List of countries surrounded by Indian Ocean: The Indian Ocean is bounded by Iran, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh to the north; the Malay Peninsula, the Sunda Islands, and Australia to the east; the Southern Ocean to the south; and Africa and the Arabian Peninsula to the west. In the southwest, it joins the Atlantic Ocean, and to the east and southeast, it mingles with the Pacific Ocean.
The Indian Ocean, one of the largest and most significant bodies of water on Earth, borders several countries, shaping cultures, economies, and ecosystems along its shores. From the diverse landscapes of Africa to the vibrant cultures of Asia, the countries surrounding the Indian Ocean offer a tapestry of experiences and histories.
In this article, we will cover the list of countries that are surrounded by the Indian Ocean with a map showing the countries bounded by the Indian Ocean.
The Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean, bordered by Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent, is the third largest ocean in the world, covering an area of approximately 70.56 million square kilometers. It hosts a diverse range of marine life, including coral reefs, dolphins, and whales, making it a vital ecosystem for biodiversity. With 47 countries surrounded by or having coastlines along its shores, the Indian Ocean plays a crucial role in global trade, serving as a major transportation route for goods and people between continents. Additionally, the ocean supports various industries such as fishing, tourism, and shipping, contributing significantly to the economies of coastal nations like India, Indonesia, Australia, and South Africa. Its warm waters and picturesque beaches attract millions of tourists each year, while its strategic location facilitates maritime trade routes connecting the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Moreover, the Indian Ocean influences weather patterns and regulates the Earth’s climate, making it essential for sustaining life on our planet.
List of Countries Surrounded by the Indian Ocean
Here’s a table listing the first 20 countries surrounded by the Indian Ocean:
| Country |
Length of Coastline (km) |
| Bangladesh |
580 Kilometres |
| India |
7,516 Kilometres |
| Sri Lanka |
1,340 Kilometres |
| Maldives |
1,990 Kilometres |
| Myanmar |
2,832 Kilometres |
| Thailand |
3,219 Kilometres |
| Malaysia |
4,675 Kilometres |
| Singapore |
193 Kilometres |
| Indonesia |
54,716 Kilometres |
| Brunei |
161 Kilometres |
| Philippines |
36,289 Kilometres |
| East Timor |
706 Kilometres |
| Australia |
25,760 Kilometres |
| Christmas Island |
138Kilometres |
| Cocos Islands |
26Kilometres |
| Seychelles |
491 Kilometres |
| Mauritius |
177 Kilometres |
| Réunion |
207 Kilometres |
| Comoros |
340 Kilometres |
| Madagascar |
4,828 Kilometres |
Map of the Countries Surrounded by the Indian Ocean
The Map of the Indian Ocean and the surrounded countries is shown below:
Indian Ocean Map and Surrounded Countries
Names of Countries Surrounded by Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean, with its vast expanse of blue waters, is home to numerous countries that are surrounded by its shores. These countries, each with its own unique culture, landscapes, and attractions, are integral parts of the maritime world. Let’s take a journey through some of these nations and discover what makes them special:
India
India is surrounded by the Indian Ocean on its southern, western, and eastern coasts, boasting a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- India’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean has historically been crucial for maritime trade and cultural exchanges.
- The Indian Ocean serves as a vital route for India’s trade with countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
- India’s navy, one of the largest in the region, plays a significant role in safeguarding maritime interests and ensuring security along its maritime borders.
Indonesia
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south and southeast, with a coastline spanning approximately 54,716 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- Indonesia’s maritime territory includes thousands of islands, making it a key player in international trade and maritime security.
- The Indian Ocean serves as a conduit for Indonesia’s trade with countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Indonesia’s marine biodiversity in the Indian Ocean supports vibrant fishing industries and ecotourism activities.
Australia
Australia is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west and northwest, with a coastline stretching over 25,760 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- Australia’s Indian Ocean coastline is known for its stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and diverse marine ecosystems.
- The Indian Ocean plays a vital role in Australia’s economy through maritime trade, fishing, and offshore oil and gas exploration.
- Australia’s strategic location along major shipping routes in the Indian Ocean makes it a key player in regional security initiatives and maritime governance.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, is entirely surrounded by the Indian Ocean, with a coastline of approximately 1,340 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- Sri Lanka’s strategic location along major sea routes has made it a center of maritime trade and cultural exchange for centuries.
- The Indian Ocean supports Sri Lanka’s fishing industry and provides opportunities for tourism and maritime commerce.
