Kyststater

Kyststater, or coastal states, are countries that have a coastline and exercise sovereignty over their territorial seas and internal waters. They also hold rights to resources in their exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and on their continental shelf. The term is used in geography and international law to distinguish countries with sea access from landlocked states, which lack direct access to the sea.

Legal framework and rights: International law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), defines maritime zones and the rights of coastal states. The territorial sea usually extends up to 12 nautical miles from shore, where the state exercises full sovereignty. Beyond this, the EEZ can extend up to 200 nautical miles, conferring exclusive rights to exploration and exploitation of living and non-living resources. The continental shelf may extend further, granting rights to resources on the seabed and subsoil. Coastal states also regulate navigation, fisheries, environmental protection, and offshore activities within these zones, while engaging with other states to manage shared or transboundary resources.

Importance and challenges: Coastal states are central to international trade due to ports and shipping routes, and they often depend on maritime sectors such as fisheries, offshore energy, and tourism. They face challenges including climate change and sea level rise, overfishing, pollution, and disputes over maritime boundaries. Regional cooperation and adherence to international law are important for maintaining security, sustainable resource use, and navigation freedom.

Examples: Countries with coastlines such as Norway, Japan, India, Brazil, and Australia illustrate the variety of coastal-state profiles, from small island nations to large continental states.