15 Most Beautiful Medieval Towns That Exist Even Today

Does old and medieval architecture impress you the most? If yes, then you should definitely consider taking a trip to the most beautiful medieval cities and towns in the world. In this Buzzle article, we present to you the most gorgeous towns from the Middle Ages, which will make you want to travel back in time.

Did You Know?

The marble statue of Madonna and Child in Bruges, Belgium, is the only sculpture by Michelangelo to have ever left Italy in his entire life.

Traveling gives us an opportunity to explore new places and gain a new outlook towards life. It can be a great stress-buster from the daily routine and hustle-bustle of the city life, especially if they are small towns from the medieval period. That is where we got our modern-day folklore from. We get a sneak-peek at how people used to live centuries ago when there was no present-day technology. Although many of these places are now enjoying the new and modern era, their architecture, history, and identity have been preserved and kept alive. Many of them have now become famous tourist attractions, mainly because of the beauty of old walls, bridges, canals, cathedrals, Gothic-style architecture, etc. So, without further ado, get out of the city and traffic jams, and get ready to step back in time and experience something completely different. Take a look at these beautiful towns from the Middle Ages, which still exist and are definitely worth a visit.

Most Stunning Medieval Towns in the World

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the capital and the largest city of the Czech Republic. It is one of the best preserved city in the world. It has a rich architecture and flourishing culture, with a warm and inviting feeling. It is filled with old and imposing monuments, which constantly remind you of the past. The Old Town Square is the heart of this city, which became a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1992. The museums and churches here are connected by old-fashioned cobblestone streets.

Bruges, Belgium

Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', Bruges, in Belgium, is a medieval urban landscape, with a marvelous mix of Gothic-style architecture, rich culture, history, canals, and a pleasant atmosphere. It is now a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. It is also known for chocolates, delicious cuisine, and some great local beers. I'm sure all chocolate lovers out there would want to hit this amazing city first. At first glance, it is hard to believe that people actually live there. If you want to witness this town at its best, plan a trip during Christmas.

Regensburg, Germany

Regensburg is one of the oldest towns in Germany. It was founded by the Romans around 2,000 years ago. The town's main attraction is the medieval city center with Gothic buildings, a cathedral, and a stone bridge that gives you the feeling of being in the Middle Age. The old town of Regensburg has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Collioure, France

Collioure is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in France. This castle-like town is the merging of two villages that are located on both its sides. It has an interesting history and a strong Catalan culture attached to it. The prime attractions of this town are the beautiful streets and the old church, Notre-Dame-des-Anges de Collioure, the old light tower that gives an excellent view of the sea, and the 13th century Chateau Royal.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia. It is a compact medieval town that has brightly-colored houses, churches, museums, amazing guard towers, Gothic-style buildings, and crisscrossed alleyways. It is beautiful all year round, but if you want to experience the truly authentic Estonian culture, visit this city in the winters during Christmas.

Carcassonne, France

This Hogwarts-like city of Carcassonne, located in the southwest of France, is known for its walled city. The most beautiful attraction here is the historic fortress that also featured in the movie Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves. It is also thought to be the inspiration behind Walt Disney's castle of Sleeping Beauty. Don't forget to experience the local cuisine and wine at the medieval square here. You can't help but fall in love with this place.

Colmar, France

With its historic localities, twisting streets, and canals, Colmar has definitely retained its charm from the medieval era. It is like the princess of towns, with tiny boats in small canals, a miniature train that keeps chugging around town, and an amazing light show that is organized everyday. This popular destination boasts of some of the amazingly beautiful German and French architecture.

