Territorial sea, contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone under UNCLOS
Background
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea sets limits for coastal-state maritime zones, measured from baselines.
Article 3 lets a State set the breadth of its territorial sea up to 12 nautical miles.
Article 33 says the contiguous zone may not extend beyond 24 nautical miles.
Article 57 says the exclusive economic zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles.
Territorial sea:
up to 12 nautical miles
Contiguous zone:
up to 24 nautical miles
Exclusive economic zone:
up to 200 nautical miles
Why it matters for exams: Maritime-zone distances are a favourite numerical recall in international law questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC