One question on Suez Canal?
VerifiedAnswer: The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt
Explanation:
The Suez Canal stands as one of the world's most important artificial waterways, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through Egypt. This remarkable engineering achievement stretches approximately 193 kilometers (120 miles) from Port Said in the north to Suez in the south, creating a vital shortcut for international maritime trade.
Construction of this monumental project began in 1859 under the direction of French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps and took ten years to complete. The canal officially opened on November 17, 1869, transforming global shipping routes forever. What makes it particularly special is that it's a sea-level canal, meaning ships can pass through without the need for locks, unlike other major canals such as the Panama Canal.
The strategic importance of the Suez Canal cannot be overstated. Before its construction, ships traveling from Europe to Asia had to navigate around the entire African continent via the Cape of Good Hope, adding thousands of miles and weeks to their journey. The canal reduced this journey by approximately 7,000 kilometers, making trade faster, cheaper, and more efficient.
Today, the Suez Canal handles about 12% of global trade and nearly 30% of all container traffic. Over 18,000 vessels pass through it annually, carrying everything from oil and gas to consumer goods. The canal generates significant revenue for Egypt, contributing billions of dollars to the country's economy each year.
The canal has undergone several expansions to accommodate modern shipping needs. The most recent major expansion was completed in 2015, allowing for two-way traffic along most of its length and enabling larger ships to pass through safely. This expansion reduced waiting times and increased the canal's capacity significantly.
