International waters, also known as the high seas, refer to areas of the ocean that are not owned by any country. These waters begin beyond the territorial sea, which extends up to 12 nautical miles from a nation's coastline. In international waters, no single nation has sovereignty, allowing for freedom of navigation and fishing, as well as other activities. Governed by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), international waters cover about 64% of the world's oceans. Countries can exercise certain rights, such as fishing and research, but must respect the rights of others.