Isthmus of Suez

The Isthmus of Suez is a geographical feature in northeastern Egypt that connects Africa and Asia. It is a narrow strip of land situated between the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the south.1

This isthmus is famously bisected by the Suez Canal, a vital human-made waterway completed in 1869. The canal provides the shortest maritime route between Europe and Asia, significantly impacting global trade and shipping. Historically, various waterways existed in this region to connect the Nile River Delta with the Red Sea, facilitating trade as early as 1850 BCE. The modern canal, a partnership between Egypt and France, has become one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The city of Suez is located at the southern end of the canal, on the Gulf of Suez.23