The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway opened in 1869, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through [[Egypt]]. It is owned and operated by the Suez Canal Authority, an Egyptian state-owned entity. Key features: - Location: Connects Mediterranean Sea to Red Sea - Length: 193 kilometers (120 miles) - Ownership: Egyptian government (nationalized in 1956) - Significance: * Crucial maritime trade route * Shortest sea link between Europe and Asia * Handles about 12% of global trade * Major source of foreign currency for Egypt Major developments: - 1869: Original opening - 1956: Suez Crisis and nationalization - 2015: Major expansion (New Suez Canal) - 2021: Ever Given blockage incident Economic importance: - Generates billions in annual revenue for Egypt - Reduces voyage time and costs for shipping - Key route for oil and natural gas shipments - Strategic importance in global maritime trade The canal remains one of Egypt's most important economic assets and a crucial part of global maritime infrastructure.