What sea separates Saudi Arabia from Africa?
Quick answer
The Red Sea separates Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula from northeastern Africa, including Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea. It’s about 2,250 km (1,400 miles) long and connects to the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and to the Indian Ocean through the narrow Bab-el-Mandeb strait.
Red Sea facts
| Length | ~2,250 km |
| Maximum width | ~355 km |
| Deepest point | ~3,040 m |
| Countries on its coast | Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Israel, Jordan |
| Connects to | Mediterranean (Suez Canal) and Gulf of Aden / Indian Ocean (Bab-el-Mandeb) |
How it formed
The Red Sea is a young rift, created as the Arabian Plate pulls away from the African Plate at about 1 cm per year. Millions of years from now, it may widen into a new ocean.
Why is it called “red”?
No one knows for sure. Popular explanations include:
- Seasonal blooms of a red-brown algae (Trichodesmium) that can tint the water
- The red mountains along its shores
- An ancient system where colors stood for directions, with red meaning south
Why it matters
- Trade: About 12% of world trade passes through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, linking Europe and Asia.
- Coral reefs: Its reefs are among the most colorful and heat-tolerant in the world, popular with divers in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
- Salt: It’s one of the saltiest seas connected to the ocean, because of strong evaporation and few rivers flowing in.
The Red Sea borders Jordan’s Gulf of Aqaba, a gateway to Petra. For the ocean’s deepest point, see the Mariana Trench.
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