In this article, we will look at the 30 cities with the longest coastlines in the world. But before that, let’s discuss the threats coastal cities and towns are facing all across the globe.
The Unprecedented Growth of Coastal Cities Across the Globe
Coastal cities across the globe have undergone massive growth over the past few decades, especially regions in Africa and Asia. Coastal areas that were sparsely populated in the past century have grown into gigantic urban centers. Estimates by Coastal Wiki show that the number of people living in low-lying coastal cities went from 360 million to 500 million between 1990 and 2015, before growing to 197-347 million people in 2020. Around 59% of these low-lying coastal cities are located in tropical Asia, while 10% are in tropical Africa. It is estimated that the population of 570 coastal cities across the globe will grow to 800 million people by 2050, all of whom will be vulnerable to as much as a 0.5-meter increase in sea level.
However, these statistics are restricted to low-lying coastal areas. Since there is no universal definition of what makes a coastal area, population estimates of these regions and cities vary greatly, and typically cover regions located at 60-200 kilometers from coastlines. According to estimates by the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), around 3 billion people live within approximately 200 kilometers of a coastline. This number translates to around half of the world’s population. In the United States alone, around 40% of the total population lives on the coast. Statistics by the Office for Coastal Management show that the coastal countries in the country house approximately 129 million people. In contrast, the country’s coast makes up less than 10% of its total mass, not including Alaska. Population in these coastal counties grew by 40.5 million people between 1970 and 2020, which translates to a 46% increase. For more insight, you can look at the 20 Countries With the Longest Coastlines in the World.
Threats to Coastal Cities: Ecosystem Degradation and Flooding
Similarly, in several other countries, populations in coastal cities are growing considerably faster than non-coastal regions; a trend that is raising serious concerns for coastal and marine ecosystems. The increasing use of fisheries has damaged endemic coastal fish stocks, reducing them to about 10% to 30% of their supply 30 years ago. Similarly, around 50% of the total wetlands across the globe disappeared in the 20th century alone. This includes 50% of the total mangroves and 60% of the amount of coral reefs across the globe.
In addition, the average population density in coastal areas stands at approximately 80 people per square kilometer, which is double the average population density in the world. Around 50% of the total population in countries like Bangladesh and North African nations reside in coastal areas, with the population density touching 500 to 1,000 people per square kilometer. Migration is another pivotal factor affecting coastal cities and regions, especially in Southeast Asia and China. Around 1,000 people migrate to large coastal cities in China every single day, with comparable statistics in the Philippines and Vietnam.
Recent studies by the United Nations Environment Program have found that 34% of the world’s coasts stand at a high degradation risk due to coastal development, with another 17% at a medium risk. 86% of Europe’s coastal ecosystems are the most vulnerable, while 69% of Asia’s coastal regions are highly threatened.
Degrading marine ecosystems and increasing population densities have inevitably resulted in an increase in flooding in coastal areas across the world. Flooding risks are not restricted to just low-lying coastal cities, as inland situated areas will also be affected as rising sea levels reduce the discharge capabilities of drainage canals and rivers that route storm and river water to the sea. Several flooding insurance companies are taking initiatives to combat the increasing risk of flooding across coastal and inland-situated areas, such as Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (OTC:ZURVY). Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (OTC:ZURVY) is a known multi-line insurer serving people and businesses in more than 215 countries and territories across the globe. The global insurance company has three internal business segments, including General Insurance, Global Life, and Farmers, employing more than 55,000 people. Other than providing flood insurance, the company offers prevention services to promote well-being and enhance climate resilience.
Last year, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (OTC:ZURVY) in the UK joined hands with Flood Re’s Build Back Better (BBB) scheme, enabling eligible insurers to attain up to £10,000 to install flood resilience measures in their houses during flood repairs after damage. These measures include installing flood-resistant doors, replacing wooden floors with waterproof grout and tiling, non-return valves, self-closing air bricks, and raised electrical sockets, among others. Since the annual cost of flood damage across the country comes up to around £700m, this partnership is helping UK residents deal with the emotional and financial cost of flood-related damages.
