For a country to be considered landlocked, it must be completely enclosed by land governed by other countries or only have coastal access to a closed sea.
There are 48 countries in the world that are considered landlocked. Only two of these countries lie outside of the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Located in Europe, Germany is not a landlocked country, despite errant claims that it is.
What Makes a Country Landlocked?
So, how do you determine if a country is landlocked? The easiest way to tell if a country is landlocked is to take a look at a map of the country and the surrounding geography.
Germany’s Geographic Location
Germany is situated in Central Europe and shares borders with nine countries: Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west.
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Germany’s Coastline
German has a coastline along the North Sea to the northwest and the Baltic Sea to the northeast. These coastlines provide Germany with crucial access to maritime routes, facilitating international trade and economic activities.
North Sea Coastline
Germany’s North Sea coastline is relatively short but significant, extending approximately 467 kilometers. This coastline is characterized by its tidal flats, known as the Wadden Sea, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Major port cities like Hamburg and Bremerhaven are located along this coast, serving as vital hubs for maritime trade and commerce.
Baltic Sea Coastline
The Baltic Sea coastline of Germany stretches for about 2,100 kilometers, offering more extensive access compared to the North Sea coast. This coastline includes notable ports such as Kiel and Rostock. The Baltic Sea region is known for its beautiful landscapes, including beaches, cliffs, and historical towns, making it a popular tourist destination.
Depending how it is measured (see the coastline paradox for more clarification about coastline measurement discrepancies), Northern Germany has over 3,700 kilometers of coastline.
What Landlocked Countries Border Germany?
Germany does, however, border several countries that are landlocked: Austria, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