San Gimignano, Italy

This beautifully walled hill town from the medieval times is located in Tuscany, Italy. It is known for its attractive towers and some great art, which is why it is also called the Town of Fine Towers. The prime attraction of this place is the town church's square, called the Piazza del Duomo. When you visit this place, you'll notice that it is surrounded by old towers that are thousands of years old. The well-preserved buildings here are excellent examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Toledo, Spain

The history of this exotic-looking medieval city in Spain dates back to 192 BC, at the time of Roman occupation. The ruins of the Romans can still be seen outside the walls of the city. The primary attraction in this city is the cathedral, which is the centerpiece of Toledo. Don't miss it!

Edinburgh, Scotland

This Scottish city has its own charm, with an urban castle that was once a tough competitor of Prague for the best medieval city in Europe. It has a rich history attached to it. It seems magical when you walk down the streets while listening to the beautiful music from bagpipers. The Royal Castles in Edinburgh exist since the 11th century.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

This walled city was constructed during the 14th and 15th centuries, and was extended and strengthened around the 17th century. If you want to witness the beautiful view of the sea and the old city within the walls, then take a walk along the walls.

Alberobello, Italy

Alberobello is a small town in southern Italy, which is famous for its trulli. Trullis are white, cone-roofed houses, and the reason why this small town has now been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a population of about 11,000 inhabitants. If you want to experience the authentic culture of this place, then try living in a trullo. You can take a tour of this area, that has even the shops, restaurants, and bars in trulli.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The main attraction here is the Old Town of Amsterdam. It attracts many tourists, mainly because of its rich culture, history, architecture, restaurants and bars, etc. You'll find all of it in one place. It is full of canals, curled bridges, narrow houses, etc. It plays host to attractions such as the oldest building in the city - Oude Kerk, the Royal Palace, the Amsterdam Historical Museum, and the Madame Tussauds.

Ibiza, Spain

Does it ring any bells? Oh yes, you must have definitely heard the song 'We're Going to Ibiza' by Vengaboys. The medieval and old town of Ibiza is located on a little mountain that overlooks the shiny Mediterranean Sea. It is popularly known for its lively and magical nightlife, along with some history. The main attractions here are Dalt Villa, Sa Penya, and La Marina. La Marina consists of some of the best restaurants, bars, and shops around. Sa Penya, or the 'island that never sleeps', is obviously popular for its amazing nightlife.

Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is the capital of Poland. Don't be surprised to see the beauty and originality of Warsaw Old Town. The historic center of Warsaw, which is also known as Stare Miastro, is a place where the sad past meets a fairytale. It was destroyed during WWII, in which more than half of the population was killed. After the war ended, the buildings were constructed back perfectly, but it left the shadow of the cruel past that falls over this beautiful city. If you happen to be here sometime, don't miss the Old Town Market Square, which is full of cafes, bars, restaurants, and other shops. Make sure that you visit the churches - St. John's Cathedral, Jesus Church, and St. Martin's Church. The Barbican is the place that separates the Old Town from the New Town.

These were some amazingly beautiful towns from the medieval period that still exist. So, how many of them have you visited already? And how was your experience? Do let us know by dropping in a few lines in our comments section below.

11 Most Famous Domes Around the World That are Truly Awe-inspiring

Domes have been known to exist in almost every culture in one form or another. In layman's terms, a hemispherical roof is normally referred to as a dome. Initially, the simplest construction of a dome was from 'a shell of revolution', that is, an arch which has been rotated horizontally. Beginning with tombs, then palaces, very soon domes were used atop churches and mosques as well.

It is believed that domes were meant to signify a man-made representation of the roof provided by God.

The Hagia Sophia began as a cathedral before it was converted to a mosque in the 15th century. One of the most famous domes in the world, since 1935, it has been opened to the public as a museum.

Fun Fact: One of the most iconic examples of the grand Roman Empire, at its time was the largest covered space in the world.

Still considered as one of the largest churches in the world, St Peter's Basilica has been the burial site for numerous popes. The great Michelangelo not only created one of his masterpieces here, but was also one of its chief architects. With construction that began in 1506, this basilica now boasts one of the world's tallest domes.