In addition, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (OTC:ZURVY) recently expanded its flood insurance and other services to India, one of the many countries under serious risk of flood-related damage and disaster. The company acquired a majority stake of 70% in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance from Kotak Mahindra Bank. The deal closed at $670 million, including a share purchase and fresh growth capital. According to the company, this transaction is the largest foreign investment in the general insurance sector in India to date. It is also the first foreign investment by an insurance company after India’s foreign direct investment cap was increased from 49% to 74% in 2021. The expansion into India runs on the objective of furthering the country’s insurance sector, allowing it to achieve its “Insurance for All” goal by 2047. India is one of the several countries threatened by the effects of degrading marine ecosystems. This is why Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (OTC:ZURVY)’s entry into the country has come at a critical time, allowing Indians, along with 215+ countries across the globe, to combat the life-altering effects of marine degradation and ecosystem destruction.
Now that we have taken an overview of the condition of coastal regions across the globe, let us look at the 30 cities with the longest coastlines in the world. You can also look at 15 Best East Coast Cities to Retire on a Budget of $1,200 a Month and 16 East Coast Cities to Retire on $3000 a Month or Less.
30 Cities With The Longest Coastlines in the World
Our Methodology
In order to compile a list of the 30 cities with the longest coastlines in the world, we first made a list of the 30 countries that had the world’s longest coastlines. We then searched for the coastal capitals of the respective countries, choosing the largest coastal city by area for countries that do not have a coastal capital. We ranked the cities in ascending order of the length of their country’s coastlines. The data for the countries with the longest coastlines in the world was sourced from the CIA World Factbook.
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30 Cities With The Longest Coastlines in the World
30. Havanna, Cuba
Length of Coastline: 3,735 km
Havanna ranks in the 30th spot on our list of the 30 cities with the longest coastlines in the world. It is the capital and largest city in Cuba, also known as the country’s central commercial center and port.
29. Tallinn, Estonia
Length of Coastline: 3,794 km
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, and lies on the Baltic Sea. The city holds a distinct aura, with its cobblestoned Old Town, deeply-rooted culture, and numerous shops and cafes. Estonia has a coastline of 3,794 km.
28. Kuantan, Malaysia
Length of Coastline: 4,675 km
While Kaula Lumpur is the capital and most popular Malaysian city, Kuantan is the country’s largest coastal city. It is the capital of Pahang state, and is located on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Kuanta’s modern Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque is one of its most popular tourist destinations.
27. Toamasina, Madagascar
Length of Coastline: 4,828 km
Also known as Tamatave, Toamasina is a large port city located on Madagascar’s eastern coast. The city features Creole houses built in their traditional sense. Madagascar has a 4,828 km long coastline, ranking it in the 27th spot on our list.
26. Barcelona, Spain
Length of Coastline: 4,964 km
Barcelona is Spain’s cosmopolitan capital, and one of the most popular cities in the country. It is also the capital of the country’s Catalonia region, and houses the globally famed Sagrada Família church. It ranks 26th on our list.
25. Reykjavík, Iceland
Length of Coastline: 4,970 km
Located on the coast, Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland. The city is dotted with remnants of the ancient past that trace the country’s history to the Vikings. Iceland has a 4,970 km long coastline.
24. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Length of Coastline: 4,989 km
Buenos Aires is the industrial, financial, and commercial epicenter of Argentina, boasting an intricately developed and diverse landscape. It ranks in the 24th spot on our list, and brims with history, vibrant constructions, and distinctive cuisine.
23. Port Moresby, Papa New Guinea
Length of Coastline: 5,152 km
Port Moresby is the large capital of Papua New Guinea, a country located in Australia’s north. It ranks in the 23rd spot on our list of the 30 cities with the longest coastlines in the world.
22. Honiara, Solomon Islands
Length of Coastline: 5,313 km
Solomon Islands has a 5,313 km long coastline, with its capital Honiara ranking in the 22nd spot on our list. The city is located on the northwestern coast of Guadalcanal, and has a population of approximately 92,344 people as of 2021.
21. Split, Croatia
Length of Coastline: 5,835 km
Split is the second largest city in Croatia, standing right behind the country’s capital city of Zagreb. It is the largest city on the country’s coast, and stands on Adriatic Sea’s eastern shore. Split ranks 21st on our list.
