Largest Coastlines in the World
Coastlines are the meeting point of land and ocean, shaping countries’ geography, trade, culture, and tourism. Some nations are blessed with incredibly long coastlines, giving them access to abundant marine resources and stunning beaches.
In this article, we’ll explore the countries with the largest coastlines in the world and interesting facts about them.
🌍 Top 10 Countries with the Longest Coastlines
Below is the list of countries ranked by coastline length, measured in kilometers.
| Rank | Country | Coastline Length (km) | Ocean/Sea Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 202,080 km | Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic |
| 2 | Norway | 58,133 km | Atlantic, Arctic |
| 3 | Indonesia | 54,716 km | Indian, Pacific |
| 4 | Russia | 37,653 km | Arctic, Pacific |
| 5 | Philippines | 36,289 km | Pacific |
| 6 | Japan | 29,751 km | Pacific |
| 7 | Australia | 25,760 km | Indian, Pacific |
| 8 | United States | 19,924 km | Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic |
| 9 | Antarctica | 17,968 km | Southern Ocean |
| 10 | New Zealand | 15,134 km | Pacific |
🏆 Country with the Longest Coastline – Canada
- Length: 202,080 km
- Fun Fact: If you walked 20 km every day, it would take you over 27 years to walk Canada’s entire coastline.
- Special Features: Thousands of islands, fjords, and inlets.
🌏 Why Coastline Length Matters
- Trade & Economy – Longer coastlines often mean better ports and global trade opportunities.
- Biodiversity – Marine ecosystems thrive along diverse coastlines.
- Tourism – Countries like Indonesia and Norway attract millions of tourists due to their scenic shores.
- Fisheries & Resources – Oceans provide food, minerals, and energy resources.
📌 Interesting Facts About Coastlines
- Measurement Trick: Coastline length changes depending on the scale of measurement (the coastline paradox).
- Island Nations: Countries like the Philippines and Japan have long coastlines relative to their land size.
- Climate Impact: Rising sea levels are slowly altering coastlines worldwide.
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