It’s been a year since Houthi militants began attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea, leading to a major disruption in global trade. 

• Commercial ships now largely avoid the Suez Canal – the shortest sea link between Asia and Europe – and instead voyage longer round the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. 

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Location

• The Red Sea is the northernmost tropical sea and a crucial waterway for global trade.
• It spans a surface area of 438,000 km², with a length of 2,250 km, a maximum width of 355 km, and a deepest point of 3,040 m (Suakin Trough).
• Situated between Africa and Asia, it is a semi-enclosed inlet of the Indian Ocean.
• Connected to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden.

Surrounding Nations of Red Sea

• Eastern Border: Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
• Western Border: Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea.
• Gulf of Aqaba Border: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

Straits and Connections

• Bab el-Mandeb Strait: Links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
• Strait of Tiran : Situated at the northern end of the Red Sea, separating the Sinai Peninsula from the Saudi Arabian coastline and providing access to the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Suez Canal: Connects the northern end of the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, enabling global shipping. The Suez Canal  was opened in 1869 and it remains a key part of the maritime route.

Economic Significance of Red Sea 

• Global Trade: Approximately 7% of global sea trade passes through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
• Fisheries: Supports the livelihood of coastal communities, generating annual revenue of $230 million.
• Tourism: Coral reefs and resorts generate approximately $12 billion annually.
• Minerals: Rich in resources like gypsum, dolomite, phosphates, and oil/natural gas deposits.

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Islands of the Red Sea

• Over 1,000 islands, including the Farasan Islands (east) and the Dahlak Archipelago (west).
• Prominent islands include Tiran Island, Shadwan Island, Kamaran, and Socotra.

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