World’s Longest Coastlines

A coastline is a natural boundary between the land and the water. Waves crash onto the shore & create a Coastline/Shoreline or Seashore. Coastlines are the beholder of economic, cultural, and many more significance. Among the numerous coastlines around the world, here are the 10 longest with some of their major traits:

1. Canada

• It has the longest coastline at 202,080 km, bordering the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific Oceans.
• Despite its vast land area, 80% of Canada is uninhabited, preserving its natural beauty.
• The coastline supports significant trade ports, fisheries, and wildlife like moose, bears, and bison.

The Coast of Canada was discovered on May 10, 1534, by a French Navigator, Jacques Cartier.

2. Norway

• Norway claims the second longest coastline after Canada, measuring 83,281 km.
• It is known for its rugged coastline with fjords and islands, stretching along the North Atlantic and Barents Sea.
• The capital, Oslo, is located on a fjord (fyord), making it a key cultural and economic hub.
• The northern coastline offers aurora borealis views, attracting global tourists.

The Atlantic Road is famous in Norway and is packed with coastal views, culture, and history.

3. Indonesia

• Indonesia owns The third longest coastline in the world- 54,716 km.
• Consists of thousands of islands with lush mangrove forests and shrimp farms.
• Eastern Indonesia, Java, and Sumatra boast the most scenic and tourist-frequented beaches.

4. Greenland

• It has 44,086 km of coastline despite being primarily ice-covered.
• Only coastal areas are habitable, with fjords, glaciers, and icebergs defining the landscape.
• Home to the world’s largest national park, supporting unique Arctic wildlife.

Despite being a part of The Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland has its pride as The World’s Biggest Island. Greenlanders are living a better life with the availability of resources, transportation, trading facilities, better infrastructure, and climate.

5. Russia

• Encompasses 37,653 km of coastline across five oceans: Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, Baltic, and Caspian.
• Significant cities like St. Petersburg and Vladivostok are located along the shorelines.
• Rich in natural resources and trade routes, playing a key role in global commerce.

Russia hosts Lake Baikal- the largest freshwater lake in the world. Russia is the second largest country in terms of renewable water resources.

6. Philippines

• A 7,641-island nation with a 36,289 km coastline featuring bays, gulfs, and islets.
• 60% of the population lives along coastal areas, relying on fisheries for income.
• Coastal tourism and fishing drive the economy, attracting millions of visitors yearly.

Philippine seas are so deep. Geological processes have created a subduction zone that is dropping the ocean floor deeper.  

7. Japan

• Consists of 6,852 islands with a 29,751 km coastline, surrounded by the Pacific and East China Seas.
• Major islands Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu are economic powerhouses.
• Coastal industries include fishing, aquaculture, and international trade.

Japanese coastline is the seventh longest in the world. Japan’s coastline has active tectonic plates, making Japan tsunami- and earthquake-prone. The shoreline of Japan also supports one of the world’s largest fishing industries.