Suez Canal
The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea.
The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea, forming part of the boundary between Africa and Asia. Opened in 1869, it is one of the world’s most heavily used shipping lanes.
What it is
The Suez Canal runs north-south across Egypt’s Isthmus of Suez, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. It is a lockless, sea-level waterway approximately 193 kilometres long, with termini at Port Said in the north and Suez in the south. The canal also marks the continental boundary between Africa and Asia.
Why it matters
The canal provides the shortest maritime route between Europe and Asia, making it a strategic chokepoint for global trade and shipping. For Canadian readers, it affects shipping routes, freight costs, and the movement of commodities and manufactured goods between Europe, Asia, and North American markets.
Key details
The modern canal was completed in 1869 and is operated by Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority. It was nationalized by Egypt in 1956, triggering the Suez Crisis, and later closed during the Six-Day War before reopening in 1975. The canal remains a vital artery for international commerce.
In short
- Separates Africa from Asia across the Isthmus of Suez.
- Shortest maritime route between Europe and Asia.
- Opened in 1869, about 193 km long.
- Operated by Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority.
The Suez Canal matters to Canadian readers because it affects global shipping routes, freight costs, and the movement of commodities and manufactured goods between Europe, Asia, and North American markets.
Quick questions
Where is the Suez Canal located?
What does the Suez Canal connect?
Why is the Suez Canal important?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suez_CanalSupports: Location, length, continental boundary, and route description.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Suez-CanalSupports: Length, route, importance, and geography.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Suez-CanalSupports: Completion date, nationalization, closures, and shipping significance.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/technology/canal-waterway/The-Suez-CanalSupports: Lockless 193-km waterway connecting the Mediterranean and Red Sea.
- HISTORY — https://www.history.com/articles/suez-canalSupports: Opening date, route, and modern significance.
- Suez Canal Authority — https://www.suezcanal.gov.eg/English/About/SuezCanal/Pages/AboutSuezCanal.aspxSupports: Official description of the canal, route, and significance.