Seaports in Egypt, Africa View of the Isthmus of Suez Canal. View of the Isthmus of Suez Canal.

The Suez Canal is the artificial maritime route that links the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. When it opened, it reduced the distances between the European and Asian markets and became the world's most used maritime trade route. It also meant ships no longer had to circumnavigate Africa and skirt the Cape of Good Hope to reach the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Construction of the Suez Canal was proposed by Ferdinand de Lesseps who, in 1854, managed to interest the Viceroy of Egypt, Sa'id Pasha, in starting the work. The canal is 101 miles (163 kilometers) long, 46 feet (14 meters) deep, and 197 to 328 feet (60 to 100 meters) wide.