Compagnie Universelle du Canal Maritime de Suez

The Compagnie Universelle du Canal Maritime de Suez was a company formed in the 19th century to undertake the construction and operation of the Suez Canal in Egypt. This canal, completed in 1869, created a direct maritime passage between the Mediterranean and Red Seas, significantly shortening travel time for ships between Europe and Asia. The company managed the canal's infrastructure and passage fees until the Egyptian government bought its shares in 1956. The Suez Canal remains a vital global shipping route, and the company's history is central to the development of international trade and modern engineering feats.