Did you know that Canada has the longest coastline in the world? It extends more than 202,080 kilometres, touching three oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic. For many reasons, the coastlines are important.
They support marine life, provide ways to trade, and provide beautiful places for people to live and visit. They also protect land from storms along the coast and help control the climate.
Canada's vast coast is home to various landscapes, from the icy Arctic shore to the rocky Atlantic coast and the lush Pacific rainforests.
It includes thousands of islands and remote creeks, which enrich it with wildlife and natural beauty. In this article, we will look for the top 10 countries with the longest coastlines.
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List of the Top 7 Longest Coastlines in the World
According to WorldAtlas, here are the top 7 countries with the longest coastlines.
Rank | Country | Coastline (Kilometres) | Coastline (Miles) |
1 | Canada | 202,080 | 125,567 |
2 | Norway | 99,083 | 61,567 |
3 | Indonesia | 58,133 | 36,122 |
4 | Russia | 37,653 | 23,396 |
5 | Philippines | 36,289 | 22,549 |
6 | Japan | 29,751 | 18,486 |
7 | Australia | 25,760 | 16,007 |
8 | United States | 19,924 | 12,380 |
9 | New Zealand | 15,134 | 9,404 |
10 | China | 14,500 | 9,009 |
11 | Greece | 13,676 | 8,498 |
12 | United Kingdom | 12,429 | 7,723 |
13 | Mexico | 9,330 | 5,797 |
14 | Italy | 7,782 | 4,722 |
15 | India | 7,516 | 4,660 |
16 | Brazil | 7,491 | 4,655 |
17 | Denmark | 7,314 | 4,545 |
18 | Turkey | 7,200 | 4,474 |
19 | Chile | 6,435 | 3,998 |
20 | Federated States of Micronesia | 6,112 | 3,798 |
7. Australia – 25,760 km / 16,007 miles
Australia is an island country in Oceania with a coastline of about 25,760 kilometres. It borders three oceans—the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans. The country has many different coastal landscapes, including sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and mangrove swamps.
There are over 10,000 beaches in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef, off the east coast, is the world’s largest coral reef and a major natural wonder.
6. Japan – 29,751 km / 18,486 miles
Japan is a group of islands in East Asia. It has a coastline of about 29,751 kilometres. The country has 6,852 islands. The main islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
Many big cities and ports are located along the coast. Japan’s coastlines support fishing, aquaculture, and even whaling. Some coastlines are straight, while others are shaped by storms and tides.
5. Philippines – 36,289 km / 22,549 miles
The Philippines is an island nation in Southeast Asia with 7,641 islands. Its coastline is 36,289 kilometres long.
The coast has many small islands, bays, and coves. About 60% of the country’s people live near the coast. Fishing is a big part of the local economy, with coastal fisheries providing a large part of the fish supply.
4. Russia – 37,653 km / 23,396 miles
Russia, the largest country in the world by area, has a coastline of 37,653 kilometres. Its shores touch the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans, as well as seas like the Baltic and Black Seas.
Many big Russian cities, such as St. Petersburg and Vladivostok, are along the coast. These coastal areas play a key role in trade and transport.
3. Indonesia – 58,133 km / 36,122 miles
Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands. It has a coastline of 58,133 kilometres. The coastlines vary across the islands. Mangrove forests are common in some parts, while prawn farming is popular in others.
Many beaches and small islands are top tourist spots. Even though it’s not a large country by land area, Indonesia has one of the longest coastlines in the world because of its many islands.
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2. Norway – 99,083 km / 61,567 miles
Norway is located in northern Europe. Its coastline stretches about 99,083 kilometres. The coast is full of fjords, islands, and cliffs.
The country faces the Atlantic Ocean and the Barents Sea. Many Norwegians live near the coast. The city of Oslo is located by a fjord. Norway’s coastline is popular for sightseeing, especially for its natural beauty and views of the Northern Lights.
1. Canada – 202,080 km / 125,567 miles
Canada has the longest coastline in the world—about 202,080 kilometres. It touches the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and the Arctic Ocean in the north.
Almost every Canadian province and territory has a coastline, except Alberta and Saskatchewan. The coastline includes many types of landscapes, like rocky shores and icy beaches.
Which Country has the Longest Coastline in the World?
Canada has the longest coastline in the world, stretching approximately 202,080 kilometres (125,567 miles). This massive coastline borders three oceans—the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic. Canada’s shoreline is incredibly diverse, including rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, icy bays, and thousands of islands. It plays a vital role in the country’s environment, economy, and way of life.
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