Fun Fact: Known also as Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, it is believed to house the tomb of St. Peter himself.

The Taj was commissioned in 1632 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is claimed that the burial tomb of Mumtaz was decorated with 28 different precious and semi-precious stones, and that it was also inscribed with the 99 names of Allah.

Fun Fact: Rumor has it that, after the completion of the Taj, Shah Jahan ordered the architects' arms be chopped off, so they would never be able to build anything like it ever again.

Since the early 1700s, when this cathedral was built, it has been the seat for the Bishop of London, as well as the mother church of the diocese of London. It is constructed with 2 inner and one external dome.

Fun Fact: Because of the shape created by the inner domes, the acoustics create, what is known as a whispering gallery. Whispers in one part of this gallery can be heard at the other end. It can be accessed by climbing more than 200 steps.

Construction of the Capitol Building began around 1793. Initially, the dome had a timber frame with copper sheets. The dome we see today is in fact the second dome on the building. Built in 1855 to replace the old dome, this one is made from cast iron.

Fun Fact: Apparently, the first session of Congress was held on November 17, 1800, while the building was still being constructed.

With construction starting in 1294, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the first structures of the Renaissance with a double dome. It is to this day the largest dome ever made from brick and mortar.

Fun Fact: The architect Filippo Brunelleschi always refused to tell people how he would create the dome, and was restrained and removed from the assembly of overseers twice for being incoherent and mentally unsound.

Opened in 1629, it is also known as the Imam Mosque. This dome is known for its colorful mosaic and intricate calligraphic inscriptions. The inlay work with ceramic tiles was invented to decorate this building; it was called 'Haft-Rangi', or seven colors.

Fun Fact: When electricity was introduced in Arabic countries, the Shah Mosque is rumored to be the first building ever lit up. Apparently, it was more than a few years before even the sultan's entire palace had light.

Completed in 691 AD, the Dome of Rock is not a mosque. In fact, it is a shrine for the Sacred Rock, also known as the Foundation Stone. Significant to a number of different religions, it is believed that this rock marks the spot where the prophet Mohamed ascended to heaven. Also, it is believed to be the site where Isac was sacrificed by his father Abraham.

Fun Fact: Though the roof appears golden, the gold has been replaced with aluminum covered in gold leaf.

Also known as 'The Cathedral of Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat', this building marks the geometric center of Moscow. Known for its unique onion-shaped domes, St. Basil's was originally white. With the first chapel opening in 1561, it now boasts 9 chapels in all. 

Fun Fact: Initially, the domes were golden. It was only in 1848 that they were given the iconic bold colors they are known for today.

First opened in 1894, the Reichstag was to house the Imperial Diet (or assembly of the German empire). The inscription 'Dem Deutschen Volke' ('[To] the German people') carved into the front symbolizes the new democracy.

Fun Fact: The glass dome on top of the building was completed in 1999. It provides a 360-degree view of Berlin city, and also the main hall of parliament below. An automated sun shield tracks the movement of the sun and protects the hall below from direct sunlight.

Built as a Roman temple for all the gods in 126 AD, the word Pantheon means exactly that. The structure was built with perfect proportions, where the height of the roof is exactly the same as the diameter of the dome. Every year, on April 21, the light from the central opening or Oculus radiates through a metal grill over the door, which covers the courtyard with its glow.

Fun Fact: Till date, the Pantheon is the biggest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

Famous Rock Formations in the World That'll Leave You Awestruck

Natural rock formations take place as a result of different kinds of chemical and physical processes. Some of the patterns and shapes present breathtaking views to the eyes. Here's a closer look at some amazing rocks.

Quick Fact!

Metamorphic rocks do not contain fossils in them. During the process of formation of metamorphic rocks, temperature and pressure rises to a great extent. The high temperature and pressure thus destroys any fossil present inside these rocks.

