What is the distance of territorial seas from a nation's coastline?

The distance of territorial seas from a nation's coastline is 12 nautical miles. This distance is recognized under international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Territorial waters extend from the baseline of a coastal state, which is typically the low-water line along the coast, and grants the coastal state sovereignty over the water column, airspace above, and the seabed underneath.

The 12-nautical-mile limit allows the nation to exercise various rights, including the regulation of shipping, fishing, and the enforcement of customs, immigration, and sanitation laws within this zone. This recognized distance serves as a standard for many states around the world, balancing national interests with the rights of other nations to navigate through these waters.

Other distances listed, like 10 nm, 15 nm, and 24 nm, do not correspond to the established international norm for territorial seas, although some nations may claim additional sea areas beyond their territorial seas for specific purposes, such as contiguous zones or exclusive economic zones. However, these claims do not alter the recognized limit of territorial waters.