Coastlines shape nations — culturally, economically, and politically. While most countries with long coasts use them for trade, tourism, and fishing, others make do with just a few miles of ocean access. Yet even the shortest coastlines can have immense strategic, historical, and ecological importance.
Here's a deep dive into the top 10 countries with the shortest coastlines, listed from number 10 to number 1:
🔟 Niue – 39.8 Miles (64 km)
A Coral Fortress of the South Pacific
Niue, a self-governing island in free association with New Zealand, is one of the world’s most remote inhabited places. Despite its tiny population (around 1,600 people), the island has a rugged 64 km (39.8 miles) of coastline characterized by limestone cliffs, underwater caves, and no natural harbors.
Its coral reefs and marine sanctuaries attract divers, while its isolation makes it a global model for digital governance and climate resilience. Niue has even declared its entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) a marine protected area.
9️⃣ Iraq – 36 Miles (58 km)
A Strategic Gulf Outlet in a Turbulent Region
Although Iraq is largely landlocked, its short coastline—just 58 km long—is situated along the Persian Gulf. The Shatt al-Arab waterway, formed by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, leads to this coast and has played a significant role in regional geopolitics.
The port city of Umm Qasr provides Iraq’s only seaport and is essential for its oil exports and imports. Iraq’s coast has been central in conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War.
8️⃣ Togo – 34.8 Miles (56 km)
West Africa’s Eroding Gateway to the Sea
With 56 km of coast on the Atlantic Ocean, Togo is one of Africa’s smaller maritime countries. The coast is home to Lomé, the capital city and a major commercial hub.
However, Togo faces severe coastal erosion, especially in towns like Aneho and Agbodrafo. The government and international partners have launched initiatives to build sea defenses and restore mangroves to protect its population and infrastructure.
7️⃣ Slovenia – 29 Miles (47 km)
Adriatic Beauty in Miniature
Slovenia has only 47 km of coastline along the Adriatic Sea, nestled between Italy and Croatia. Despite its shortness, this coast is vibrant with cultural and historical significance.
The picturesque town of Piran is a medieval Venetian treasure, while Koper functions as Slovenia’s primary cargo port. Slovenia has also taken steps to protect its marine biodiversity and promote eco-tourism in Moon Bay, a protected coastal area.
6️⃣ Democratic Republic of the Congo – 23 Miles (37 km)
Africa’s Giant with a Sliver of Sea
The DRC is one of Africa’s largest nations, but its coastline is only 37 km long. The port of Banana, near the mouth of the Congo River, is its main maritime outlet. Though the coastline is small, the Congo River gives DRC vast inland waterway access to the ocean.
The Mangroves Marine Park, along this coast, is a UNESCO biosphere reserve known for manatees, crocodiles, and birds — making it ecologically crucial.
5️⃣ Nauru – 18.7 Miles (30 km)
The World’s Least Visited Nation
Nauru is the third-smallest country in the world, covering just 21 square kilometers. It has only 30 km of coastline — and no official capital. Once incredibly wealthy due to phosphate mining, the country is now struggling with environmental and economic decline.
Despite its remote location and modest tourism, Nauru’s coastal waters remain clear and filled with marine life, offering a glimpse into pre-industrial tropical reef systems.
4️⃣ Jordan – 16.2 Miles (26 km)
Aqaba: A Small Coast with Big Impact
Jordan has just 26 km of coastline on the Gulf of Aqaba, a northeastern extension of the Red Sea. This entire stretch is concentrated in the city of Aqaba, which is Jordan’s only seaport.
Aqaba is known for its diving, Red Sea coral reefs, and its growing logistics infrastructure. Jordan has ambitious plans to turn Aqaba into a major economic and tourist hub, including the development of artificial islands and port expansions.
3️⃣ Tuvalu – 15 Miles (24 km)
A Paradise on the Brink
Tuvalu, made up of nine tiny atolls in the Pacific Ocean, has only 24 km of land-based coastline. Despite its small size, Tuvalu has become a symbol of the climate crisis, as rising sea levels threaten to submerge much of its land.
The island nation has preserved its reefs and lagoons, and is exploring digital sovereignty, including the controversial idea of becoming a “digital nation” if it becomes uninhabitable due to climate change.
2️⃣ Bosnia and Herzegovina – 12.4 Miles (20 km)
A Fragment of the Adriatic
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s coastline is limited to a 20 km stretch near the town of Neum, nestled between parts of Croatia. This short coastline was a result of Ottoman-Venetian border negotiations in the 17th century.
Neum is Bosnia’s only coastal resort, offering a budget alternative to Croatia’s pricier Dalmatian Coast. However, the limited space has created logistical challenges for infrastructure and tourism expansion.
1️⃣ Monaco – 2.5 Miles (4 km)
Luxury on the World’s Shortest Coastline
At just 4 km long, Monaco has the shortest coastline of any sovereign nation. This microstate on the French Riviera is synonymous with wealth, casinos, yachts, and Formula 1 racing.
Despite its tiny size, Monaco has expanded into the sea through land reclamation projects like the Fontvieille district and the new eco-district, Portier Cove. It’s a prime example of how ambition and innovation can overcome geographical limitations.