The Two Landlocked Countries Of South America

South America is the fourth-largest continent in the world, with twelve sovereign countries and two non-sovereign areas. Of these, only two countries are landlocked: Bolivia and Paraguay. A landlocked country is one that has no direct access to the open ocean, and is entirely surrounded by land. Both Bolivia and Paraguay maintain a navy, despite their lack of a sea border.

Bolivia and Paraguay are the only landlocked countries in South America

Bolivia and Paraguay are the only two landlocked countries in South America. A landlocked country is one that has no direct access to the open ocean. This means that the country is entirely surrounded by land on all sides or that any coastlines are enclosed seas. There are 44 landlocked countries in the world, two of which are doubly landlocked.

Bolivia, at 1,098,581 sq. km. (424,163 sq. mi.), is the 28th largest country in the world and the largest landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north, Peru to the east, Paraguay to the southeast, Chile to the west, and Argentina to the south. Bolivia once had a coastline along the Pacific Ocean but lost it to Chile during the War of the Pacific (1879-1883). Despite being landlocked, Bolivia maintains a navy and uses Lake Titicaca as its training ground. Every year on March 23, Bolivia celebrates "The Day of the Sea" to commemorate the loss of its coastline and ocean access.

Paraguay, at 406,752 sq. km. (157,048 sq. mi.), is the 60th largest country in the world and the smallest landlocked country in the Americas. It is bordered by Bolivia to its northwest, Brazil to its east, and Argentina to its southwest. Like Bolivia, Paraguay maintains a navy as it has access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Paraguay-Paraná rivers.

Being landlocked has economic implications for both countries. The cost of transportation is higher for landlocked countries, as they are unable to utilise ocean-going vessels for trade. This can result in slower economic growth and higher costs of living. For example, due to its landlocked position, Bolivia pays 55.7% more per container shipped or received compared to its neighbour Chile.

Bolivia lost its coastline during the War of the Pacific

Bolivia and Paraguay are the only two landlocked countries in South America. Bolivia once had a coastline along the Pacific Ocean but lost it to Chile during the War of the Pacific, which took place between 1879 and 1883.

The War of the Pacific was fought between Chile and an alliance of Bolivia and Peru. The war was sparked by a dispute over nitrate taxation between Bolivia and Chile, with Peru being drawn in due to its secret alliance with Bolivia. The war ended in victory for Chile, which gained a significant amount of resource-rich territory from both Bolivia and Peru. Bolivia became landlocked as a result of the war, losing its coastline and access to the sea.

The loss of the coastline has had a significant impact on Bolivia's economy and development. Being landlocked has made the exportation of goods more difficult and costly, hindering trade and economic growth. Despite this, Bolivia has maintained a navy, using Lake Titicaca as its training ground.

Every year on March 23, Bolivia commemorates the loss of its coastline with "El Dia del Mar" (The Day of the Sea). This day is an important part of Bolivia's national identity and collective memory, serving as a reminder of the country's desire to regain access to the sea.

Bolivia has made efforts to regain its maritime access, including through negotiations and appeals to international organizations and tribunals. In 2011, Bolivian President Evo Morales announced that Bolivia would take its case to the International Court of Justice, suing Chile for the lost territory. However, these attempts have not been successful, and Bolivia remains landlocked.

Paraguay is known as the Heart of South America

Bolivia and Paraguay are the only two landlocked countries in South America. This means that they are entirely surrounded by land and have no direct access to the open ocean.

Paraguay, officially known as the Republic of Paraguay, is often referred to as the "Heart of South America" due to its central location on the continent. With a population of around 6.1 million, it is the smallest landlocked country in the Americas. The country is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest.

Paraguay has a fascinating history and a diverse range of cultures. The indigenous Guaraní people have lived in the region for at least a millennium, and their culture continues to exert a strong influence on Paraguayan society. Spanish conquistadores arrived in 1524 and established the city of Asunción in 1537, which became the first capital of the Governorate of the Río de la Plata. During the 17th century, Paraguay was the center of Jesuit missions, which sought to convert the Guaraní people to Christianity and introduce them to European culture. After the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767, Paraguay became a peripheral colony of the Spanish Empire.

