Oceans

The Atlantic Ocean borders the westernmost portion of the Middle East in northern Africa and the Indian Ocean lies to the east.

The Mediterranean Sea is considered to be one of the most important waterways of human history. The Mediterranean is about 2300 miles long and 1000 miles wide. Three narrow passages connect the Mediterranean to other bodies of water:

These passages have been among the most treasured commercial and military routes in history since they are such important links to major regions of the world.

The coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea are some of the most habitable places in the Middle East with fertile soils and pleasant climates. In Lebanon, coastlines are scenic and dramatic where steep mountains abut the sea.

The Red Sea may get its name from algae blooms that periodically occur in its warm waters.

With the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, the Red Sea became linked to the Mediterranean Sea and is now part of the shortest water route from Europe and eastern North America to Asia. As a result, it is now a major shipping lane.

The Red Sea is surrounded by desert and semi-arid land. Most of the coastlines are undeveloped, except around major cities like Mecca and Jiddah.

Red Sea Tourism-- Click Here (optional)

Suez Canal

Completion of the Suez Canal in 1869 had an enormous impact on transportation routes and international relations in the Middle East. Click Here to learn more about the history of the Suez Canal (optional). This link works intermittently.

The Persian Gulf is connected to the Arabian Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean. The oil-rich states bordering the Gulf depend on this route for transportation of oil, so it is of great economic importance and is the site of much international conflict. Two recent wars, the Iran-Iraq War (1980's) and Gulf War I (1990's) were fought here and the current war in Iraq is obviously being fought here as well.