Wind and water resulting erosion are among the important modes of rock formation. Rocks are primarily classified into sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Some amazing rock formations that we see today have formed as a result of years of chemical activity, erosion, volcanic activity, and the likes. Rocks that are formed as a result of crystallization of magma emitted from volcanoes are known as igneous rocks. Sedimentary rocks are formed as a result of accumulation of sediments. These sediments, in the course of time, become dense and turn into rocks. Metamorphic rocks are formed as a result of metamorphosis, i.e. transformation. Such rocks are formed either from sedimentary or igneous rocks. The sedimentary and igneous rocks are subjected to pressure and heat; as a result, they get transformed into metamorphic rocks.

Ten Famous Rock Formations

A list of some of the well-known rock formations from around the world...

Giant's Causeway : Antrim County, Northern Ireland

► This place is characterized by polygonal basalt columns. These basalt rocks were formed 60 million years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions.

► Sea spleen wort, frog orchid, and sea fescue are some of the notable plants found near this place. Many different birds including the petrel, shag, fulmar, redshank, cormorant, guillemot, and razorbill are found in the region surrounding the Giant's Causeway.

► Apart from their columnar shapes, its other notable features are The Chimney Stacks and The Giant's Boot.

Devils Tower : Crook County, Wyoming, USA

► It is agreed upon by geologists that the Devils Tower rock was formed as a result of molten magma getting trapped into rocks surrounding it. However, the exact or rather the entire process which led to the formation of a huge rock such as the Devils Tower remains unexplained.

► The furrowed appearance of this rock is attributed to the process of contraction, which took place at the time of cooling of the magma. The Devils Tower rock attains red color due to the oxidization of minerals.

► The Devils Tower was declared as the first national monument of USA by President Theodore Roosevelt.

Wave Rock : East of Hyden, Western Australia

► The Wave Rock takes form of a giant wave, 14 m high and 110 m long. It is over 2,700 million years old.

► This natural rock formation is an example of a 'flared-slope'. Such kind of rocks are generally found near bornhardts and inselbergs.

► Wave Rock was formed as a result of erosion of the softer layer of rock which lies beneath its hard, upper edges. This rock is a granite rock.

Percé Rock : Percé, Quebec, Canada

► Percé Rock was named so by Samuel de Champlain, owing to its pierced appearance. The entire rock resembles a giant lobster claw.

► This rock formation is dated back to the Devonian period. It means, Percé Rock is over 400 million years old.

► The estimated weight of this rock is 5 million tons. It is formed of shale and reddish limestone.

Delicate Arch : Arches National Park, Utah, USA

► The 20 m-tall 'Delicate Arch' is one of the major tourist attractions in Utah, USA.

► This 'Entrada Sandstone' rock is formed by weathering and erosion. The other rocks surrounding the Delicate didn't attain the spectacular shape though.

► The White-throated Swift make nests in the arch of this rock formation.

Fairy Chimneys : Central Anatolia, Turkey

► These rocks are formed from the lava of Mount Erciyes' volcanic eruptions. These volcanic eruptions took place in 253 BC. The pillar-shaped rocks that were formed as a result of the eruptions got eroded in due course of time by water and wind. The erosion led to the formation of rocks that resemble fairy chimneys.

► The natural rock formations of Pasabag were carved to create houses, monasteries, and churches.

► The Cappadocia region of Turkey holds historical importance. The Persians, Hittites, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, and Alexander the Great, have all ruled this region.

Queen's Head : Wanli District, Taiwan

► The rock is named so because it resembles the profile of England's Queen Elizabeth.

► Erosion due to wind and water has caused the rock to take its current form/shape. Since the upper portion of this rock contains sandstone (rich in calcium), it has resisted erosion far more effectively than the lower portion.

► This natural rock formation is almost 4,000 years old. The estimates about the age of this rock were made on the basis of average elevation of earth's crust in the northern region of Taiwan.

Spider Rock : Near Chinle, Arizona, USA

► Formed from sandstone, Spider Rock rises 229 m above the canyon floor.

