Suez Canal began construction in 1859. The 120-mile canal connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea began operations November 17, 1869. The canal has no locks because the two seas are fairly level. Children can find interesting facts and great photographs at: Suez Canal.
Flag of Eritrea
Eritrea celebrates Independence Day. It broke away from Ethiopia in 1993. The African country, bordering the Red Sea, was once under Italian and then British control. According to the CIA World Factbook, Eritrea is a bit smaller than Pennsylvania. About 6.3 million people live in the country, and about 80 percent of them are subsistence farmers. Deserts dominate the land along the Red Sea, but the central highlands are more temperate. Asmara is the capital. Children can learn more at: Eritrea.
Suez Canal
Suez Canal began operating in 1869. Construction began on April 25, 1859. The canal, which took ten years to construct, connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Today the canal is 120 miles long and about 80 feet deep. It has no locks. Children can find interesting facts and great photographs at: Suez Canal.