Countries Without Railways: Why Some Nations Never Built Train Networks

Did you know that some countries have never had a railway system, while others once had railways but lost them over time? Factors like tough geography, small populations, and reliance on other transport methods have kept these nations from developing rail networks.

Here are seven countries that either never built railways or no longer have them, and the reasons behind it.

1. Libya

Libya once had railways, but they were removed during the Civil War, and train services ended in 1965. Although rebuilding efforts started in 2001, ongoing political instability has delayed progress. A planned railway line between Ras Ajdir and Tripoli remains incomplete.

2. Maldives

The Maldives, a nation of small islands, has no railway system because building one would be impractical. Instead, people rely on boats, roads (called “magu”), and air travel to move between islands.

3. Andorra

This tiny country in the Pyrenees mountains has no railway system. Although a French railway line reaches close to Andorra, the final connection is made by bus. Due to its mountainous terrain and small size, road transport remains the main travel option.

4. Kuwait

Despite being a wealthy country, Kuwait has no railway network yet. However, it is working on the Gulf Railway project, a 1,200-mile network that will connect Kuwait City with Oman and other Gulf nations.

5. Yemen

Yemen never developed a railway due to its mountainous terrain and ongoing conflicts. The country relies on roads, but their conditions vary, making air travel the preferred choice for long distances.

6. Bhutan

Bhutan currently has no railways, but there are plans to connect its southern region to India’s railway network. A short 11-mile railway line from Nepal’s Toribari to Hashimara in India is under development to improve transport links.

7. Guinea-Bissau

This West African country lacks a railway network and depends mostly on roads, many of which are unpaved. In 1998, there were plans to build a railway with Portugal’s help, but the project never moved forward.

8. Iceland

Iceland has never had a public railway, despite past efforts to create one. Plans to build railways in the early 1900s were abandoned due to harsh weather, a small population, and the popularity of cars. Even recent discussions about a rail system in the capital, Reykjavik, have not led to any action.

These countries highlight how geography, economics, and history shape transportation choices around the world. While railways are common in many places, some nations continue to rely on roads, boats, and air travel instead.