The Suez Canal is an iconic waterway that was completed in 1869 in Egypt, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. This crucial canal dramatically reduces the maritime distance between Europe and Asia by eliminating the need for ships to navigate around the southern tip of Africa. It spans approximately 120 miles and operates without locks, as the Mediterranean is approximately the same sea-level as the Red Sea. The canal significantly bolsters international trade by facilitating the swift movement of goods, drastically cutting travel times for vessels en route to various global destinations, making it one of the most strategically important maritime corridors in the world. Today, the Suez Canal remains vital for global commerce, handling over 12% of global trade, and connecting major economies directly.