Top 10 Longest Coastlines

Coastlines are among the most dynamic and valuable geographical features on Earth, shaping the economies, cultures, and environments of the nations they border. These extensive shorelines provide access to marine resources, facilitate international trade, support thriving fishing industries, and attract millions of tourists annually. From the frozen Arctic waters to tropical island paradises, the world's longest coastlines offer incredible diversity and natural beauty.

The measurement of coastline length can vary significantly depending on the scale and method used, as coastlines become more detailed and longer when measured at finer scales. This fascinating phenomenon, known as the coastline paradox, means that more detailed measurements reveal more bays, inlets, and irregularities, resulting in longer total lengths.

Methodology

The coastline lengths presented in this ranking are based on official geographical measurements that account for the main coastal features while using consistent measurement standards. These figures include the coastlines of mainland territories and major islands, measured along the mean high-water line. The data represents the most current and reliable measurements available from international geographical organizations and national mapping agencies.

Note on Data Variability: Coastline measurements can vary significantly between different sources and measurement methods. The figures presented here are based on standardized measurements, but alternative sources may report different lengths due to varying scales of measurement, inclusion criteria for islands and inlets, and different methodologies used by various geographical organizations.

List of Longest Coastlines

10. China - 14,500 kilometers (9,010 miles)

China's extensive maritime borders stretch along the eastern and southern borders of the country, facing the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, South China Sea, and Bohai Sea. This massive coastal territory supports some of the world's busiest seaports, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo-Zhoushan. The Chinese shoreline is characterized by diverse coastal landscapes, from the rocky shores of Shandong Peninsula to the sandy beaches of Hainan Island. Major coastal cities like Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Qingdao have developed into economic powerhouses, leveraging their strategic oceanfront positions for international trade and commerce.

9. New Zealand - 15,134 kilometers (9,404 miles)

New Zealand's dramatic coastal geography is shaped by its unique geological history and island nation structure. The country's two main islands, North Island and South Island, along with numerous smaller islands, create a complex and beautiful seashore. The western coast features rugged coastal cliffs and fjords, particularly in Fiordland National Park, while the eastern coast offers more gentle beachfront areas and harbors. New Zealand's coastal regions are famous for their pristine beauty, with locations like the Bay of Islands, Abel Tasman National Park, and the Catlins attracting visitors from around the world. The marine environment supports a thriving fishing industry and provides habitat for unique coastal wildlife.

8. United States - 19,924 kilometers (12,380 miles)

The United States boasts one of the world's most diverse coastal systems, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, plus the Gulf of Mexico and Arctic waters in Alaska. The country's seaboard includes everything from the rocky shores of Maine and the sandy beaches of Florida to the dramatic cliffs of California and the icy waters of Alaska. Major port cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Seattle have developed into global economic centers. The U.S. coastal areas support extensive shipping, fishing, and tourism industries, while also providing critical habitat for marine ecosystems and serving as a buffer against storms and sea-level rise. The country's diverse geography also features some of the largest countries by area and most visited countries.

7. Norway - 25,148 kilometers (15,626 miles)

Norway's spectacular coastal landscape is one of the most dramatic in the world, characterized by deep fjords, towering sea cliffs, and thousands of islands. The country's unique coastal geography, shaped by glacial activity over millions of years, has created a shoreline of extraordinary beauty and complexity. The famous fjords, such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and attract millions of visitors annually. Norway's coastal regions also include the Lofoten Islands, known for their dramatic peaks and fishing villages, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. The marine ecosystem supports a thriving fishing industry, particularly for cod and salmon, and provides habitat for diverse coastal wildlife including whales, seals, and seabirds.

6. Australia - 25,760 kilometers (16,009 miles)

Australia's vast coastal perimeter encircles the entire continent, offering incredible diversity from tropical rainforests in the north to temperate waters in the south. The country's seaboard includes the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, which stretches over 2,300 kilometers along the Queensland coast. Australia's coastal areas feature iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles in Victoria, the pristine beaches of Western Australia, and the dramatic cliffs of the Great Australian Bight. The coastal zone supports major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, while also providing habitat for unique marine biodiversity including the dugong, various shark species, and countless fish and coral species. Australia's diverse geography also includes some of the largest deserts and tallest mountains in the world.

