Archipelagic States

Archipelagic States are countries made up primarily of a group of islands. These states have special rights and responsibilities concerning their waters, which include the sea surrounding and between the islands. In 1982, the United Nations established guidelines for these countries, allowing them to claim adjacent waters as part of their territory. This helps protect their resources and manage maritime activities. Examples of archipelagic states include Indonesia and the Philippines, both of which consist of many islands and have vast ocean areas that are crucial for their economy and culture.