Which are the two water bodies that Egypt is bordered by?

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By Caroline Lascom

Egypt’s Borders

Egypt, officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country located in North Africa and the Middle East. It is bordered by Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, Israel and Gaza Strip to the northeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. Egypt is also bordered by two major water bodies, the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.

Egypt’s Water Borders

Egypt is in a unique geographical location where it is bordered by two major water bodies, the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. These water bodies have played a significant role in the development of Egypt’s history, culture, trade, and economy.

The First Water Body: The Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea is the first water body that Egypt is bordered by. It is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by the Mediterranean Basin and almost completely enclosed by land. The sea is known for its clear waters and sandy beaches which attract tourists from all over the world.

Location and Characteristics of the Mediterranean Coastline

The Mediterranean coastline stretches along the northern part of Egypt, covering the cities of Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh, and Damietta. It is characterized by its sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and fertile lands. The coastline is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including marine mammals such as dolphins and seals.

The Second Water Body: The Red Sea

The Red Sea is the second water body that Egypt is bordered by. It is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia, and is one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments. The Red Sea is known for its coral reefs, tropical fish, and crystal-clear waters.

Location and Characteristics of the Red Sea Coastline

The Red Sea coastline stretches along the eastern part of Egypt, covering the cities of Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Dahab. It is characterized by its unique landscape, including rocky mountains, coastal plains, and sandy beaches. The coastline is also home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, turtles, and colorful fish.

Importance of the Two Water Bodies to Egypt

The two water bodies, the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, have played a crucial role in the development of Egypt’s history, culture, trade, and economy. They have been used for transportation, fishing, tourism, and trade, contributing significantly to the country’s development.

Historical Significance of the Two Water Bodies

Both the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea have played a significant role in Egypt’s history, dating back to the Pharaonic era. The Mediterranean Sea was used for trade and transportation by the ancient Egyptians, while the Red Sea was used to transport goods such as myrrh and frankincense to and from the Arabian Peninsula.

Current Uses of the Two Water Bodies

Today, the two water bodies are used for a variety of purposes. The Mediterranean Sea is used for fishing, tourism, and transportation, while the Red Sea is used for fishing, diving, and snorkeling. Both water bodies are also used for transportation of goods and oil.

Environmental Concerns for the Two Water Bodies

Despite their importance to Egypt’s economy, the two water bodies are facing environmental challenges such as pollution, overfishing, and coral reef destruction. The Egyptian government has implemented measures to address these challenges, including the establishment of marine reserves and the adoption of sustainable fishing practices.

Conclusion: Egypt’s Unique Position

Egypt’s unique position, being bordered by two major water bodies, has contributed significantly to its history, culture, trade, and economy. The Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea have supported Egypt’s growth and development for centuries, and continue to do so today. It is essential for Egypt to continue to protect and preserve these vital resources for future generations.

References and Further Reading

  • "Egypt: Geography & Climate." World Atlas. Accessed August 12, 2021. https://www.worldatlas.com/geo/eg.html.
  • "Egypt’s Rich Maritime History." Egypt Today. Accessed August 12, 2021. https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/50225/Egypts-rich-maritime-history.
  • "Red Sea." Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed August 12, 2021. https://www.britannica.com/place/Red-Sea.
  • "The Mediterranean Sea." Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed August 12, 2021. https://www.britannica.com/place/Mediterranean-Sea.
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Caroline Lascom

Caroline is a seasoned travel writer and editor, passionate about exploring the world. She currently edits captivating travel content at TravelAsker, having previously contributed her exceptional skills to well-known travel guidebooks like Frommer’s, Rough Guides, Footprint, and Fodor’s. Caroline holds a bachelor's degree in Latin American studies from Manchester University (UK) and a master's degree in literature from Northwestern University. Having traveled to 67 countries, her journeys have fueled her love for storytelling and sharing the world's wonders.

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