► Spider Rock was formed 230 million years ago.

► The Navajo people lived in this region. They built caves in the cliffs of such rocks. Living in caves at such a high altitude protected them from flash floods as well as enemies.

The Wave : Coconino County, Arizona, USA

► The U-shaped troughs are the characteristic feature of The Wave. This Navajo Sandstone rock formation dates back to the Jurassic age.

► There are 2 major troughs found in The Wave rock formation. One of the troughs is 19 m wide and 36 m long. The other trough is 2 m wide and 15 m long.

► The region in which The Wave lies is part of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

Golden Rock : Mon State, Myanmar

► The height of Golden Rock is 7.6 m and its circumference is 15 m. This rock is situated at 1,100 m above sea level.

► It is amazing how the Golden Rock is balanced precariously on the edge of another boulder. Legend has it that the Golden Rock is perched on a strand of Buddha's hair.

► Golden Rock is famous for the pagoda, which is built on its top.

Rocks are formed through different processes which take thousands and even millions of years. In fact, rocks are continually subjected to different forces of nature. Thus, formation of rocks is an unending process and will always intrigue us forever.

Most Famous Geysers Around the World That are Truly Spectacular

A geyser, in simple terms, can be described as a natural expulsion of water from below the Earth's surface, often coexisting with steam. Geysers are rare phenomena, and hence, we at Buzzle try to enlist such geysers that are known for their unique characteristics.

The term geyser has its roots in the Icelandic verb geysa, meaning 'to gush'.

Geysers are formed as a result of hydro geological conditions, when the groundwater is heated by magmatic bodies. Once the groundwater is heated to near-boiling point, sometimes, the pressure in the passages within the geysers is suddenly released. This results into the spouting or a jet-like release of the water through the vent, accompanied by vapor.

Although an uncommon geological feature, there over a thousand natural geysers present around the world. Most of those (more than 300) are located in the Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA. Around 200 are found in Russia, while the remaining are present all over the world, including Iceland and New Zealand. Some of the most famous geysers around the world are witnessed in action in USA, Russia, Iceland, and New Zealand. This Buzzle article gives you a gist of some of these hot water geysers that attract millions of tourists every year.

Strokkur

Location: East of Reykjavik, Iceland

A part of the Haukadalur geothermal area, Strokkur is a fountain geyser near the Hvítá River in Iceland. Named after the Icelandic word meaning to churn, the geyser erupts at an interval of every 5 to 10 minutes. Strokkur's first record of active eruption dates back to 1789, but in 1896, an earthquake blocked its passage or plumbing system, putting a halt to its activity. In 1963, locals cleared the conduit and unblocked the plumbing system, thereby restoring its erupting cycle.

Valley of Geysers

Location: Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

The world's second-largest geyser field, the Valley of Geysers is a 6-km long basin located in the Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia. The field contains over 30 geysers that have been officially named. Designated a World Heritage Site, a mud-flow disaster of 2007 submerged most of the field area. However, some of the geysers remain active till date.

Steamboat Geyser

Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

Steamboat can erupt more than 90 m in height, making it the world's tallest active geyser. The eruptions are irregular, having a duration of 3 to 40 minutes. Located in the Norris Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, Steamboat's recent eruptions have been reported to be 3 to 5 m high.

Castle Geyser

Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

Named after its original structure resembling a castle, the Castle Geyser erupts every 9 - 11 hours to a height of 18 - 27 m. After every eruption, a loud steam phase follows for another 30 - 40 minutes. A cone geyser, this geological feature also exhibits shorter eruptions and steam phases of up to 11 minutes.

Old Faithful

Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

Of all the geysers in Yellowstone National Park, the Old Faithful was the first one to receive a name. A cone geyser, the Old Faithful is located at an elevation of 2,240 m in the Upper Geyser Basin region of the park. Study states that the eruptions of this geyser occur approximately every 90 minutes (on an average). With the height reaching up to 45 m, the duration of each eruption lasts roughly between 1.5 to 5.5 minutes.