- Sri Lanka’s ports, such as Colombo and Trincomalee, are key hubs for international shipping and transshipment activities.
Madagascar
Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, with a coastline extending over 4,828 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- Madagascar’s coastline features diverse landscapes, including sandy beaches, rocky shores, and coral reefs.
- The Indian Ocean influences Madagascar’s climate, with marine resources supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
- Madagascar’s location along major shipping routes has made its ports important hubs for maritime trade and commerce in the region
Malaysia
Malaysia is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west, with a coastline stretching approximately 4,675 kilometers along the western states of Peninsular Malaysia and the northern part of the island of Borneo.
Key Facts:
- Malaysia’s Indian Ocean coastlines are home to popular tourist destinations such as Langkawi and Penang.
- The Indian Ocean plays a significant role in Malaysia’s economy, supporting industries like shipping, fishing, and tourism.
- The Strait of Malacca, located between Peninsular Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra, is one of the busiest shipping lanes globally, facilitating trade between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
South Africa
South Africa borders the Indian Ocean to the southeast, boasting a coastline that spans approximately 2,798 kilometers along its eastern and southern shores.
Key Facts:
- South Africa’s Indian Ocean coastline includes major cities like Durban, Port Elizabeth, and East London, which serve as important commercial and industrial centers.
- The country’s coastline is renowned for its biodiversity, with diverse marine life and ecosystems such as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- South Africa’s Indian Ocean waters are essential for activities like shipping, fishing, and marine tourism, contributing significantly to the national economy.
Mozambique
Mozambique is entirely bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, boasting a coastline that stretches over 2,470 kilometers along its entire eastern border.
Key Facts:
- Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coastline is characterized by stunning beaches, coral reefs, and coastal mangrove forests, attracting tourists from around the world.
- The country’s coastal waters support a thriving fishing industry, providing livelihoods for thousands of Mozambicans and contributing to the nation’s food security.
- Mozambique’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean has made it an important hub for maritime trade and transportation in the region, with key ports like Maputo and Beira facilitating international commerce.
Tanzania
Tanzania borders the Indian Ocean to the east, boasting a coastline that stretches approximately 1,424 kilometers along its eastern border with the Indian Ocean.
Key Facts:
- Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coastline includes popular tourist destinations such as Zanzibar, known for its rich history, culture, and pristine beaches.
- The country’s coastal waters are home to diverse marine life, including coral reefs, dolphins, and sea turtles, making it a hotspot for marine ecotourism and diving.
- Tanzania’s ports, including Dar es Salaam and Tanga, serve as vital gateways for trade with landlocked countries in the region, contributing significantly to the national economy.
Kenya
Kenya is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the southeast, with a coastline stretching approximately 536 kilometers along its eastern border.
Key Facts:
- Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline includes popular beach destinations such as Mombasa and Malindi, renowned for their white sandy beaches and vibrant coastal culture.
- The country’s coastal waters support a thriving fishing industry, providing livelihoods for coastal communities and contributing to the national economy.
- Kenya’s ports, particularly the Port of Mombasa, are crucial for trade with neighboring countries in East Africa and beyond, serving as key transportation hubs for imports and exports.
Somalia
Somalia is entirely bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, boasting a coastline that stretches over 3,333 kilometers along its entire eastern border.
Key Facts:
- Somalia’s Indian Ocean coastline is characterized by long sandy beaches, coral reefs, and abundant marine life, making it a potential hotspot for tourism and marine conservation.
- The country’s coastal waters support a diverse fishing industry, but maritime piracy in the region has posed challenges to international shipping and security.
- Somalia’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean has historically made it a significant center for trade and maritime commerce, with ports like Mogadishu and Bosaso serving as important hubs for regional trade and transportation.
Yemen
Yemen, located on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, boasts a coastline along the Indian Ocean stretching approximately 1,906 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- The Indian Ocean is vital for Yemen’s economy, facilitating maritime trade and fishing industries.
- Major ports such as Aden and Mukalla serve as significant hubs for trade and commerce.
- Yemen’s strategic location at the entrance to the Red Sea makes it a crucial maritime passage for international shipping.
Oman
Oman, situated on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, boasts a coastline along the Indian Ocean spanning approximately 2,092 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- Oman relies heavily on the Indian Ocean for maritime trade and shipping, contributing significantly to its economy.
- Ports like Muscat and Salalah are vital for international shipping and commerce, serving as major hubs in the region.
