also unique opportunities to live in a landlocked country. Many landlocked countries are wealthy in natural resources akin to minerals, timber and wildlife that might be used for economic growth and development. Additionally, landlocked countries might be ideal for ecotourism because they often feature beautiful landscapes and wildlife that can’t be present in coastal areas.
Moreover, living in a landlocked country can provide a powerful sense of community and culture. Many landlocked countries have unique traditions and customs passed down from generation to generation, creating a powerful sense of national identity and belonging. This can foster a deep sense of pride and unity amongst residents, which generally is a source of strength and resilience in difficult times.
One example of a landlocked country is Laos, positioned in Southeast Asia. Laos faces plenty of challenges related to infrastructure, education and health care. The country has limited transport and communication networks, especially in rural areas, which might hamper economic growth and development. Laos can be working to enhance access to education and health services, especially for ladies and rural people.
Despite these challenges, Laos has also seen positive changes in recent times. The country has experienced significant economic growth, with a mean annual growth rate of over 6% within the last decade. Additionally, Laos has made progress in reducing poverty, with the poverty rate falling from over 30% in 2003 to roughly 18% in 2018.
A high-speed railway linking China with Laos opened in 2021, opening the door to landlocked Laos eager to escape poverty and a key element of Beijing’s Belt and Road plans for Southeast Asia.
Built over five years using Chinese engineering and labor at a complete cost of about $9 billion, the 1,000-kilometer railway from Kunming in China’s Yunnan province to Laos’ capital, Vientiane, crosses mountains and gorges via dozens of tunnels and bridges.
With a top speed of 160 km/h, trains on the road will have the opportunity to move tourists and business travelers from China to Laos in lower than a day, because the Southeast Asian country’s exporters stay up for sending their goods back to the north quickly.
Living in Laos may also offer a novel sense of community and culture. The country has a wealthy cultural heritage and is legendary for its traditional crafts, music and cuisine. The people of Laos are friendly and hospitable, which creates a powerful sense of community amongst locals and visitors alike.
Overall, life in a landlocked country generally is a complex and difficult environment for its inhabitants, but in addition provide unique opportunities for economic development, cultural enrichment and community constructing. As with any country or region, it will be important to acknowledge and appreciate the varied experiences and perspectives of those that call it home.
Bibliography:
- UNCTAD. (2019). Statistics Handbook 2019. United Nations.
- World Bank. (2021). Landlocked countries. https://data.worldbank.org/topic/landlocked-countries
- Office of the United Nations High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, landlocked
- Developing countries and small island developing states (UN-OHRLLS). (2020). Landlocked
- Developing countries. https://unohrlls.org/ldcs/landlocked-developing-countries/
- World Bank. (2021). Lao People’s Democratic Republic. https://data.worldbank.org/country/lao-pdr
Asian Development Bank. (2021). Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
