Which Country Has More Coastline: Canada or Sweden Including Islands

When it comes to countries with extensive coastlines, the comparison between Canada and Sweden is often misleading. While it's tempting to think that Sweden, with its intricate archipelagos, might have a longer coastline than Canada, the facts may surprise you. Let’s dive into the details and debunk the myth.

Canada’s Impressive Coastline

Canada, the second-largest country in the world by area, is home to an extensive coastline on three oceans: the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific. This expansive coastline is a testament to the geographical diversity of the country. According to recent data, Canada boasts an unprecedented 243,042 kilometers of coastline, a figure that far surpasses Sweden’s modest 3,218 kilometers.

Major Coastlines of Canada

Canada’s coastline is distributed across different regions, each with its own unique features and challenges:

Atlantic Coast: Extending from Newfoundland and Labrador to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, this coast is dotted with numerous islands, including Cape Breton Island and Prince Edward Island. Pacific Coast: Stretching along the western border of British Columbia, this coast is characterized by rocky cliffs, fjords, and dense forests. Arctic Coast: Found in the northern territories of Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavik (northern Quebec), the Arctic coast is characterized by vast stretches of ice and permafrost.

Sweden’s Limited Coastline

Sweden, a country primarily known for its archipelagos, has a relatively modest coastline. The total coastline length, according to common data, is only 3,218 kilometers. However, it is essential to note that this figure does not include the coastline of its numerous islands, which significantly add to its overall maritime boundary.

The Archipelagos of Sweden

Swedish waters are dotted with over 150,000 islands, collectively known as the Swedish Archipelago. While these islands contribute to the country’s maritime area and natural beauty, they do not significantly enhance the official coastline length. The confusion often arises from the fact that these islands are scattered all over the Baltic Sea and the Skagerrak strait, making it seem like Sweden has a longer maritime boundary than it actually does.

Land Area Comparison

Sweden has a land area of 528,447 square kilometers, whereas Baffin Island in Canada has a land area of 507,451 square kilometers. Despite this, Baffin Island, one of the largest islands in Canada, is part of the Canadian territory and thus contributes to Canada’s total coastline measurements, especially during coastal mapping exercises.

What About Popular Islands?

It’s interesting to note that larger islands like Vancouver Island in British Columbia (which is the second-largest island in Canada) and Ellesmere Island (the northernmost island of Canada) are not always included in the official coastline statistics because they exist outside of traditional coastlines. These islands are typically measured separately.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite the allure of its archipelagos, Sweden’s coastline is significantly shorter than Canada’s. Canada’s impressive 243,042 kilometers of coastline is more than 70 times longer than Sweden’s 3,218 kilometers when landmasses are not included. This myth highlights the importance of understanding the different ways countries measure their coastlines and the unique geographic features that characterize each nation.