- Oman’s strategic location along key sea routes has historically made it an important player in regional maritime trade and security initiatives.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh, situated in South Asia, has a coastline along the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean spanning approximately 580 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- The Indian Ocean plays a crucial role in Bangladesh’s economy, supporting maritime trade, fishing, and offshore resource exploration.
- Major ports such as Chittagong and Mongla are essential for international trade and commerce, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
- Bangladesh’s maritime borders intersect with key shipping routes connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia and beyond, enhancing its strategic importance
Myanmar (Burma)
Myanmar, situated in Southeast Asia, has a coastline along the Indian Ocean extending approximately 2,832 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- The Indian Ocean plays a significant role in Myanmar’s economy, supporting maritime trade, fishing, and offshore resource exploration.
- Key ports such as Yangon and Sittwe serve as crucial hubs for international trade and commerce.
- Myanmar’s maritime borders are strategically positioned, intersecting with major shipping routes connecting Southeast Asia with South Asia and beyond.
Thailand
Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, has a coastline along the Indian Ocean stretching approximately 3,219 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- The Indian Ocean plays a significant role in Thailand’s economy, supporting maritime trade, fishing, and tourism industries.
- Major ports such as Bangkok and Laem Chabang are vital for international trade and commerce, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
- Thailand’s strategic location along key sea routes has historically made it an important player in regional maritime trade and security initiatives.
Singapore
Singapore, a city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, has a coastline along the Indian Ocean stretching approximately 193 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- The Indian Ocean plays a significant role in Singapore’s economy, supporting maritime trade, shipping, and financial services.
- The Port of Singapore is one of the busiest and most important ports in the world, serving as a major hub for international shipping and trade.
- Singapore’s strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping routes has made it a vital player in global maritime trade and commerce.
Seychelles
Seychelles, an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, has a coastline extending approximately 491 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- The Indian Ocean is vital to Seychelles’ economy, supporting tourism, fishing, and maritime services.
- Seychelles is known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life, attracting tourists from around the world.
- The country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is significantly larger than its land area, making marine conservation a priority.
Mauritius
Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, has a coastline spanning approximately 177 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- The Indian Ocean plays a crucial role in Mauritius’ economy, supporting tourism, agriculture, and financial services.
- Mauritius is known for its stunning beaches, lagoons, and volcanic landscapes, attracting tourists and investors alike.
- The country’s maritime borders include the Chagos Archipelago, subject to a territorial dispute with the United Kingdom.
Comoros
Comoros, an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, has a coastline extending approximately 340 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- The Indian Ocean is crucial to Comoros’ economy, supporting agriculture, fishing, and tourism industries.
- Comoros is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique biodiversity.
- The country’s maritime borders have been a source of contention, particularly in relation to territorial disputes with neighboring countries.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, has a coastline along the Indian Ocean stretching approximately 1,340 kilometers.
Key Facts:
- The Indian Ocean plays a vital role in Sri Lanka’s economy, supporting tourism, fishing, and maritime trade.
- Sri Lanka is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical sites, attracting tourists from around the world.
- The country’s strategic location along key sea routes has made it an important hub for international trade and commerce.
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Conclusion – List of Countries Surrounded by the Indian Ocean
The countries surrounded by the Indian Ocean offer a tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and experiences that reflect the diversity and beauty of this vast maritime realm. From the bustling cities of India to the remote islands of the Maldives, each nation along the shores of the Indian Ocean holds its allure, beckoning travelers to explore and discover its hidden treasures. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the countries encircled by the Indian Ocean offer endless possibilities for exploration and discovery.
FAQs on List of Countries Surrounded by the Indian Ocean
Which country in the Indian Ocean region is known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”?
Sri Lanka is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” due to its natural beauty, rich culture, and strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
What is the smallest country in terms of land area surrounded by the Indian Ocean?
The Maldives is the smallest country surrounded by the Indian Ocean in terms of land area. It is an archipelago comprising over 1,000 coral islands.
Which country has the largest number of coral islands surrounded by the Indian Ocean?
The Maldives, with over 1,000 coral islands, is the country with the largest number of coral islands in the Indian Ocean.
Which Indian Ocean country consists of three main islands and numerous smaller islets?
Comoros, located between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique in East Africa, consists of three main islands: Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan, along with several smaller islets.
What is the primary source of livelihood for the people of the Maldives?
Fishing and tourism are the primary sources of livelihood for the people of the Maldives. The country’s economy heavily relies on revenue generated from tourism-related activities and the fishing industry in the Indian Ocean
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