Contiguous Zone

The contiguous zone is an area of water extending up to 24 nautical miles from a country's coast. Within this zone, a nation can enforce laws related to customs, immigration, sanitation, and other regulations to prevent illegal activities. It acts as a buffer zone between the territorial waters and the high seas, allowing countries to monitor and control certain activities without claiming full sovereignty over the area. Beyond this zone, the waters are considered international, and no single country has exclusive rights, except for specific regulations under international law.