In this article, we will list 7 countries with the longest coastlines in the world. If you want to read our discussion about US coastal counties, ports, and the shipping industry in the world, go to 20 Countries With the Longest Coastlines in the World.
7 – Japan
Length of Coastline – 29,751 KM
Japan is 7th on our list of the 20 countries with the longest coastlines in the world. Its coastline is complex due to volcanic origins and deep water troughs resulting from the country’s tectonic plate positioning. The country’s archipelago’s underwater topography plays a crucial role in creating coastal upwellings and supporting unique marine life rarely seen elsewhere.
6 – The Philippines
Length of Coastline – 36,289 KM
The Philippines has one of the longest coastlines in the world. Its coastline is characterized by its irregular configuration, with numerous islands and islets scattered throughout the archipelago. The Philippines is one of the most visited tourist destinations because of its beaches. Some of the most popular beaches in the country include Marimegmeg Beach, Palawan, which is known as the last frontier in the Philippines. This beach near El Nido offers white sand, limestone cliffs, beautiful lagoons, and diverse wildlife
5 – Russia
Length of Coastline – 37,653 KM
Russia is among the top five countries with the longest coastlines in the world. Its coastline borders the Arctic Ocean in the North, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and the Pacific Ocean in the east. However, coastal erosion is a significant issue in the country with approximately 25,000 kilometers of the marine coast experiencing severe erosion, particularly in the Russian Arctic where permafrost coastlines are prone to erosion due to rising sea levels and thermokarst areas.
4 – Greenland
Length of Coastline – 44,087 KM
Greenland is among the top five countries with the longest coastlines in the world. Its coastline is characterized by dramatic features such as heavily indented fjords, towering mountains, and glaciers. The coastline in the country is mostly rocky and offers a rugged yet breathtaking environment for both wildlife and visitors.
3 – Indonesia
Length of Coastline – 54,716 KM
Indonesia is third on our list of the 20 countries with the longest coastlines in the world. Its coastline spans more than 17,000 islands, some of which such as Bali are one of the most popular tourist spots. However, Indonesia is considered one of the most vulnerable nations globally to the effects of the climate crisis, with coastal communities and fragile ecosystems increasingly at risk.
2 – Norway
Length of Coastline – 83,281 KM
Norway is the second runner-up on our list of countries with the longest coastlines in the world. Its coastline is shaped by glaciers that have carved out valleys and fjords, creating a unique and stunning environment.
1 – Canada
Length of Coastline – 202,080 KM
Canada tops our list of the 20 countries with the longest coastlines in the world, and that too by a significant margin. Its coastline is more than double that of the second country on this list. Its vast coastline is bordered by the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans, offering a diverse range of geography and stunning beaches.
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