>But if you still have to go inland, it's the same problem but worse. Population centers are disproportionately near the coast/harbors. This is often mentione

>But if you still have to go inland, it's the same problem but worse. Population centers are disproportionately near the coast/harbors. This is often mentioned whenever people discuss sea level rise from climate change. According to the UN, 40% of the entire world's population lives within 60 miles of a coast. I believe the proportion for the US is similar. I think this is important in understanding why it is feasible and cheap as a % to ship things around the world. Of course, there are rivers and railroads too.