Switzerland’s landlocked geography
Switzerland is a landlocked country that is bordered by five countries: Germany to the north, Austria and Liechtenstein to the east, Italy to the south, and France to the west. Due to its geographical location, Switzerland has no direct access to the sea. However, it is connected to various seas through its neighboring countries and man-made waterways.
The African sea linked to Switzerland
Although Switzerland does not share a direct border with Africa, it is still connected to the continent through the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Sea is the African sea that is linked to Switzerland, and it is located between Africa, Europe, and Asia. The sea is home to various countries such as Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.
The Mediterranean Sea: the closest option?
The Mediterranean Sea is the closest African sea to Switzerland and is easily accessible through neighboring countries such as Italy and France. Switzerland relies heavily on the Mediterranean Sea for trade and transportation of goods. The sea is also a popular tourist destination for Swiss residents and visitors due to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and rich history.
The Red Sea: an indirect connection
Although the Red Sea is located in close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, it is not directly connected to Switzerland. However, the Red Sea is connected to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal, which is a man-made waterway that connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. The Suez Canal is a vital trade route that connects Asia, Europe, and Africa and is used by ships to avoid the long and dangerous route around the southern tip of Africa.
The Suez Canal: a man-made shortcut
The Suez Canal is a 120-mile-long artificial waterway that was built in the late 19th century and opened in 1869. The canal was built to provide a shortcut for ships traveling between Europe and Asia, avoiding the long and treacherous journey around the southern tip of Africa. The Suez Canal has played a significant role in international trade and is a vital link between the African sea and the rest of the world.
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait: a gateway to the Indian Ocean
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is a narrow waterway that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The strait is located between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea in Africa. The strait is a vital shipping route and is of strategic importance due to its location near the Horn of Africa and its proximity to the Suez Canal.
The Gulf of Aden: a troubled waterway
The Gulf of Aden is a body of water located between Somalia and Yemen in the Arabian Sea. The Gulf of Aden is a troubled waterway due to piracy and instability in the region. Despite the challenges, the Gulf of Aden remains an important shipping route for goods traveling between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The Arabian Sea: a vast expanse of water
The Arabian Sea is a vast body of water located between the Arabian Peninsula and India. The sea is an important shipping route and is home to various countries such as India, Pakistan, Oman, and Yemen. The Arabian Sea is connected to the African sea through the Gulf of Aden and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
The Bay of Bengal: a far-flung option
The Bay of Bengal is a large body of water located in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. The bay is bordered by India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia. Although the Bay of Bengal is a far-flung option for Switzerland, it is still connected to the African sea through the Indian Ocean.
The Mozambique Channel: a long shot
The Mozambique Channel is a narrow body of water that separates Madagascar from Mozambique in southeast Africa. Although the channel is a long shot for Switzerland, it still provides a connection to the African sea for neighboring countries such as South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Conclusion: Switzerland’s maritime connections
Although Switzerland is a landlocked country, it is still connected to various seas through neighboring countries and man-made waterways. The Mediterranean Sea is the African sea that is linked to Switzerland and is used heavily for trade and transportation of goods. The Suez Canal is a man-made shortcut that connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, providing a vital link between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Further reading: exploring Swiss-African ties
To learn more about the relationship between Switzerland and Africa, check out the Swiss-African Business Circle website, which aims to promote economic and business ties between Switzerland and African countries. Additionally, the Swiss Development Cooperation works in various African countries to promote sustainable development and improve the lives of people in the region.
