Suez Canal

Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway located in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez. It was opened in 1869, and it is one of the most important waterways in the world, providing a faster and cheaper route between Europe and Asia.

Technical Details

The Suez Canal is 193.30 km (120.11 miles) long and 24 meters (79 feet) deep. It has no locks, and its width varies from 300 meters (984 feet) at its narrowest point to 365 meters (1,197 feet) at its widest point. The canal has a north-south direction, and it is divided into two main sections: the Northern Approach Channel and the Southern Approach Channel.

History

The idea of a canal linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea dates back to ancient times, when the pharaohs of Egypt dug a canal from the Nile River to the Red Sea. However, the canal was abandoned due to silting and flooding.

In the 19th century, the idea was revived, and a French engineer, Ferdinand de Lesseps, was appointed to oversee the construction of the canal. The canal was completed in 1869, and it was initially owned by the French and British. However, in 1956, the Egyptian government nationalized the canal, leading to the Suez Crisis.

Significance

The Suez Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world, with an estimated 10% of the world's sea trade passing through it. It has played a significant role in world history, particularly in the 20th century, when it was closed due to wars and other conflicts.

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# Suez Canal

Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway located in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez. It was opened in 1869, and it is one of the most important waterways in the world, providing a faster and cheaper route between Europe and Asia.

## Technical Details

The Suez Canal is 193.30 km (120.11 miles) long and 24 meters (79 feet) deep. It has no locks, and its width varies from 300 meters (984 feet) at its narrowest point to 365 meters (1,197 feet) at its widest point. The canal has a north-south direction, and it is divided into two main sections: the Northern Approach Channel and the Southern Approach Channel.

## History

The idea of a canal linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea dates back to ancient times, when the pharaohs of Egypt dug a canal from the Nile River to the Red Sea. However, the canal was abandoned due to silting and flooding.

In the 19th century, the idea was revived, and a French engineer, Ferdinand de Lesseps, was appointed to oversee the construction of the canal. The canal was completed in 1869, and it was initially owned by the French and British. However, in 1956, the Egyptian government nationalized the canal, leading to the Suez Crisis.

## Significance

The Suez Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world, with an estimated 10% of the world's sea trade passing through it. It has played a significant role in world history, particularly in the 20th century, when it was closed due to wars and other conflicts.