The Suez Canal (opened 1869)

The Suez Canal, opened in 1869, is a crucial man-made waterway in Egypt connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. It allows ships to travel between Europe, Asia, and Africa without navigating around Africa’s southern tip, significantly reducing travel time and costs. The canal is about 120 miles long and is one of the busiest shipping routes globally, facilitating the movement of goods such as oil, gas, and manufactured products. Its strategic importance has made it a key geopolitical asset, influencing global trade and energy supplies.