How Many People Live on the Coast? ~2.6 Billion (40% of Humanity)

With a global population of ~8 billion (2024), approximately 40% live within 100 km (62 mi) of a coastline.

• Coastal population: ~3.2 billion.
• Within 10 km: ~600 million (10%).
• Low Elevation Coastal Zone (LECZ, <10 m elevation): ~260 million (high flood risk).

Distribution

• Asia: 60% of coastal pop (China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines).
• Africa: Rapidly growing (Lagos, Cairo, Luanda, Dar es Salaam).
• Americas: US (40% pop in coastal counties), Brazil, Mexico.
• Europe: High density (Netherlands, UK, Mediterranean).

Trends

• Coastal growth rate > global average (urbanization, migration).
• Climate change amplifies risk: sea-level rise, storm surge, salinization.
• By 2050: 1 billion+ in LECZ under high emissions.

The coast is humanity's favorite address — and its front line for climate adaptation.