Countries’ geographical and cultural backgrounds are shaped by their coastlines, which are the places where land and water converge. Coastlines, which span seas, oceans, and bays, are essential to a country’s history, ecology, and economics. Long coastline nations frequently have a thriving maritime sector that supports trade, fishing, and tourism, as well as abundant marine biodiversity and visual beauty. In addition, a range of living forms are supported by the ecosystems around these beaches, and human activity and habitation are framed by the coastal landscapes.

The geography of the nation, the intricacy of the shoreline, and the shoreline’s proximity to expansive bodies of water are some of the variables that affect a coastline’s length. Canada is on top of the list, followed by Norway and Indonesia.

List of the Top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World

1. Canada
2. Norway
3. Indonesia
4. Greenland
5. Russia
6. Philippines
7. Japan
8. Australia
9. United States of America
10. New Zealand

1. Canada

Canada has the longest coastline, which is around 202,080 km that runs parallel to the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans, respectively, in the east, west, and north. The landscape along Canada’s coastline varies widely depending on the region because the country has such a huge coastline that it borders numerous oceans. 

Since over 80% of Canada is unoccupied, the country has some of the cleanest landscapes in the world. Massive land creatures like grizzly bears, wood bison, and moose may also be found there. With its main ports for commerce and proximity to some of the world’s greatest fisheries, Canada’s coastline plays a significant role in the country’s economy.

2. Norway

Norway is bordered on the west by the North Atlantic Ocean and on the north by the Barents Sea. With several rocky striations from ports and islands, in addition to the archipelago of Svalbard located far to the north in the Arctic Ocean, Norway’s coastline is very erratic. Furthermore, a sizable fraction of Norwegians live along the sea. Length of the Norway Coastline is 83,281 km.

Norway is widely known for its stunning fjords, seafood such as salmon, and for providing an excellent place to witness the Northern Lights. The region is referred to as the “Land of the Midnight Sun” because of the prolonged summer daylight hours it experiences.

3. Indonesia

Among Indonesia’s astounding 17,508 islands, about 6,000 are inhabited. The 54,716 km of coastline in Indonesia is enhanced by these islands, many of which retain their own languages and customs. As a result, Indonesia is rated third among nations with the longest coastlines worldwide. 

The nation is made up of several islands, and among its prominent tourist destinations are its coastal areas, such as Bali’s beaches, which are renowned for their laid-back atmosphere and top-notch surfing. In Indonesia, there are 147 volcanoes, 76 of which are operational. The interplay of volcanic activity and tidal pressures has produced Indonesia’s distinctive terrain.

4. Greenland

Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, despite being a sovereign nation. Another distinguishing characteristic is its 44,086 km long coastline. Iceland and Canada are this freezing nation’s closest neighbors. It is located halfway between the Atlantic and Arctic seas. 

Despite its deceptive moniker, 80 percent of Greenland’s landmass is covered in ice. Only the coastal parts are occupied by people because the country’s center is dominated by large volumes of ice. The northeastern part of the nation is home to the biggest national park in the world, and a wide range of flora and fauna may be found there as well. Amazing features along Greenland’s coastline include cliffs, icebergs, glaciers, and a variety of ports.

5. Russia

Russia’s coastlines border the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic oceans to the west, east, and north, respectively. Moscow is the most populated city in Russia, although Vladivostok and St. Petersburg are two of the country’s most important coastal cities.

St. Petersburg, the most populous city on the Baltic Sea, is recognized as the cultural hub of Russia. Situated almost 6,000 kilometers distant on the opposite side of the nation, Vladivostok has a rich history as a naval base and port. In addition to being the largest nation on Earth, Russia is home to the Volga, the longest river in Europe; Lake Ladoga, the largest lake in Europe; and Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world.

6. Philippines

Situated near mainland Asia in the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines is a nation made up of 7,641 islands, of which 2,000 are populated.

The Philippines has a fairly long coastline, despite the fact that many of its islands are unnamed and insignificant. This country’s coastline is filled with several bays and gulfs and is incredibly irregular. Like many other countries with long beaches, the Philippines’ coastal regions are the most heavily inhabited. Near the seaside are the bulk of the country’s main cities and over 60% of its population.