Geysers of Whakarewarewa

Location: Rotorua, New Zealand

Whakarewarewa is a geothermal region located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone of Rotorua city in New Zealand. Out of a possible 500 pools, 7 geysers are currently active, having an extremely complex geology, where the activity of one geyser influences the working of others. One of the most famous geysers in this geyser field is the Pohutu geyser, which can erupt up to 30 m high.

The Great Geysir

Location: Southwestern Iceland

The Great Geyser is located in the Hauka valley (Haukadalur) of Iceland. The oldest records of Geyser's activity date back to the 13th century, which were a result of frequent earthquakes taking place in that region. The geyser can erupt up to 70 m vertically, with the eruptions being extremely irregular.

Great Fountain Geyser

Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

The Great Fountain is located in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, and is considered one of the 'great geysers' of the park. This geyser erupts in series which can last up to 2 hours. The time interval between two eruptions range from 9 to 15 hours, with the height varying between 23 to 67 m.

Other Famous Geysers

Beehive Geyser

Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

Giant Geyser

Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

Grand Geyser

Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

Prince of Wales Feathers Geyser

Location: Whakarewarewa, New Zealand

Waimangu Geyser

Location: Rotorua, New Zealand

Although a geyser's eruptive nature may change owing to human interference, earthquakes, deposition of minerals within the conduit, and/or influence of nearby hot springs, its unique mechanism continues to be a topic of interest and study.

Top 10 Countries With the Longest and Most Spectacular Coastlines

People have been residing near coasts since time immemorial. These regions have a lot to offer, not only to humans, but also to the various species of plants and animals breeding in their vicinity. Here's a list of the top 10 countries with the longest coastlines.

Quick Fact

Measuring only 4.10 km in length, Monaco, the second smallest country, has the shortest coastline in the world.

A coastline, or a shoreline, or a seashore, is the place where land and the sea meet. This meeting of land and the sea, however, is not always fixed due to the tidal phenomenon, which is rather dynamic in nature. Owing to this, a coastline would refer to a place where the land and the sea seem to interact with each other. Due to the dynamic nature of the coastlines, measuring them with accuracy becomes a tedious job. The concept of 'coastline paradox' states that the length of a coastline of any landmass is never well-defined.

In fact, the length of the coastline is inversely proportional to the length of the measuring device - length of the coastline goes on increasing as the scale intervals of the given measuring device decrease and vice versa. Nevertheless, the coastlines of various countries have been measured with as much accuracy as possible. Here's a list of the top 10 countries of the world having the longest coastlines.

CHINA

Coastline (km): 14,500

Location: East Asia

Geographic Coordinates: 32.9043° N, 110.4677° E

Capital: Beijing

Land Area (sq. km): 9,569,901

Population: 1,354,040,000

China shares its maritime boundaries with South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Its coastline stretches along the East China Sea, the Korea Bay, the Yellow Sea, and the South China Sea. The northern half of the Chinese coastline is mostly low lying, whereas the southern half is more irregular.

NEW ZEALAND

Coastline (km): 15,134

Location: Oceania

Geographic Coordinates: 41.4395° S, 172.1936° E

Capital: Wellington

Land Area (sq. km): 267,710

Population: 4,468,540

The coastline of New Zealand stretches along the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, and its maritime boundaries are shared by Australia, Fiji, and Tonga owing to the country's continental shelf overlap with the continental shelves of the three countries. The coastline of New Zealand is geographically varied; alongside sandy beaches, there are also cliff-line sections at several places along the coast.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Coastline (km): 19,924

Location: North America

Geographic Coordinates: 40.4230° N, 98.7372° W

Capital: Washington, D.C.

