However, both cities found innovative ways to overcome these challenges:
The United Nations (UN) classifies as landlocked, meaning they lack direct territorial access to an ocean or a sea connected to one. While being landlocked is a geographical reality, the UN identifies a specific subgroup of 32 Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) that face unique socio-economic hurdles. For these nations, the absence of a coastline is not just a map feature—it is a "geographical handicap" that doubles trade costs and slows economic growth. The UN Definition and Global Landscape
Navigating Without a Coast: The Economics and Rights of UN Landlocked Countries un landlocked countries
The key UN framework, adopted in Vienna in 2014, focused on six priorities:
The UN recognizes that landlocked countries, especially in Africa and Central Asia, remain systematically disadvantaged. The post-2024 UN framework emphasizes: However, both cities found innovative ways to overcome
The UN recognizes that lacking territorial sea access creates structural disadvantages:
Both Ashgabat and Lhasa faced similar challenges: The UN Definition and Global Landscape Navigating Without
Under the , a landlocked state is defined as one with no sea-coast. This includes countries bordering "landlocked seas" like the Caspian Sea (e.g., Kazakhstan), as these bodies of water do not provide direct access to the world’s oceans. About Landlocked Developing Countries - the United Nations
| Region | Countries (Examples) | Key Transit Neighbors | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | (16) | Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe | South Africa, Kenya, Djibouti, Tanzania | | Asia (12) | Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan | China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Vietnam | | Europe (14) | Austria, Belarus, Czechia, Hungary, Luxembourg, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Switzerland | Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Ukraine | | South America (2) | Bolivia, Paraguay | Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru |
Today, both Ashgabat and Lhasa have transformed into vibrant cities, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of landlocked communities. While challenges remain, their experiences have provided valuable lessons:
The primary UN body addressing this issue is the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) . Established by the UN General Assembly in 2001, its mandate includes: