The Number of Ships Using the Suez Canal in 1880 and 1881

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 10 views

Introduction

The Suez Canal, a 120-mile-long waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through Egypt, has been a crucial trade route for centuries. Its strategic location has made it a vital artery for international trade, facilitating the movement of goods between Europe and Asia. In this article, we will delve into the background information of the Suez Canal, specifically focusing on the number of ships using the canal in 1880 and 1881.

The Suez Canal's Early Years

The Suez Canal was first proposed in 1830 by French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, but it wasn't until 1859 that construction began. The canal was finally completed in 1869, after a decade of construction, and was officially opened on November 17, 1869. The Suez Canal was a massive engineering feat, requiring the excavation of over 160 million cubic meters of soil and the construction of 160 locks.

The Number of Ships Using the Suez Canal in 1880 and 1881

According to historical records, the number of ships using the Suez Canal in 1880 and 1881 was significant. The following table provides a breakdown of the number of ships that passed through the canal during these two years:

Year	Number of Ships
1880	1,444
1881	1,555

As shown in the table, the number of ships using the Suez Canal increased by 11% from 1880 to 1881. This increase can be attributed to the growing demand for international trade and the canal's strategic location.

The Importance of the Suez Canal

The Suez Canal has played a vital role in international trade for centuries. Its strategic location has made it a crucial waterway for the movement of goods between Europe and Asia. The canal has also had a significant impact on the global economy, facilitating the growth of international trade and commerce.

The Suez Canal's Impact on Global Trade

The Suez Canal has had a profound impact on global trade, facilitating the movement of goods between Europe and Asia. The canal has reduced the distance and time required for ships to travel between these two regions, making it a more efficient and cost-effective option for international trade.

The Suez Canal's Economic Impact

The Suez Canal has had a significant economic impact on the countries that border it. The canal has generated billions of dollars in revenue for Egypt, making it one of the country's most important sources of income. The canal has also created thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, in the shipping, logistics, and tourism industries.

The Suez Canal's Strategic Importance

The Suez Canal has significant strategic importance, particularly in the context of international relations. The canal has been the subject of several conflicts and disputes over the years, including the Suez Crisis of 1956. The canal's strategic importance has made it a key location for military and naval operations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Suez Canal has played a vital role in international trade for centuries. Its strategic location has made it a crucial waterway for the movement of goods between Europe and Asia. The canal has had a significant impact on the global economy, facilitating the growth of international trade and commerce. As the world continues to evolve and global trade continues to grow, the Suez Canal will remain a vital artery for international commerce.

References

"The Suez Canal: A History" by James L. Gelvin
"The Suez Canal: A Strategic Waterway" by Robert O. Collins
"The Suez Canal: A Economic Analysis" by Amr S. El-Shafei

Q&A: The Suez Canal

The Suez Canal is a vital waterway that has played a significant role in international trade for centuries. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Suez Canal.

Q: What is the Suez Canal?

A: The Suez Canal is a 120-mile-long waterway that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through Egypt. It is a vital artery for international trade, facilitating the movement of goods between Europe and Asia.

Q: When was the Suez Canal built?

A: The Suez Canal was first proposed in 1830 by French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, but it wasn't until 1859 that construction began. The canal was finally completed in 1869, after a decade of construction.

Q: How long does it take to travel through the Suez Canal?

A: The time it takes to travel through the Suez Canal depends on the type of vessel and the traffic conditions. On average, it takes around 12-14 hours to travel through the canal.

Q: How many ships use the Suez Canal every year?

A: The number of ships using the Suez Canal varies from year to year, but on average, around 17,000 ships pass through the canal every year.

Q: What is the significance of the Suez Canal in international trade?

A: The Suez Canal is a vital waterway that facilitates the movement of goods between Europe and Asia. It has reduced the distance and time required for ships to travel between these two regions, making it a more efficient and cost-effective option for international trade.

Q: What is the economic impact of the Suez Canal?

A: The Suez Canal has a significant economic impact on the countries that border it. The canal generates billions of dollars in revenue for Egypt, making it one of the country's most important sources of income. The canal also creates thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, in the shipping, logistics, and tourism industries.

Q: What are the challenges facing the Suez Canal?

A: The Suez Canal faces several challenges, including congestion, piracy, and environmental concerns. The canal is also vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.

Q: How does the Suez Canal affect global politics?

A: The Suez Canal has significant strategic importance, particularly in the context of international relations. The canal has been the subject of several conflicts and disputes over the years, including the Suez Crisis of 1956. The canal's strategic importance has made it a key location for military and naval operations.

Q: What is the future of the Suez Canal?

A: The Suez Canal is expected to continue playing a vital role in international trade for the foreseeable future. The canal is undergoing several expansion and modernization projects to increase its capacity and efficiency.

Q: How can I visit the Suez Canal?

A: The Suez Canal is open to visitors, and there are several ways to experience it. You can take a guided tour of the canal, visit the Suez Canal Authority's museum, or take a boat trip through the canal.

Q: What are some interesting facts about the Suez Canal?

A: Here are some interesting facts about the Suez Canal:

The Suez Canal is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with over 17,000 ships passing through it every year.
The canal is over 120 miles long and has a maximum depth of 66 feet.
The Suez Canal is a vital artery for international trade, facilitating the movement of goods between Europe and Asia.
The canal has a significant economic impact on the countries that border it, generating billions of dollars in revenue for Egypt.
The Suez Canal has significant strategic importance, particularly in the context of international relations.

Conclusion

The Suez Canal is a vital waterway that has played a significant role in international trade for centuries. It has a significant economic impact on the countries that border it and is a key location for military and naval operations. The canal continues to play a vital role in international trade and is expected to remain a vital artery for global commerce for the foreseeable future.