The Seven Landlocked Countries That Have Navies

Quick Overview

Seven landlocked countries—Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Laos, Paraguay, and Bolivia—maintain navies despite having no direct access to the open ocean, using these forces to patrol inland lakes and rivers for security, law enforcement, and territorial protection. Each of these nations justifies its maritime presence by highlighting the strategic importance of internal waterways like the Caspian Sea, Lake Titicaca, or major river systems, which are vital for commerce, anti-terrorism, anti-narcotics efforts, and national sovereignty.

Key Points: Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan operate navies on the landlocked Caspian Sea to protect oil and gas infrastructure and exert regional influence. Ethiopia re-established a navy to protect its maritime interests and access to the Red Sea via the port of Djibouti, which handles 95% of its imports and exports. Laos maintains a small, poorly funded navy primarily responsible for patrolling the 1,800-kilometer Mekong River and securing its border with Thailand. Paraguay utilizes its navy as the sole governmental body with law enforcement authority over its vast river systems, which facilitate 80% of the nation's trade. Bolivia operates a symbolic navy on Lake Titicaca and other inland waters to maintain its identity as a seafaring nation and advocate for the eventual restoration of its lost coastline. These seven countries collectively demonstrate that naval forces are essential for internal security and economic stability even when those nations lack direct access to the world's oceans.

Context: The concept of a landlocked navy appears counterintuitive, as these forces operate entirely within the borders of countries that cannot reach the ocean. However, these nations face unique geographical and security challenges—such as porous river borders, vast inland lakes, and critical economic trade routes—that necessitate a dedicated maritime presence. By maintaining navies, these seven countries secure their inland waterways and assert their national interests in regions where overland control is insufficient.