The Suez Canal is 120 miles long, with 12% of global trade passing through. It is over 200 metres wide and 23 metres deep. It connects the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea, starting at Port Said and ending at Suez Port.

It’s by far the most direct shipping route between Asia and Europe. Prior to its existence, vessels had to travel around the south of Africa. 19,000 ships passed through the waterway in 2020, according to the Suez Canal Authority. Construction began back in 1859, when Egypt was under colonial rule of France and Great Britain. At the time, the whole process created tensions between the two empires.

Why is the Suez Canal so important? When was the Suez Canal built? Who does the canal actually belong to? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A Bababam Originals podcast written and produced by Joseph Chance.

In partnership with upday UK.

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