20. Antofagasta, Chile
Length of Coastline: 6,435 km
The port city of Antofagasta is situated in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, and is a regional capital. The city is famous for copper production, and ranks 20th on our list of the 30 cities with the longest coastlines in the world.
19. Visakhapatnam, India
Length of Coastline: 7,000 km
India’s Visakhapatnam is known by several names, including Vizag, Viśākha, and Waltair. It is the most populous and largest metropolitan city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This port city is an industrial hub for the Indian state, and is located on the Bay of Bengal.
18. Istanbul, Turkey
Length of Coastline: 7,200 km
Istanbul is the famed city of Turkey, now known as Turkiye. The transcontinental city straddles both Europe and Asia, standing on the Bosphorus Strait. The city is known for its bustling bazaar, historic constructions, blend of cultures, and unique cuisine.
17. Copenhagen, Denmark
Length of Coastline: 7,314 km
Copenhagen ranks in the 17th spot on our list. It is the capital of Denmark, located on the coastal islands of Amager and Zealand. The city’s aesthetically pleasing constructions, deeply embedded culture, and cuisine make it a popular spot among tourists. The city is connected to southern Sweden’s Malmo through the Öresund Bridge.
16. São Paulo, Brazil
Length of Coastline: 7,491 km
São Paulo is Brazil’s famous financial epicenter, and ranks among the most populous cities in the world with a population of 12.33 million as of 2022. The city has a blend of historical neo-Gothic constructions and modernist architecture. It ranks 16th on our list.
15. Rome, Italy
Length of Coastline: 7,600 km
Rome ranks among the most popular cities in the world. It is the capital of Italy, the center of the Metropolitan City of Rome, and the capital of the country’s Lazio region. It ranks 15th on our list of largest coastal cities.
14. Acapulco, Mexico
Length of Coastline: 9,330 km
Mexico’s Pacific coast houses Acapulco, a coastal city famous for its vibrant nightlife, gold resorts, and picturesque beaches. It is located with the Madre del Sur mountains as its backdrop, and ranks 14th on our list.
13. London, UK
Length of Coastline: 12,429 km
Located on the banks of the River Thames, London is one of the most significant and popular commercial, cultural, and financial hubs of the world. It is considered a coastal city as the tidal natured River Thames allows boats and ships to sail from the river to the open ocean.
12. Athens, Greece
Length of Coastline: 13,676 km
Athens is the capital of Greece, and ranks among some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It takes the 12th spot on our list of the 30 countries with the longest coastlines in the world.
11. Shanghai, China
Length of Coastline: 14,500 km
Shanghai is China’s biggest city, located on the country’s central coast. It is considered a global financial hub, and houses around 26.32 million people as of 2019. Shanghai ranks 11th on our list.
10. Wellington, New Zealand
Length of Coastline: 15,134 km
Located on the southwestern wing of the North Island, Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It lies between the Remitaka Range and Cook Strait, and takes the 10th spot on our list.
9. Sitka, USA
Length of Coastline: 19,924 km
The USA ranks ninth on our list, with Sitka, located in the state of Alaska, taking the place of its largest coastal city. Sitka lies on the western wing of the Baranof Island, and the southern portion of the Chichagof Island in the Pacific Ocean.
8. Sydney, Australia
Length of Coastline: 25,760 km
Sydney is one of the largest cities in Australia, and is the capital of the New South Wales region. It takes the eighth spot on our list of the 30 cities with the longest coastlines in the world.
7. Tokyo, Japan
Length of Coastline: 29,751 km
The futuristic city of Tokyo ranks among the most popular cities across the globe, famous for its modernist constructions, tall skyscrapers, and neon-lit streets with innovations at every corner. Japan has a 29,751 km long coastline.
6. Manila, the Philippines
Length of Coastline: 36,289 km
The densely populated city of Manila is the capital of the Philippines, and is located on Luzon island. The city is famous for its mix of towering skyscrapers and remnants of Spanish colonial architecture. It ranks in the sixth place on our list.
5. St. Petersburg, Russia
Length of Coastline: 37,653 km
Located on the head of the Gulf of Finland, St. Petersburg is famously nicknamed “Venice of the North” due to the numerous waterways and canals that line it. The city plays a significant role in the naval endeavors and maritime trades of Russia.