The Suez Canal connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, providing a shortcut for maritime trade between Europe and Asia. The Suez Canal is situated in Egypt. The construction of the Suez Canal was overseen by the French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps, with work commencing in 1859.
The Suez Canal has been a focal point of geopolitics and international relations. Its closure or disruptions, such as during the Suez Crisis of 1956, can have significant impacts on global trade and diplomatic relations.