Top 10 Countries with the Largest Marine Areas in the World

Russia has the longest continuous coastline of any country in the world, stretching 37,653 km with a marine area of 7,566,673 km². Most of this area is found in the Arctic Ocean and Pacific Ocean, with additional coastlines along the Black Sea and Caspian Sea to the south. Due to the freezing temperatures for much of the year, many of these coastlines remain ice-covered.

Despite the harsh conditions, maritime traffic and fishing still occur across these waters. As the largest country by land area, Russia's maritime zones also play a significant role in its economic development. These vast marine areas are primarily attributed to its territorial waters in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Arctic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean.

The United Kingdom, or Britain, is the 5th largest country by marine area, with 6,805,586 km² of waters. The UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south. When leaving the bustling cities and historic landmarks of the misty isles, you’ll find a peaceful Britain with golden beaches and vast, tranquil seas.

According to TripAdvisor, Rhossili Bay in Gower is ranked as the most beautiful beach in the UK and the 9th most beautiful globally. This beach is a perfect retreat for summer visitors, offering fresh air and serenity.

Indonesia is an island nation located in Southeast Asia, between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Positioned strategically along major sea routes connecting East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania, it is no surprise that the 'Archipelago of a Thousand Islands' – Indonesia – ranks among the top 6 countries with the largest marine areas. This nation, not only made up of countless islands, also holds a key position in global maritime transport.

Indonesia is home to significant seaports, located along major shipping lanes passing through the Strait of Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok. These three straits account for 50% of global maritime trade.

Canada is a country in North America, bordered to the north by the Arctic and Alaska, and to the south by the United States. It is the second-largest country in the world, after Russia, and lies in the northernmost part of North America. Canada's territory stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north. To the south, Canada shares the longest unprotected border in the world with the United States. Off its eastern coast lies the French-controlled Saint-Pierre and Miquelon archipelago.

Known as the land of maple trees, Canada boasts one of the largest marine areas globally, covering a total of 891,163 km². Located in the far north of North America, Canada shares the Great Lakes system with the United States. These lakes form the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, often referred to as inland seas. This contributes to Canada's large marine area, which accounts for 8.93% of the country's total area, placing it in the top 7 countries for marine territory.

Japan is an island nation in East Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by the ocean, Japan's marine area spans 4,479,388 km². To the south and east, the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, and Kyushu make up Japan, while the northern island of Sakhalin belongs to Russia, and the western coastline borders Russia, North Korea, and South Korea. The Sea of Japan connects to the Pacific Ocean through the Korea Strait to the south. The sea can be divided into three main basins: the deepest being the Japan Basin to the north, the Yamato Basin in the southeast, and the shallower Tsushima Basin to the southwest. The eastern islands feature wide, relatively flat coastlines, contrasting with the steep, rugged shores found along the Korean Peninsula.

Although the Sea of Japan has a colder climate compared to the Pacific, it brings a refreshing breeze to Japan’s islands. The Sea of Japan has few large islands, with smaller ones concentrated near the eastern shore, except for Ulleungdo (South Korea). In Japan, visitors not only enjoy modern landmarks and unique cultural architecture but also visit "kaisui yokujo" — beautiful beaches perfect for swimming, such as Nanki Shirahama, Emerald Beach, and Ohama Beach.

New Zealand is situated along a north-east axis, stretching over 1,600 km in length with a maximum width of 400 km. Its coastline spans approximately 15,000 km, with a total land area of 268,000 km². Due to its remote islands and expansive coastline, New Zealand is rich in marine resources. The country's exclusive economic zone is the largest in the world, covering more than 15 times the area of its land. New Zealand's maritime zone covers an area of 4,083,744 km², vastly larger than its land area.

This figure fluctuates based on data about the size of its marine zones. A 2007 government report estimated it at nearly 4,300,000 km². New Zealand is home to a variety of rare marine species, such as the Snares penguin, the Tuatara lizard resembling a prehistoric reptile, and the sea lion.

Chile, located in South America, is a country known for its long, narrow coastal strip wedged between the Andes mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. To the west lies the Pacific, while to the north it shares a border with Peru, to the northeast with Bolivia, and to the east with Argentina. The southernmost boundary of Chile is the Drake Passage. Along with Ecuador, Chile is one of the only two South American countries without a border with Brazil.

The country boasts a coastline stretching 6,435 km and an ocean territory of 3,681,989 km². Chile also claims sovereignty over 1.25 million km² of Antarctic territory, though this claim was rejected by the Antarctic Treaty.

France, located in Western Europe, borders the Atlantic Ocean (Bay of Biscay) and the English Channel between Belgium and Spain. It lies to the southeast of the United Kingdom, with the Mediterranean Sea separating it from Italy and Spain. France is the largest country in Western Europe in terms of land area.

Additionally, France possesses several overseas territories scattered across the world's oceans. France holds the largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the world, covering 11,691,000 km². This EEZ accounts for about 8% of the total global EEZ area, while the land area of the French Republic makes up only 0.45% of the world's land area.

The United States is a country located in the Western Hemisphere. It consists of 50 states that are contiguous in North America. Alaska, a peninsula forming the northwesternmost part of North America, and Hawaii, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, are also part of the country. The United States has numerous territories in the Pacific and the Caribbean. It shares borders with Canada and Mexico and has a maritime boundary with Russia.

The United States is a prosperous nation with a developed industrial base, a strong economy, abundant natural resources, and is the second-largest maritime nation in the world. The U.S. shares a border with Canada along the Great Lakes system and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, including Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii, Siesta Key Beach in Florida, Coronado Beach in California, and Hamoa Beach in Maui.

On August 1, 1994, Australia extended its exclusive economic zone to 200 nautical miles from its coastline, increasing the country's territorial waters from the original 12 nautical miles. The expanded maritime area now covers 8,505,348 km². With nearly 50,000 km of coastline, Australia boasts about 10,000 stunning beaches, more than any other country in the world. These coastlines are blessed by nature, each with its own unique charm.

Located on the Indo-Australian Plate and surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia is not only a vast land but also home to numerous breathtaking coastal destinations. Among them is the Great Barrier Reef, stretching along Queensland's coast. The Great Ocean Road, Australia's most beautiful coastal route, is where nature has bestowed its wonders, with a touch of human ingenuity making it a timeless heritage. This region features the largest coral reef system in the world and the longest marine park, filled with vibrant coral reefs and marine life, resembling an underwater kaleidoscope.