The Suez Canal was constructed in the mid-19th century and officially opened in 1869. It was built as a way to shorten the sailing distance from Europe to Asia by allowing ships to avoid the circuitous route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.
The canal is a key economic asset for Egypt and has become a vital link in international trade, playing a major role in the global shipping industry. The canal generates significant revenue for Egypt through tolls charged to passing ships.
The Suez Canal has also played a significant role in military strategy throughout history. It has been subject to several conflicts and wars, including the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973, which led to the closure of the canal for eight years.
In recent years, the canal witnessed major expansion projects, including the construction of a new shipping lane, the New Suez Canal, which is a parallel waterway to the historical canal. The expansion aims to increase the canal’s capacity and ensure the safe passage of larger vessels.
The cities located along the Suez Canal include Port Said at its northern entrance and Suez at its southern entrance. These cities serve as important ports and hubs for trade and commerce, further contributing to the economic significance of the canal. Additionally, Ismailia is a city located along the canal’s route, serving as an administrative center and residential area for those working on or near the canal. The Suez Canal’s southern portion is located 120 kilometers from Cairo’s downtown, the capital city of Egypt, and the most populated metropolitan in the Middle East.
