Longest Coastlines in the World (Top 160 Countries)

Coastlines are different from one place to the next. But some of them worldwide have the most beautiful scenery and unique gifts from nature.
A country can be summed up by its coastline. Where a country’s borders meet, the sea is often where most people live, where important economic things happen, and sometimes where a place is so beautiful that it is known worldwide.
More than 70 percent of the world’s surface is covered by water, and the countries with the longest coastlines are the best able to use this natural resource.

What Are The Longest Coastlines in the World?

1. Canada

Canada has the world’s nicest and largest coastlines, comprising ten provinces and three territories. It is the second largest country worldwide regarding land area but possesses the world’s longest coastline.
Canada’s 202,080 km of coastline is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Arctic Ocean and. With such a vast coastline bordering multiple oceans, it is not surprising that the terrain along the coastline differs greatly depending on location.
The Canadian environment is one of the most pristine in the world because around 80 percent of the country is uninhabited. It is also home to several large land species, including moose, grizzly bears, polar bears, and bison. In addition, Canada’s coastline is a vital component of its economy, as it contains significant trading ports and provides access to some of the best fishing in the world.

2. Norway

The Norwegian capital is situated at the head of the Oslo fjord. In addition to being a famous tourist attraction, the Norwegian coast attracts travelers from around the world who wish to watch the majesty of the coastline and catch a sight of the aurora borealis along the country’s northern coastlines.
The continent is situated between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Barents Sea. The entire coastline of Norway is extremely uneven and rocky, with several fjords and islands. The majority of Norwegians reside along the seaside.

3. Indonesia

Indonesia is the third country in the world with the longest coastline. It is not one of the top ten countries in terms of total land area, but it has many islands, putting it in third place.
Along the coasts of Papua, Kalimantan, Papua, and northeastern Sumatra, there are many mangrove forests. People often raise shrimp along the coasts of northern Java and southwestern Sulawesi.
The most beautiful parts of Indonesia’s coasts, which are also the most popular places for tourists to visit, are in eastern Indonesia, in the south of the island of Java, and on the island of Sumatra.

4. Greenland (Denmark)

Greenland might technically be a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but it is a separate country. It also boasts a lengthy coastline of 44,086 kilometers. This frigid republic is between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, with Canada and Iceland as its nearest neighbors.
Contrary to its name, almost 80% of Greenland’s landmass is ice-covered. Due to the immense amount of ice that dominates the country’s interior, only the coastline regions are inhabited. These coastal regions are also home to diverse plants and animals, and the country’s largest national park is located in the northeast.
There are several fjords, glaciers, icebergs, and cliffs along the coastline of Greenland, all of which are remarkable. In addition, the country’s relative seclusion and harsh climate enhance its geographical attractiveness.

5. Russia

St. Petersburg, Yalta, Vladivostok, Magadan, Kaliningrad, Baltiysk, and many other significant Russian cities are situated along the country’s shores, making up a large portion of the country’s population.
As an independent nation in northern Eurasia, Russia contains a massive 37,653 kilometers of coastline. Russia has coastlines on five oceans: the Pacific to the east, the Atlantic to the west, the Arctic to the north, and the Baltic, Black, Sea of Azov, and Caspian to the southwest.

6. Philippines

The Philippines is a country consisting of 7,641 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Southeast Asia. It has a coastline of 36,289 kilometers. This country has a wavy coastline with numerous islets, bays, and gulfs. Over 60 percent of the country’s population and most of its major cities are concentrated along its beaches, making this region the most densely populated. Coastal fisheries provide income for a sizable portion of the Filipino population, accounting for 40-60% of the country’s overall fish catch. In addition, the Philippines’ economy benefits from the tens of thousands of tourists that flock to the country every year to marvel at the stunning beauty of its beaches.

7. Japan

Japan, a densely populated and technically advanced island country in East Asia, is located to the east of the Ocean, between the Sea of Okhotsk and the East China Sea. The country’s 6,852 islands are bounded by a coastline measuring 29,751 kilometers long. Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu are the nation’s four largest and most economically significant islands. The northern and western beaches of Honshu and the shoreline of Hokkaido have relatively straight contours. Meanwhile, the coastlines of Kyushu and eastern Honshu are significantly altered by the ages of tides and storms. Most of Japan’s major urban areas are situated along the country’s coastline, which is also home to some of the world’s largest international ports. Fishing, aquaculture, and whaling are among the key occupations that support the livelihoods of Japan’s coastal residents.

8. Australia

Australia is a diverse nation for many factors, and the fact that it’s almost its own continent is just one of them.
The coastline of this island country in Oceania is 25,760 km long. Australia has coastlines on the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Southern Ocean, just like the United States.
A lot of Australians live along the coast. Most likely, this is because Australian beaches are so beautiful, there are good job opportunities along the coast, and the interior of the country could be more friendly.
The coastlines of Australia are among the most visited tourist destinations worldwide. Located on Australia’s eastern shore, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world. It’s one of Australia’s 19 World Heritage Sites.

9. United States

The United States ranks among the world’s largest nations. Its 50 states encompass a wide variety of landscapes, from forested regions to deserts to mountain ranges to swampy lowlands. In addition, several minor territories exist off the coast of the United States’ main landmass.
The United States is unique in that it borders three separate oceans (the Pacific, the Atlantic, and the Arctic). The Gulf of Mexico is also on its southern edge. As a result, the country’s climate and natural resources are reflected in the richness of its waters.
The overall coastline of this massive country is almost 19,924 kilometers long; nevertheless, which US state has the longest coastline? There is no contest; Alaska is correct.
Alaska has 10,686 kilometers of coastline (6,640 miles), with coastlines along both the Pacific and Arctic Oceans. As a result, Alaska is a central hub for fishing, tourism, and oil production despite its isolation from the rest of the United States.
Some of the most famous coastlines in the United States can be found in California, Florida, and Hawaii, in stark contrast to the icy coast of Alaska. Sandy beaches, warm water, and crowds of tourists—what that’s you can expect to find in this region.

10. New Zealand

New Zealand is a small island nation in the southwestern part of the vast Pacific Ocean. Nobody would blame you for being taken aback by the fact that this nation boasts such a massive coastline. Unfortunately, it’s easy to miss New Zealand because its neighbor, Australia, is so much larger. Even an entire Subreddit is devoted to maps that omit the country altogether.
The 15,134 kilometers of coastline in New Zealand are home to much of the country’s famed biodiversity. Three major islands and an additional 500 or smaller islands make up the country. These islands provide New Zealand with its extensive Pacific and Tasman Seas coastline.
New Zealand is well-known for its imposing national rugby squad and the widespread distribution of its wines.

11. China

China ranked 11th on the Longest coastline in the world. However, natural factors, such as tectonics, typhoons, and river currents, have changed China’s shoreline by, for instance, depositing silt on beaches. Regarding sediment load, the Yellow River is the largest in the world, whereas the Yangtze is only fourth in terms of water output.

12. Greece

Greece has the most extensive shoreline in the Mediterranean. They boast Europe’s third-longest coastline. Greece’s coastline is famous for its pristine beaches and blue waters. There are various coastal features, such as caves, sheltered coves, and bays. Tourism is widely established in the region.

The following is the list of the longest coastlines in the world.

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