Paraguay gained independence from Spain in the early 19th century and was initially ruled by a series of authoritarian governments, including the notorious dictator Alfredo Stroessner, whose regime lasted from 1954 to 1989. Despite its landlocked status, Paraguay maintains a navy due to its access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Paraguay and Paraná rivers.

The country boasts a variety of landscapes, from the vast Chaco region, home to one of the continent's last great natural wildernesses, to the crumbling city of Asunción, which is undergoing a slow but glorious transformation. The capital city blends Spanish colonial architecture with a burgeoning creative scene, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and dynamic present.

In conclusion, Paraguay, known as the "Heart of South America," offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural wonders. Its central location and diverse attractions make it a fascinating destination for those seeking to explore the heart of this vibrant continent.

Both countries maintain a navy despite not having a sea border

Bolivia and Paraguay are the only two landlocked countries in South America. Interestingly, both countries maintain a navy despite not having a sea border.

Bolivia's Navy

Bolivia did not start out as a landlocked country. It had a coastline along the Pacific Ocean. However, during the War of the Pacific, which lasted from 1879 to 1883, Bolivia lost its coastline to Chile. The country has never reconciled with this loss and has never stopped trying to get its shoreline back. Every year on March 23, Bolivians celebrate "The Day of the Sea" to commemorate their lost coastline and their hope of regaining sea access.

Bolivia established its navy, the Armada Boliviana, in 1963 with four US patrol boats. Today, its fleet includes speedboats, tankers, and other vessels, some of which are cast-offs from China. The navy has approximately 5,000 troops and they navigate the country's Amazonian rivers and Lake Titicaca, which is shared with Peru. Bolivia's navy has an important role in fighting drug traffickers, delivering medical supplies to remote communities, and responding to disasters.

Paraguay's Navy

Paraguay is known as the "Heart of South America" due to its central location on the continent. It has a network of rivers and lakes that are crucial for its economy, with 80% of its imports and exports transported through these waterways. The Paraguayan Navy is the only governmental body with law enforcement authority on these rivers and lakes, making it a critical partner in the fight against transnational criminal organizations that operate in the region.

The Paraguayan Navy, also known as the Armada Paraguaya, is a competent brown-water navy. It plays a vital role in riverine security, particularly in combating drug smuggling and other illicit activities on the Paraguay and Paraná rivers, which eventually flow into the Atlantic Ocean.

Being landlocked has economic and political disadvantages

Bolivia and Paraguay are the only two landlocked countries in South America. Being landlocked has several economic and political disadvantages.

Economic Disadvantages

The world's economy is largely driven by freight transport, which requires access to ports and coastal areas. Landlocked countries do not have direct access to seaports and other waterways, making the exportation of goods more challenging and costly. This can result in reduced trade and slower economic growth. For example, due to its landlocked location, Bolivia pays 55.7% more per container shipped and received compared to its neighbouring country, Chile. Similarly, Paraguay relies on road and river transport for importing and exporting goods due to its lack of coastal regions, and the poor infrastructure in the country impacts the overall effectiveness of these transport methods.

Research by economist Jeffrey Sachs, cited by fellow economist Paul Collier, found that being landlocked reduces a nation's GDP by about half a percentage point. Landlocked countries are also dependent on the economic policies and growth of their neighbours. If neighbouring countries have low growth, landlocked countries may suffer negative spillover effects, hindering their economic development.

Political Disadvantages

Landlocked countries are at the mercy of their surrounding nations, which can impact their political stability. A country's people may resent the dependency on outsiders, leading to a more inward-looking and local mindset. This can result in the persistence of archaic forms of governance, such as kingships and chieftaincies, which inhibit social progress. Additionally, a sense of physical isolation can make governments autocratic and paranoid, as seen in the case of Burundi.

Furthermore, landlocked countries may face security challenges due to the cross-border influx of militant and terrorist groups, which can exploit porous borders to destabilise nations. For example, the Central African nations of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic have been plagued by the cross-border passage of militants for decades.

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