5. Japan - 29,751 kilometers (18,486 miles)

Japan's extensive coastal territory is shaped by its archipelagic nature, with four main islands and thousands of smaller islands creating a complex and beautiful seashore. The country's maritime borders face the Pacific Ocean, Sea of Japan, and Sea of Okhotsk, offering diverse marine environments. Japan's coastal cities are home to major urban centers like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, which have developed into global economic centers. The shoreline features everything from the dramatic cliffs of the Sanriku Coast to the sandy beaches of Okinawa. Japan's coastal ecosystem supports a thriving fishing industry and provides habitat for diverse marine wildlife, while also serving as a crucial buffer against tsunamis and typhoons.

4. Philippines - 36,289 kilometers (22,549 miles)

The Philippines, as an archipelagic nation of over 7,000 islands, naturally possesses one of the world's longest coastal systems. This tropical paradise offers some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes on Earth, from the pristine beaches of Palawan to the dramatic cliffs of Batanes. The country's seaboard supports major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao, while also providing habitat for incredibly diverse marine ecosystems. The Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle, the world's center of marine biodiversity, home to thousands of fish species and coral varieties. The extensive coastal areas support a thriving fishing industry and attract millions of tourists annually to destinations like Boracay, El Nido, and Siargao.

3. Russia - 37,653 kilometers (23,396 miles)

Russia's massive coastal perimeter spans three oceans - the Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic - making it one of the most geographically diverse maritime nations. The country's northern seaboard along the Arctic Ocean includes the famous Northern Sea Route, which is becoming increasingly important as climate change opens up new shipping lanes. Russia's Pacific coastal regions feature the Kamchatka Peninsula, known for its volcanic landscapes and abundant wildlife, while the Baltic Sea coast includes the historic city of St. Petersburg. The country's extensive coastal areas support major ports like Vladivostok, Murmansk, and Novorossiysk, while also providing habitat for diverse marine wildlife including beluga whales, seals, and numerous fish species. As the world's largest country by area, Russia's vast territory also includes some of the coldest places on Earth.

2. Indonesia - 54,716 kilometers (33,999 miles)

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelagic state, boasts an incredibly diverse and extensive coastal system spanning over 17,000 islands. This tropical nation's seaboard offers everything from the pristine beaches of Bali to the remote shores of Papua, creating one of the most biologically diverse marine environments on Earth. Indonesia is part of the Coral Triangle, home to the highest marine biodiversity in the world, with over 3,000 fish species and 600 coral species. The country's coastal cities support major urban centers like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan, while also providing habitat for unique species like the Komodo dragon and various marine mammals. The extensive coastal areas support a thriving fishing industry and attract millions of tourists to destinations like Raja Ampat, Komodo National Park, and the Gili Islands.

1. Canada - 202,080 kilometers (125,567 miles)

Canada possesses the longest coastal perimeter in the world, an astonishing 202,080 kilometers that borders three oceans - the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic. This vast seaboard encompasses everything from the rugged shores of Newfoundland to the pristine waters of British Columbia, from the frozen Arctic coast to the temperate Maritime provinces. Canada's coastal geography includes iconic features like the Bay of Fundy, home to the world's highest tides, and the Inside Passage, a spectacular waterway through British Columbia and Alaska. The country's extensive maritime borders support major ports like Vancouver, Halifax, and Montreal, while also providing habitat for diverse marine ecosystems including whales, seals, and countless fish species. Canada's coastal areas are not only a natural wonder but also a crucial economic resource, supporting fishing, shipping, tourism, and energy industries.

Summary of the Top 10 Longest Coastlines

Conclusion

The world's longest coastlines represent some of the most valuable and beautiful natural features on Earth. These extensive shorelines not only provide breathtaking scenery and recreational opportunities but also serve as crucial economic resources, supporting industries ranging from fishing and shipping to tourism and energy production. From Canada's Arctic waters to Indonesia's tropical islands, these coastlines showcase the incredible diversity of our planet's marine environments. For those interested in exploring more geographical wonders, consider reading about the largest islands, longest rivers, or natural wonders of the world.

The countries with the longest coastlines have been blessed with natural advantages that have shaped their histories, cultures, and economies. These maritime borders provide access to global trade routes, support diverse ecosystems, and offer protection and resources that have enabled human civilization to flourish. As we face the challenges of climate change and sea-level rise, these extensive coastlines will continue to play a vital role in the future of these nations and the world as a whole.