How many South American countries are land locked?

South America’s Hidden Gems: The Countries Without a Coast

South America – a land of sizzling samba, towering Andes peaks, and the Amazon’s endless green. Most of us picture sprawling coastlines when we think of it, right? But there’s a twist in the tale. Not every South American nation gets to dip its toes in the ocean. So, how many countries are actually landlocked?

Just two: Bolivia and Paraguay. Yep, only two out of twelve South American countries are completely surrounded by other nations. It’s a geographical quirk that throws a unique set of challenges – and opportunities – their way. Think about it: no direct access to shipping lanes can really change a country’s economic game.

Bolivia: From Seaside Dreams to Landlocked Reality

Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is the bigger of the two. Picture this: over a million square kilometers of land, smack-dab in the middle of the continent. It’s like being in a South American hug, bordered by Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay.

Here’s a bit of history that stings: Bolivia used to have a coastline. Can you imagine? But they lost it in the War of the Pacific way back in the late 1800s. Losing that coastline was a major blow, like losing the keys to the international trade kingdom. Suddenly, everything got more expensive to ship in and out. Talk about a geographical curveball! Fun fact: even without a coastline, Bolivia still has a navy! They patrol Lake Titicaca, which is pretty cool.

Paraguay: The Heart of It All

Then there’s Paraguay, often called the “Heart of South America.” It’s smaller than Bolivia, but still a decent size at around 400,000 square kilometers. Sandwiched between Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, it faces similar landlocked hurdles.

Now, Paraguay does have a bit of a cheat code: the Paraguay-Paraná River system. This gives them a watery highway to the Atlantic, which helps with trade. And yes, they also have a navy, making the most of those rivers.

Landlocked: More Than Just Geography

Being landlocked isn’t just about needing a passport to see the sea. It hits a country’s wallet hard. Imagine having to pay extra fees and jump through hoops just to get your goods to market. It makes you rely on your neighbors, which can be tricky. Studies show that landlocked developing countries often struggle more with poverty. I remember reading a report that said Bolivia pays way more per shipping container than Chile, just because they don’t have their own ports.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. These countries can get creative! Investing in roads and railways, making friends with their neighbors, and finding new trade routes can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

So, while South America is famous for its beaches and oceans, let’s not forget Bolivia and Paraguay, the two landlocked nations that prove there’s more to the continent than meets the coastal eye. They face unique challenges, but their stories are a testament to resilience and resourcefulness in the face of geographical realities.