The Philippine coast is well-known for its excellent diving and stunning beaches, which draw lots of tourists to the country each year. Both fishing and tourism contribute significantly to the local economy.

7. Japan

There are some incredible 6,852 islands in the Japanese coastline. Japan has 29,750 miles of coastline, which explains why it claims so many islands. This group includes five major islands: Honshu, Kyushu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Okinawa. These islands are also the most important economically for the country.

Japan has an enormous amount of coastline, which contributes to the fact that many of its largest cities were built near it. A few important international ports are also located there, notably the Port of Tokyo, which is one of the largest in the Pacific Ocean.

Japan’s long history of being separated from other civilizations has made Japanese culture one of the easiest to identify worldwide.

8. Australia

Australia’s shoreline, like that of the United States, runs along the three major bodies of water: the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans. Many people who live in Australia are from the coastal regions of the country. This is most likely a result of Australia’s wonderful beaches and the commercial possibilities that surround the shore.

This country of islands in the Pacific Ocean stretches 25,760 kilometers along its coastline.

Among the most popular tourist destinations worldwide are Australia’s coasts. The largest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is located on Australia’s east coast and is one of the nation’s 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visitors from all over the globe flock to Australia to dive at this famous location or surf one of the many popular beaches in the nation.

9. United States of America

The Pacific, Atlantic Ocean, and Arctic seas all round the United States, making it an exceptional nation. It borders the Gulf of Mexico as well.

This vast nation boasts a coastline spanning over 19,924 kilometers. Alaska’s coastline runs along the Pacific and Arctic oceans for 10,686 km, or 6,640 miles (10,686.04 km). Alaska lacks a land link to the rest of the US mainland, yet it is an important center for tourism, fishing, and oil extraction. 

Alaska’s frigid coast is strikingly similar to some of the most famous American shores, including those found in places like Florida, California, and Hawaii. 153,646 kilometers (95,471 miles) is the exact length of the US coastline.

10. New Zealand

New Zealand’s varied flora and wildlife, which are largely concentrated on its 15,134 km coastline, are its most well-known features.

The nation is made of about 600 islands in total, comprising three large islands. The vast Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean coastline of New Zealand is the result of these islands. Numerous white sand beaches and other coastal features may be found along the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Along the shore there are about 25 marine reserves.

Conclusion

Canada has the longest coastline in the world, which is followed by Indonesia and Russia. The 10 nations with the longest coastlines are all located in either Europe, North America, or Asia. The fact that two or more seas encircle each of the 10 nations with the longest coasts is also remarkable. This is subsequently because coastlines are sometimes formed by the confluence of two or more sources of water. 

The combined length of the top ten coasts is over 550,509 kilometers. Canada has the longest coastline among the top 10, spanning 202,080 kilometers, or nearly 36.7% of the overall length of the 10 coastlines. These coasts border a number of significant oceans and seas, including the Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, Indian, and Southern Oceans. The maritime, fishing, tourist, and offshore resource extraction industries that are centered around these nations’ coasts play a major role in supporting their economies.

FAQs

Which is the Longest Coastline in the World?

Canada has the longest coastline in the world, which spans over 202,080 km as per the last updated data.

Which Nation Has the Largest Coastline in Asia?

The largest island country in the world is Indonesia. Indonesia boasts the largest coastline in Asia and one of the longest in the world, spanning over 17,000 islands, islets, and rock formations across a land area of 1,904,56 square kilometers. There are around 54,716 kilometers of coastline in the nation.

Which Coastline is the Shortest?

The sovereign country with the smallest coastline is Monaco, with 5.6 km (3.5 miles), omitting piers and breakwaters. Due to land reclamation, Monaco’s coastline has become longer. Comments below may apply to past holders of this title.

How Much is the Coastline of Russia?

Russia spans a large portion of both Europe and Asia, making it a transcontinental nation. With a length of 37,653 km (23,396 mi), it stretches across the northernmost tip of Eurasia and has the fourth longest coastline globally.

How Much is the Coastline of China?

Approximately 32,000 km of China’s coastline stretch across the mainland, spanning from the Yalu River across the China-Korea border to the China-Vietnam frontier (18,400 km).