Can you name the two land-locked countries of South America?

While the vast continent of South America is famous for its extensive coastlines along both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, two nations are exceptions to the rule. These countries are completely surrounded by their neighbors (Review), lacking any direct access to the open sea, which is the definition of being landlocked.

Bolivia's situation is a result of historical conflict. It once had a coastline on the Pacific but lost this territory to Chile during the War of the Pacific in the late 19th century. The loss remains a significant political and cultural issue for the country. Poignantly, Bolivia still maintains a navy, which operates on Lake Titicaca and major rivers, symbolizing the nation's enduring hope of one day reclaiming its access to the sea.

Paraguay, on the other hand, is landlocked by its central geography rather than a specific territorial loss. Often called the 'Corazón de Sudamérica' (Heart of South America), it is defined by the major rivers that frame it, including the Paraguay and Paraná Rivers. These powerful waterways serve as a vital commercial highway, flowing south to connect with the Río de la Plata and providing the country with crucial shipping access to the Atlantic Ocean