Have you ever wondered which countries have the least amount of cost to enjoy? You might be surprised by some of the names on this list. Some of them are tiny islands, some of them are landlocked, and some of them are just unlucky. In this article, we’ll rank the top 10 countries with the shortest coastlines in the world, based on the World Factbook. We’ll also give you some fun and funny facts about each country and its coast. So sit back, relax and get ready to learn something new and laugh along the way.
Some countries have miles and miles of beautiful beaches and stunning shorelines. Others are not so lucky and have to make do with a tiny sliver of cost or none at all. Here are the top 10 countries with the shortest coastlines in the world, based on the World Factbook.
10. Togo – 34.8 Miles
Togo is a little country in West Africa that has a bit of coast on the Gulf of Guinea. Its capital city, Lomé, is also its main port and where most of the action happens. Togo’s coast has some nice sandy beaches, palm trees and fishing villages, but it’s nothing to write home about.
9. Slovenia – 29 Miles
Slovenia is a country in Central Europe that has a tiny bit of coast on the Adriatic Sea. It’s one of the shortest in Europe and it’s sandwiched between Italy and Croatia. Slovenia’s coast has some pretty sights, like the old town of Piran, the resort of Portorož and the salt pans of Sečovlje, but it’s not exactly a beach paradise.
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo – 23 Miles
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a huge and crowded country in Central Africa that has a lot of neighbors. Its coast is on the Atlantic Ocean and it’s the shortest in Africa. The DRC’s coast is mostly swampy and mangrove-covered, with few natural harbors or beaches. It’s not a place you’d want to go for a swim.
7. Nauru – 18.7 Miles
Nauru is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean that is one of the smallest and least visited countries in the world. Its coast goes around the whole island and it’s mostly rocky and coral-fringed, with some sandy spots. Nauru’s coast is also messed up by environmental problems, like erosion, pollution and phosphate mining.
6. Jordan – 16.2 Miles
Jordan is a country in the Middle East that has a lot of history and culture. Its coast is on the Gulf of Aqaba, which leads to the Red Sea. Jordan’s coast is where you’ll find the city of Aqaba, which is the country’s only seaport and a hot spot for diving and snorkeling.
5. Tuvalu – 15 Miles
Tuvalu is another island nation in the Pacific Ocean that is made up of nine coral atolls. Its coast ranges from low-lying sandbanks to reef islands with coconut palms. Tuvalu’s coast is also in danger from climate change, as rising sea levels could drown parts of the country.
4. Bosnia and Herzegovina – 12.4 Miles
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country in the Balkans that has a lot of history and diversity. Its coast is on the Adriatic Sea and it’s one of the shortest in Europe. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s coast is mostly taken up by the town of Neum, which is the country’s only way to the sea.
3. Monaco – 2.5 Miles
Monaco is a tiny principality on the French Riviera that is surrounded by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on one side. Its coast is the shortest in the world and it’s very fancy and expensive, with luxury hotels, casinos and yachts along the shore.
2. Vatican City – 0 Miles
Vatican City is a landlocked city-state within Rome that is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It has no coast at all, but it does have a helipad and a railway station that connect it to the outside world.
1. Any Landlocked Country – 0 Miles
There are currently 44 landlocked countries in the world that have no access to any sea or ocean. Some examples are Afghanistan, Bolivia, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Switzerland and Zimbabwe. These countries have to deal with higher transportation costs, lower trade volumes and limited naval capabilities.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about the world’s smallest shores. These countries may not have a lot of coast to boast about, but they have other things that make them unique and interesting. Whether it’s history, culture, nature or economy, there’s always something to discover and appreciate about every country in the world. So next time you’re planning a trip or looking at a map, don’t forget to check out these countries with the shortest coastlines. You might be surprised by what you find.