Red Sea, Marine inlet between Africa and Asia
The Red Sea is a body of water between Africa and Asia that stretches roughly 1,200 miles from north to south. It connects the Suez Canal to the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, which opens into the Gulf of Aden and beyond to the Indian Ocean.
Egyptians began the first recorded explorations around 2500 BC and established trade routes to southern lands. This ancient shipping corridor shaped the region for thousands of years and remains one of the world's most important waterways today.
The Red Sea has served as a vital trade passage linking Europe, Africa, and Asia since ancient times. Today, it continues to connect different cultures through busy maritime traffic and fishing activities that sustain many coastal communities.
Water temperature varies from about 26°C in the north to 30°C in the south, with the warmest conditions occurring during summer months. Visitors should prepare for strong sun and bring sun protection, especially when spending time near the water.
The coral reefs along its coast are between 5,000 and 7,000 years old and rank among the world's oldest. These reefs shelter over 1,200 fish species, including many found nowhere else on Earth.
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