Longest Shorelines Globally Ranked in 2025
The reach and impact of a nation's geography are evident in its coastlines, often signifying vast maritime resources, a thriving tourism industry, and crucial shipping routes. The countries with the longest coastlines globally—such as Canada, Indonesia, Norway, and the United States—hold significant influence in economic, cultural, and environmental domains due to their unique landscapes.
As of 2025, the following are the top ten countries with the longest coastlines, listed in order of total length:
1. Canada
With an extraordinary span of 202,080 kilometers (125,190 miles), Canada boasts the world's longest coastline. The expansiveness of this coastline exceeds the combined lengths of the next five countries with the longest coastlines, including Indonesia, Russia, the Philippines, the United States, and Australia. Canada's coastline's immense size underlines one of the country's most notable geographical characteristics.
2. Norway
Norway is renowned for its stunning coastlines, breathtaking fjords, and picturesque landscapes. With a coastline stretching over 25,148 kilometers (15,626 miles), Norway is among the countries with the longest coastlines globally. This coastline is not only a natural marvel but also plays a significant role in commerce, fishing, and tourism, thanks to its intricate shoreline, consisting of thousands of islands, deep fjords, and stunning archipelagos scattered along the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Indonesia
Comprising over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a country known for its breathtaking natural beauty. With a coastline extending 54,716 kilometers (33,999 miles), Indonesia ranks only behind Canada and Norway in terms of coastline length. Its sprawling coastline, which stretches across the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the South China Sea, offers the country unique access to a diverse range of marine ecosystems and promising economic prospects.
4. Greenland
While Greenland is the world's largest island, it is chiefly recognized for its immense icy landscapes, striking fjords, and unique geography. Greenland's coastline measures 44,087 kilometers (27,394 miles) in length, making it one of the world's longest coastlines. Fjords, glaciers, and small islands off the coast grant Greenland exceptional value in the study of geology, ecology, and as a contributor to Denmark's economy.
5. Russia
Russia's coastline spans over 37,653 kilometers (23,396 miles), making it the world's longest coastline and thereby the largest country by area. Russia's coastline runs along two major oceans: the Arctic Ocean in the north and the Pacific Ocean in the east. The importance of this extensive coastline lies in access to a wide range of ecosystems, maritime safety, and cultural heritage.
6. Philippines
7. Japan
Due to its lengthy coastline spanning 29,751 kilometers (18,486 miles), Japan claims a place among the countries with the longest coastlines globally. This coastline has significant cultural, economic, and environmental implications for the island nation. The coastline's expanse reflects Japan's island nature, offering various fishing grounds, ports, and tourist attractions.
8. Australia
9. United States
The United States claims a coastline that spans from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Arctic Ocean in the north. The United States has one of the world's longest coastlines, stretching 19,924 kilometers (12,380 miles). This vast coastline influences the nation's economy, culture, and environmental health.
10. New Zealand
New Zealand, an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, distinct ecosystems, and rich cultural legacy. With a coastline approximating 15,000 kilometers (9,320 miles), New Zealand occupies a place in the top ten countries with the longest coastlines. The coastal regions of the country have a vital role in the nation's geography, economy, and tourism industry.
Countries with the longest coastlines, such as Canada, Indonesia, Norway, and the United States, possess outsized influence in economic, cultural, and environmental domains due to their unique geographical characteristics. Significant investments in ports, lighthouses, and naval infrastructure bolster employment and technological development, while tourism and natural resources provide substantial revenue. Fishing, shipbuilding, and maritime exploration shape the cultural identities of many of these countries, and their extensive coastlines act as hubs for cultural exchange and diversity.
Healthy coastal and marine environments have critical implications for biodiversity, climate regulation, and environmental stewardship. Adaptation and conservation efforts are essential in mitigating risks associated with climate change, such as rising sea levels, storm surges, and coastal erosion. As stewards of some of Earth's most biologically productive areas, these countries often set global standards for marine protection, sustainable fisheries, and environmental monitoring.
- The environmental science field might find significant value in studying the extensive coastlines of countries like Canada, Indonesia, and Norway, particularly in regards to marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Travelers seeking to experience diverse lifestyles and landscapes can explore coastal regions within countries with longest coastlines, such as Japan, the United States, and New Zealand, where unique cultural experiences, natural beauty, and economic opportunities abound.
