The **Suez Canal** separates the **Mediterranean Sea** from the **Red Sea**. This artificial waterway is essential for maritime trade, allowing ships to travel between Europe and Asia without circling around Africa. Completed in 1869, the canal drastically reduced travel time for shipping routes and has been a significant factor in global trading dynamics. The Suez Canal remains one of the most heavily trafficked waterways in the world, playing a critical role in international maritime commerce and the economy of the countries it borders.