Land Area (sq. km): 9,161,966

Population: 316,017,000

The coastline of the United States of America extends along the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean. Its maritime boundaries are shared by Canada, Cuba, Mexico, Russia, and the Bahamas. Quite interestingly, most states of the United States of America are landlocked, however, it has some of the world's finest beaches.

NORWAY

Coastline (km): 25,148

Location: Northern Europe

Geographic Coordinates: 60.3800° N, 5.3400° E

Capital: Oslo

Land Area (sq. km): 304,282

Population: 5,063,709

The coastal boundary of Norway is shared by Denmark, Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The country's extensive coastline faces the North Atlantic Ocean and the Barents Sea, and is famous for its numerous fjords, the long and narrow inlets with steep cliffs that are formed due to glacial activity.

AUSTRALIA

Coastline (km): 25,760

Location: Oceania

Geographic Coordinates: 32.3456° S, 141.4346° E

Capital: Canberra

Land Area (sq.km): 7,682,300

Population: 23,049,452

The shoreline of Australia ranges between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean, and it shares its coastal boundaries with East Timor, Indonesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. The Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest coral reef complex in the world, lies off the eastern coast of Australia.

JAPAN

Coastline (km): 29,751

Location: Eastern Asia

Geographic Coordinates: 35.4112° N, 135.8337° E

Capital: Tokyo

Land Area (sq. km): 364,485

Population: 127,300,000

The stratovolcanic archipelago of Japan falls between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Other countries sharing its coastal border are China, North Korea, South Korea, Philippines, and Russia. Japan's coastline is characterized by a number of naturally formed harbors.

PHILIPPINES

Coastline (km): 36,289

Location: Southeast Asia

Geographic Coordinates: 11.8728° N, 122.8613° E

Capital: Manila

Land Area (sq.km): 298,170

Population: 97,876,000

The Philippines archipelago is situated to the east of Vietnam, between the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea. Six countries share their coastal boundaries with Philippines including China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Palau. With respect to coastline, Philippines has the advantage of its topography - it is topographically fragmented by the sea, thus making its coastline one of the longest in the world.

RUSSIA

Coastline (km): 37,653

Location: Northern Eurasia

Geographic Coordinates: 54.8270° N, 55.0423° E

Capital: Moscow

Land Area (sq.km): 16,377,742

Population: 143,400,000

The coastline of Russia borders the Arctic and the Pacific Oceans, and it also extends along the Baltic Sea, the Sea of Azov, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea. The maritime boundaries of Russia are also shared by China, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Finland, Japan, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, the United States, Lithuania, North Korea, Kazakhstan, and Georgia.

INDONESIA

Coastline (km): 54,716

Location: Southeast Asia

Geographic Coordinates: 3.2591° S, 109.7028° E

Capital: Jakarta

Land Area (sq.km): 1,811,569

Population: 237,641,326

Indonesia comprises a large number of islands and claims almost all the waters surrounding them. The archipelago itself, lies between the Pacific and the Indian oceans. As many as 17 countries share coastal boundaries with Indonesia, some of them being India, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam.

CANADA

Coastline (km): 202,080

Location: Northern North America

Geographic Coordinates: 56.7577° N, 86.4196° W

Capital: Ottawa

Land Area (sq.km): 9,984,670

Population: 35,056,064

Having the North Atlantic Ocean to its east, the North Pacific Ocean to its west, and the Arctic Ocean to its north, Canada has the longest coastline in the world. Moreover, the country also shares the longest land border in the world with the United States of America, which extends to about 8,891 km. Interestingly, Canada has about 56.7% of the total coastline of the world. It shares its coastal boundaries with Denmark, France, and the United States.

Though most countries in the world have coastlines, there are also several others, which are completely landlocked from all sides. Being located near the oceans and having direct access to them, presents the countries with numerous advantages that include easy access to trade, alongside several others. Most importantly, unlike the landlocked countries, they do not have to depend on other nations to connect them to the oceans and thus, the world beyond.