The body of water that separates France from the United Kingdom is the English Channel, also known as La Manche in French. This narrow sea passage is about 33.8 kilometers (21 miles) at its shortest point, making it a strategic point for trade and travel between the two countries. The Channel has historically played a crucial role in military conflicts, commerce, and the movement of people. It is also famous for the Channel Tunnel, an underwater rail link that connects Folkestone in Britain to Coquelles near Calais in France, facilitating transportation between the countries.