
Geopolitical significance of Suez canal
The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez and dividing Africa and Asia. It offers vessels a direct route between the North Atlantic and northern Indian oceans via the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, saving around 8900km or 8-10 days travel. Recent blockage of Suez Canal made its significance higher than ever before.
Geographical significance of Suez Canal
- Shortest route: It offers shortest route reducing the journey distance from the Arabian Sea to London by approximately 8,900 kilometers (5,500 mi), or 8 days at 24knts to 10 days at 20knts.
- Connecting 2 important seas: It connects Mediterranean Sea & red sea.
- Separating 2 continents: It separates African continent from Asia.
Political significance of Suez Canal
- Global dependence: The canal is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with nearly 19,000 ships in 2020 with average 51.5 ships a day.
- Economic lifeline: Nearly 12% world trade passes through suez canal amounting approximately $400 million every hour.
- Crucial for oil: Providing a crucial link for oil, natural gas between east and west.
- Source of income for Egypt: This is major source of income for Egypt with more than $ 5.5 billion in 2020.
Geopolitical importance of Suez Canal is higher than ever in present times. Egypt government is planning to widen canal with a parallel construction for one way traffic movement to avoid instances like recent blockage of canal.