How far do Territorial Seas extend from the baseline?

Territorial seas extend from the baseline for a distance of 12 nautical miles. This distance is established under international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which defines the rights of nations over the waters adjacent to their coastlines. Within this 12 nautical mile zone, a coastal state possesses sovereignty, meaning it can enforce its laws, regulate passage, and control resources. This sovereignty includes both the water column above and the seabed beneath. The correct answer reflects this widely recognized legal framework, which is foundational for understanding maritime boundaries and the governance of territorial waters.