A general thought will be Internet access shouldn’t be a concern as the world becomes increasingly digital. However, it is astonishing to find that there are several countries where access to the internet is either limited or non-existent.

In the 21st century, one might assume that access to the internet is a fundamental requirement present in every part of the globe. Nonetheless, this is not true. These 15 nations below have restricted or no internet access. In this article, we’ll explore these countries with the most restricted internet access and the implications this has on their citizens.

Countries With No or Limited Internet Access

Belarus

In 2006, 2007, and 2008, Reporters Without Borders (RWB) classified Belarus as an “Internet enemy.” The Belarusian government employs second and third generation strategies to oversee the national information environment of Belarus. Prior to 2006, the majority of areas in Belarus lacked access to any form of broadband internet. Currently, Minsk, the capital city of Belarus, stands as the most interconnected location in the nation, while internet availability in rural regions remains restricted.

Myanmar

Myanmar, previously referred to as Burma, has been able to access the internet since early 2000. Nonetheless, there was considerable censorship imposed by the military government that notably decreased in September 2011. As of now, merely about 1% of Myanmar’s population has access. Beyond the urban areas, connectivity in Myanmar is very expensive.

China

China possesses the highest number of internet users globally. Nonetheless, China’s internet censorship is severe, as the government has enacted over 60 regulations. Authorities oversee individuals’ access and restrict website content.
Well-known websites like Google are restricted in China.

Cuban Islands

Connectivity made its debut in Cuba in the late 1990s but experienced stagnation due to several factors, such as insufficient funding and strict government regulations. Nonetheless, significant censorship persists as the government exerts strict control over the connectivity. At present, under fifty percent of the nation’s population can access. Importantly, using mobile internet in the country is not feasible.

North Korea: The Isolated Nation

North Korea, also known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is often referred to as the most isolated country in the world. With a population of approximately 25.6 million, the country has an extremely limited infrastructure.
According to a 2020 report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), North Korea has only about 3.5 million users, which is less than 1% of its population. The government tightly controls access, and foreign websites are often blocked or heavily monitored.

Eritrea: The Longest-Running Internet Blackout

Eritrea, a country located in the Horn of Africa, has had one of the longest-running blackouts in the world. Since 2001, the government has restricted access to its citizens, citing national security concerns. The blackout has had severe consequences, including affecting the education and economic development of the country. According to a 2019 report by Freedom House, Eritrea is one of the top five countries with the lowest freedom ratings.

Turkmenistan: The Country with No Free Internet

Turkmenistan, a country in Central Asia, is another country where access is heavily restricted. The government tightly controls all online activities are monitored. There are no public internet cafes, and the few users in the country must use government-approved services. According to a 2020 report by the ITU, Turkmenistan has only about 19.3% of its population with internet access.

South Sudan: The Youngest Country with Limited Internet

South Sudan, the youngest country in the world, has struggled to develop its internet infrastructure since gaining independence in 2011. The country has limited access to services, and many rural areas remain offline. According to a 2020 report by the ITU, South Sudan has only about 5.3% of its population with internet access.

Egypt

During Hosni Mubarak’s rule, the internet in Egypt was classified as “partly free.” When the protests started on January 25, 2011, Twitter and Facebook were disabled, and two days later, it was reported that access had been completely halted. In 2017, a total of 62 websites were prohibited.

Iran

The Iranian government is recognized for implementing speed throttling to hinder users and restrict their communications. This is evident during election days and at times of political turmoil such as the Arab Spring. Currently, roughly 50% of Iran’s population has access to an internet connection. Most of these connections are located in urban areas.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, certain websites are restricted. Access to Wikipedia and Google Translate was blocked in 2006 as individuals were utilizing them to circumvent the filters imposed by the government. Internet access in Saudi Arabia has been described as costly and poor in quality.

Syria

Syria has prohibited numerous websites for political motives in addition to detaining individuals who visit them. Connections were disconnected at the end of November 2011, followed by ten disruptions in 2013 and 2014.

Tunisia

Censorship of the internet in Tunisia was prevalent, but following the removal of President Zine Ben Ali, it decreased markedly. The new administration also lifted restrictions on social media platforms.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan initially accessed in late 1995, but its development has progressed gradually. Additionally, there are stringent regulations and tight controls. About 9 million individuals in Uzbekistan are online, out of a total population of 32 million in the nation.

Vietnam

Access in Vietnam is restricted by the government, particularly for websites that criticize it. Data regarding foreign political dissent, religious matters, or human rights is likewise restricted.

The Consequences of Limited Access

The consequences of limited or no access can have severe implications on a country’s development. Some of the effects include:

* Limited access to education and information
* Reduced economic opportunities and growth
* Isolation from global events and news
* Negative impact on healthcare and emergency services
* Suppression of free speech and social movements

Countries with limited or no access are a global concern. The consequences of restricted access to can have far-reaching implications on a country’s development and its citizens.

It’s essential for governments, international organizations, and development agencies to work together to promote access and digital development in these countries. By doing so, we can help bridge the digital divide and promote global connectivity.

Note these Key Takeaways While you plan your Holidays

* North Korea has extremely limited access, with only about 3.5 million users.
* Eritrea has had one of the longest-running blackouts in the world, since 2001.
* Turkmenistan has no free access, and all online activities are monitored.
* South Sudan has limited access to services, with only about 5.3% of its population with access.
* The consequences of limited or no access can have severe implications on a country’s development.