African countries are surrounded by the Atlantic and Indian oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea, giving dozens of countries access to major maritime routes.
Some African countries, however, have significantly longer coastlines than others. Island nations such as Madagascar benefit from their extensive maritime boundaries, while several mainland countries also have coastlines stretching thousands of kilometres.
Based on coastline data attributed to the CIA World Factbook, here are the 10 African countries with the longest coastlines:
1. Madagascar — 4,828 km
Madagascar has the longest coastline in Africa, stretching approximately 4,828 kilometres.
The island nation lies off the southeastern coast of mainland Africa in the Indian Ocean. Its large size and extensive shoreline make it the continent’s leading country by coastline length.
2. Somalia — 3,025 km
Somalia has Africa’s second-longest coastline at approximately 3,025 kilometres.
Its coastline extends along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, giving the country one of the most extensive maritime frontiers on the African mainland.
3. Morocco — 2,945 km
Morocco ranks third with approximately 2,945 kilometres of coastline in the CIA-derived dataset.
The country’s coastline faces both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This makes Morocco one of Africa’s most strategically positioned coastal countries.
4. South Africa — 2,798 km
South Africa has approximately 2,798 kilometres of coastline.
Its coastline stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Indian Ocean in the east, giving the country access to two major ocean systems.
5. Mozambique — 2,470 km
Mozambique has a coastline of approximately 2,470 kilometres, making it the fifth-longest in Africa.
The country’s eastern coastline runs along the Indian Ocean, with numerous bays and islands contributing to its extensive maritime geography.
6. Egypt — 2,450 km
Egypt has approximately 2,450 kilometres of coastline.
The country has coastlines along both the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, giving it an important position between Europe, Africa and Asia.
7. Eritrea — 2,234 km
Eritrea’s coastline stretches for approximately 2,234 kilometres.
The country occupies a strategic position along the Red Sea, opposite the Arabian Peninsula, and its coastline includes numerous islands.
8. Libya — 1,770 km
Libya has approximately 1,770 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline.
Its coastline makes Libya one of the countries with the longest Mediterranean shores in Africa.
9. Angola — 1,600 km
Angola has approximately 1,600 kilometres of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
Its coastal position has historically made the country an important part of Atlantic maritime trade in southern Africa.
10. Namibia — 1,572 km
Namibia rounds out the top 10 with approximately 1,572 kilometres of coastline.
Its Atlantic coast is dominated by the Namib Desert, creating the distinctive landscape for which the country’s shoreline is known.
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