Locations10 things you need to know about landlocked developing countries
August 4, 2025
UNDP supports landlocked developing countries through tailored policy advice, capacity building and smooth transition strategies to help safeguard development gains.
Of the total 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) in the world, 16 are in Africa, 10 are in Asia, 4 are in Europe, and 2 are in Latin America. LLDCs are home to over 500 million people, representing about 7% of the global population.
Here are 10 things you need to know about LLDCs:
1. Geographic disadvantages to trade and connectivity
On average, LLDCs are 1,370 kilometres away from the nearest port. This distance makes it difficult for them to compete and join global markets. LLDCs need enhanced connectivity and digital infrastructure to overcome trade barriers and access e-commerce opportunities.
In countries like Bhutan, Lesotho, South Sudan, and across Central Asia, UNDP boosted micro, small and medium enterprises' competitiveness, expanding access to digital and regional markets and advancing inclusive trade policies.
2. Heavy reliance on aid and imports
More than a third of LLDCs are in or near debt distress. They rely heavily on aid for infrastructure and development projects. The situation is worsened due to limited access to private capital and declining foreign investments. LLDCs need access to affordable development finance from both domestic and external sources as well as enhanced domestic resource mobilization to become more self-reliant.
In Afghanistan, the Area Based Approach to Development Emergency Initiatives (ABADEI) offers financing and capacity building to 75,000 women-led businesses and organizes women-only market days as safe spaces to sell their products and connect to supply chains.
3. Persistent barriers to finance, markets and technology
Due to insufficient resources, connectivity, technical expertise and infrastructure, LLDCs face almost double the trade costs of coastal countries. Their share in merchandise exports is 1.1% of the global trade. Trade facilitation and increased South-South cooperation can help build resilience, diversify their economies and enhance their access to global markets.
In Central Asia, UNDP’s Aid for Trade programme supports LLDCs in diversifying their economies, expanding private sector productive capacities, fostering regional trade integration, accessing new markets and strengthening job creation.
4. Lack of access to clean and affordable energy
Eleven of the 32 LLDCs are behind in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 – access to affordable and clean energy for all by 2030. Many LLDCs have electrification rates below 50%, with some below 27% for access to clean cooking. A staggering 215 million people live with limited or no electricity in LLDCs.
Through initiatives like the Africa Minigrids Programme, which promotes sustainable, scalable solar investments, nine LLDCs in Africa have access to clean energy.
5. More vulnerable to climate change
An estimated 54% of LLDCs’ land is classified as drylands, disproportionately affected by desertification, land degradation and drought. Many LLDCs are mountainous countries, suffering from melting glaciers, water shortages, frequent landslides and reduced biodiversity, among other things.
In Bolivia, UNDP is supporting community-level capacity to adapt to climate change by creating awareness of risk management practices in management of agricultural ecosystems, water, soils and crops.
6. Constraints to sustainably manage natural resources
LLDCs' unique structural constraints severely affect their ability to manage their natural resources. With no direct access to coastlines, LLDCs depend heavily on agriculture, mining and forestry – sectors that are not only vulnerable to environmental degradation but also highly sensitive to global market fluctuations.
In Niger, UNDP has worked in communities to install solar irrigation systems. In the picture, participants are testing a solar irrigation device that allows farmers to irrigate their gardens remotely, and for free, via their mobile phones.
7. Extractive industries represent a significant share of GDP and employment
Many LLDCs have abundant mineral resources. Without direct access to maritime trade routes, they rely on these minerals to drive economic growth, boost export industries, attract foreign investment, generate employment and strengthen public finances.
Through initiatives like the Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific - European Union Development Minerals Programme, UNDP supports countries such as Burkina Faso, Mongolia, Uganda and Zambia by enhancing access to markets and employment and providing small grants for artisanal mining organizations to foster better health, safety and environmental management.
8. Health systems are often underfunded and overburdened
Health expenditures in LLDCs remain well below the global average of 9.94% of the GDP. This low level of investment obstructs service delivery and limits progress in improving life expectancy, which has increased at a slower pace as compared to neighbouring countries.
UNDP works across LLDCs to strengthen public health systems, improving the reach and efficiency of social protection programmes and leveraging digital technologies to connect vulnerable groups with the services they need.
9. Poor digital connectivity and access to high-speed internet
Only 35% of people living in LLDCs can access the internet, significantly below the world average of 66%. While 95% of the population is covered by mobile networks, less than half of the population has access to 4G, which is crucial for digital trade.
In Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, UNDP initiated training programmes for digital literacy and skills, allowing individuals to better utilize digital technologies for learning, income generation and entrepreneurship.
10. Half of LLDCs are also least developed countries
Sixteen of the 32 LLDCs are also classified as least developed countries (LDCs), a dual status facing compounded vulnerabilities from geographic isolation, structural economic weaknesses and exposure to external shocks. LLDCs that are LDCs need steady economic growth, development and social investments to graduate or transition from LDC status.
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