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Territorial waters facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A country's territorial waters (also called a territorial sea) are like its own special part of the ocean. Imagine a belt of water stretching out from a country's coast. This area is considered part of the country itself, just like its land.

This special sea area usually goes out about 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) (nautical miles) from the shore. Within these waters, a country has full control. This means it can make laws, manage resources, and protect its borders, just as it would on land.

Countries also control the air above their territorial waters and the seabed below them. While a country owns these waters, ships from other countries are generally allowed to sail through them peacefully. This is called "innocent passage."

Sometimes, the term "territorial waters" is used more broadly. It can refer to any area of water where a country has special rights or control. This includes:

  • Internal waters: These are waters completely inside a country's land, like bays or lakes.
  • Contiguous zone: An area next to the territorial sea where a country can enforce certain laws.
  • Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): A much larger area where a country has special rights to explore and use marine resources, like fish or oil.
  • Continental shelf: The underwater landmass extending from a continent, where a country might have rights to resources.

What Is the Contiguous Zone?

The contiguous zone is another important area of the ocean. It starts right after the territorial sea ends. This zone stretches out up to 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi) (nautical miles) from a country's coastline.

In the contiguous zone, a country doesn't have full ownership like in its territorial waters. However, it can still enforce laws related to:

  • Customs (like preventing smuggling)
  • Taxes
  • Immigration (controlling who enters the country)
  • Pollution (protecting its environment)

This zone helps countries prevent people from breaking their laws just outside their main borders.

Images for kids

  • Ph Territorial Map

    Internal and external territorial waters of the Philippines prior to the adoption of new baselines in 2009.

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