The Great Barrier Reef is the longest reef system in the world, stretching over 2,300 kilometers (approximately 1,430 miles) off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Comprising approximately 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site noted for its biodiversity and ecological significance. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide variety of marine life, including many species of fish, corals, and other aquatic organisms. It also plays a vital role in the local economy through tourism, fishing, and research, although it faces threats from climate change and human activity.