The Country With the Longest Coastline in the World Might Surprise You

Coastlines have shaped the history, economy, and culture of nations for centuries. Countries with access to the ocean have long held advantages in trade, transportation, fishing, and natural resources. Today, coastlines remain just as important, supporting major cities, tourism industries, and global shipping routes that keep economies moving.

But not all coastlines are created equal. Some countries stretch across thousands of miles of rugged shores, islands, and inlets, giving them far more coastline than you might expect. In this slideshow, we rank the countries with the longest coastlines in the world and explore just how extensive these borders really are, along with what makes them so significant.

Some of the best beaches in Somalia include Liido Beach, Jazeera Beach, and Gezira Beach.

North Korea is surrounded by the sea on three sides.

Aktau Beach, Borovoe Beach, and Balkhash Beach are worth visiting if you travel to Kazakhstan.

Whether you want to surf or just catch some rays, Ecuador has a fine offering of beaches.

Some of the most sought-after beaches in Fiji include Natadola Beach, Monuriki Beach, and Sigatoka Sand Dunes.

Lanzheron Beach is the top beach in the country of Ukraine followed closely by Beach Golden Shore, Arcadia Beach, and Central City Beach.

The beaches in Denmark are plentiful as nearly the entire country is surrounded by water.

The best beaches in Panama are The San Blas Archipelago, Cayos Zapatilla, and Starfish Beach.

Croatia's beaches are stunning, boasting pristine blues and captivating emeralds.

Cartagena, Santa Marta, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, and San Andres are just some of the top travel destinations in Colombia.

One of the best beaches in Iran is Kish, which is surrounded by stunning coral reefs and tons of colorful fish.

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Egypt include Taba Fjord, Ras Shitan, and Ras Abu-Galum.

There are several top beaches in Ireland, including Trá Mór and Curracloe Beach.

Cayo de Agua, Coche Beach, and La Playa El Agua are some of the hotspots on Venezuela's coastlines.

One of the finest beaches in Africa is the Quirimbas Archipelago, which is located in northern Mozambique.

To explore the best beaches in Thailand, head to Krabi Province, Rayong Province, or Trat Province.

The top beach in Spain for family adventures is Playa de Poo, Asturias.

Snorkelers flock to Port-Cros and Porquerolles in the northern region of France for the clearest waters.

Some of the most mesmerizing beaches in Saudi Arabia include Haql Shipwreck Beach and Farasan Al Kabir Beach.

Kabak Beach, Mermerli Beach, and Blue Lagoon are some of the top coastline destinations in Turkey.

In the southern region of Argentina, you can find Mar de las Pampas, which has white sand and the clearest blue waters.

In Iceland, you can relish black sand beaches like Reynisfjara, one of the country's most well-known attractions.

There is no shortage of beautiful views in Italy from Atrani in Campania to Scala dei Turchi in Sicily.

Some of the most stunning beaches in Malaysia include Cenang Beach, Tanjung Rhu Beach, and Turtle Sanctuary Beach.

One long-loved beach in Solomon Islands is Mbonege Beach, which visitors say is a fantastic snorkeling site.

Top beaches in Madagascar include Manafiafy, Nosy Boraha, and Nosy Be.

The Bahamas are a popular tourist destination and you have plenty of gorgeous beaches to choose from.

Vietnam boasts one of the world's best beaches: Khem Beach (also known as "Cream Beach").

Summer activities in South Korea include swimming in the sea, which is plentiful with coastlines surrounding nearly the entire country.

Cuba offers a wide range of beach destinations as the country is surrounded by water.

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar include Ngapali Beach in Rakhine State and Ngwe Saung Beach in the Ayeyarwady Division.

Greece offers residents and tourists plenty of coastline with some of the most enchanting blue water you've ever witnessed.

Some of the top beach destinations in India include Gokarna in Karnataka and Tarkarli in Maharashtra.

New Zealanders love to swim and their country provides them with an abundance of opportunities to get out into the water.

You have well over 50 beautiful beach spots to bask in in the United Kingdom.

In Papua New Guinea, you can swim in the water with a backdrop of volcanoes.

Mexico greets tourists from around the world, especially in hot spots like Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.

Pite Havsbad, Siljansbadet, and Varamon Beach are some of the most popular destinations in Sweden.

You can visit the northern or southern region of the country and you'll find breathtaking beaches either way.

Yalong Bay, Repulse Bay Beach, and Tianya Haijiao are all highly rated beaches in China.

Finland is picturesque all around, from the northern lights to the sandy beaches found all along the country's coastline.

Throughout the year, you can expect tropical and subtropical weather. Every day is a beach-ready day.

Interested in the clearest water? Head to Linapacan Island, Palawan.

Whereas other countries have warm weather year-round, Norway's beaches are warmest during the summer.

Some of the nicest beaches in Australia include Cable Beach, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Gold Coast.

One of the most loved spots in Chile is Playa de la Virgen.

Gili Trawangan in Lombok Island is one of the most visited spots in the country due to its white sand.

There are tons of memorable beaches in Russia that transform trips to the country.

The U.S. has a wide range of beaches to choose from. All the way from Alaska to California, Florida, and Hawaii, there is an endless number of travel destinations to explore.

Some of the best beaches in Canada include San Josef Bay in British Columbia and Stanhope Beach in Prince Edward Island.