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Top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World

The top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World are Canada, Norway, Indonesia, Greenland, Russia, the and Philippines, Japan, Australia, the United States, New Zealand. The longest coastline in the world is Canada with a length of 202,080 km, followed by Norway and Indonesia with a length of 83,281 km and 54,716 km respectively.

The coastlines of these countries vary greatly, from the beautiful beaches of the Philippines to the cliffs of Norway. Major cities can be found along some coastlines, but other areas are more isolated and undeveloped. But for the nearby people, each of these coasts contributes to their daily existence.



In this article, we will look into the list of the top 10 longest coastlines in the world along with their length, continent, and ocean borders.

About the Top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World 2024

The world’s longest coastline is found in Canada, followed by Indonesia and Russia. All ten of the countries with the longest coastlines are found in Asia, North America, or Europe. It’s also interesting that all ten of the countries with the longest coasts are surrounded by two or more oceans. This is because the convergence of two or more bodies of water frequently forms coasts.

Together, the top 10 coastlines extend a total of almost 550,509 kilometers. At 202,080 kilometers, Canada’s coastline is the longest of the top 10, making up roughly 36.7% of the total length of all 10 coastlines. Several major oceans and seas, such as the Atlantic, Arctic, Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans, are bordered by these coastlines. These countries’ economies depend heavily on the shipping, fishing, tourism, and offshore resource extraction sectors that are based along their coasts.

List of Top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World

The below table lists the top 10 longest coastlines in the world:

Country

Length of Coastline (km)

Continents

Oceans Bordered

Canada

202,080

North America

Atlantic, Arctic, Pacific

Norway

83,281

Europe

Atlantic, Arctic

Indonesia

54,716

Asia, Australia

Indian, Pacific

Greenland

44,087

North America

Atlantic, Arctic

Russia

37,653

Europe, Asia

Arctic, Pacific

Philippines

36,289

Asia

Pacific

Japan

29,751

Asia

Pacific

Australia

25,760

Australia

Indian, Pacific

United States

19,924

North America

Atlantic, Pacific

New Zealand

15,134

Antarctica

Southern

Longest Coastline in the World – Canada

While it is the second-largest country in the world in terms of total area, Canada has the longest coastline by far.

Second Longest Coastline in the World – Norway

Norway is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in the northwest of Europe.

Third Longest Coastline in the World – Indonesia

It is the largest archipelagic state in the world, even if its landmass may not even rank in the top ten.

Fourth Longest Coastline in the World – Greenland

Though it is a sovereign country, Greenland is technically a part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Fifth Longest Coastline in the World – Russia

Russia shares its coastline with the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the Arctic Ocean to the north.

Sixth Longest Coastline in the World – Philippines

Situated in the Pacific Ocean close to mainland Asia, the Philippines is a country consisting of 7,641 islands, with 2,000 of them being populated.

Seventh Longest Coastline in the World – Japan

The Japanese archipelago is made up of an amazing 6,852 islands.

Eighth Longest Coastline in the World – Australia

The entire coastline of this Oceanian Island nation is 25,760 kilometers long.

Ninth Longest Coastline in the World – United States

The United States is unique in that it is bordered by the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans. The Gulf of Mexico is also bordered by it.

Tenth Longest Coastline in the World – New Zealand

The most well-known aspects of New Zealand are its varied vegetation and fauna, which are heavily concentrated along its 15,134 km coastline.

Conclusion – Top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World

In conclusion, Canada has the longest coastline in the world, stretching 202,080 kilometers. This covers both the coasts of the mainland and outlying islands. At 83,281 kilometers, Norway has the second-longest coastline. At 54,716 kilometers, Indonesia has the third-longest coastline. Greenland’s 44,087 kilometers of coastline rank fourth in length. At 37,653 kilometers, the Russia has the fifth-longest coastline in the world. Long coastlines facilitate access to marine resources and maritime trade. Also, they provide huge potential for profit for activities like fishing, trading at ports, offshore wind energy, tidal energy, and sea salt production.

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FAQs on Top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World

Which country has the longest coastline in the world?

Canada has the longest coastline globally, stretching approximately 202,080 kilometers, owing to its vast northern territories and numerous islands.

What is the second-longest coastline in the world?

Norway holds the second position with a coastline spanning around 83,281 kilometers, characterized by its fjords and rugged terrain.

Which continent has the most representation among the top 10 longest coastlines?

Asia dominates with four countries—Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, and Russia—making it into the top 10, showing the continent’s coastal diversity.

How does Australia rank in terms of coastline length globally?

Australia ranks eighth with a coastline extending approximately 25,760 kilometers, featuring landscapes ranging from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs.

Which ocean borders the majority of the top 10 longest coastlines?

The Pacific Ocean stands out, bordering eight out of the top 10 longest coastlines, showing its vast expanse and global connectivity.

What unique feature characterizes Russia’s coastline?

Russia’s coastline, spanning 37,653 kilometers, extends across two continents and borders both the Arctic and Pacific Oceans, reflecting its immense geographical diversity.

How does the length of Antarctica’s coastline compare to other continents?

Antarctica ranks tenth with a coastline length of 17,968 kilometers, highlighting its significance as a beautiful and isolated region for scientific research.

Which country’s coastline borders the Indian and Pacific Oceans?

Indonesia, with its archipelago, has a coastline of 54,716 kilometers, showing its rich marine biodiversity and cultural heritage.


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