None of the 18 Largest Economies Is Landlocked
Many of the richest countries once ruled the seas, and ocean freight is still the cheapest way to move goods.
Wendover Productions · Russia's Geography ProblemNone of the 18 largest economies in the world is landlocked, cut off from a sea coast.
For centuries, a strong fleet meant a strong country. Countries that lead the world economy today, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and China, once commanded the world's strongest navies.
Building strong fleets was the surest path for a country to gain influence and expand its economy. Until the last century, ships were the fastest way to move goods and people over long distances, and ocean shipping remains the cheapest way to move freight far.
That access to the sea helped those naval powers keep a lasting edge in wealth and influence.
Questions people ask
Which economies are the 18?
The exact list shifts year to year, but it includes the United States, China, Germany, Japan, India, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and other large coastal economies. All have direct sea access.
Has air travel changed the importance of ships?
Air cargo is much faster for electronics, medicine, and other light, urgent goods. But planes carry far less weight than container ships and cost far more per ton, so heavy goods like grain, oil, cars, and clothing still move mainly by sea.