If you have been eager to know more about the countries with the Red Sea coastline, then this blog post is for you.
Have you ever wondered how many countries have the Red Sea coastline? If yes, you’re not alone. Over 57.53% of travelers and tourists do ponder this.
You know, the Red Sea, a 2,000-kilometer-long body of water, is more than just a geographical feature; it’s more like a lifeline connecting continents, shaping histories, and impacting world politics.
You should enlighten yourself with our detailed article about the world continents and oceans map.
We will not only discuss in detail the countries with the Red Sea coastline, but we will also discuss the Red Sea’s geographical complexities, looking at its strategic location, interaction with the Indian Ocean, and impact on the neighboring landmasses and waterways.
Now, without wasting much time, let’s jump right into it.
Location and Connection to the Indian Ocean
The Red Sea, located between two large landmasses, serves as a link between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean.
The Suez Canal, which connects it to the Mediterranean at its northern end, is one of the world’s most important artificial waterways.
This canal, which opened in 1869, revolutionized world trade by reducing the distance between Europe and Asia by thousands of kilometers. As a result, it has become a pillar of international trade.
To emphasize its significance, consider that approximately 12% of global trade volume passes through it each year. As you can see, the Suez Canal is not just a waterway. It’s an economic powerhouse that facilitates the movement of goods ranging from oil and gas to consumer goods.
Also, the tolls paid by ships passing through the canal contribute significantly to Egypt’s national revenue.
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Surrounding Landmasses
The Red Sea is surrounded by two major landmasses: Africa to the west, and the Arabian Peninsula to the east. Because of its geographical location, the Red Sea has enormous relevance.
To the west, the African continent provides a wealth of resources such as minerals, agriculture, and fisheries, all of which are accessible via the Red Sea’s coastlines.
Coastal cities such as Suez in Egypt and Port Sudan in Sudan have grown into bustling trade and commerce hubs, contributing to the economic development of these countries.
The Arabian Peninsula, with countries such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman, commands a formidable presence along the Red Sea to the east.
These countries make use of their Red Sea coastline for trade, particularly in the oil and gas industry.
For example, the Saudi city of Jeddah has one of the region’s largest seaports, making it an important player in the transportation of energy resources to global markets.
Additionally, the Red Sea also has strategically important waterways. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, located near the Red Sea’s southern end, is a chokepoint that regulates access to the Red Sea from the Indian Ocean.
This strait is critical for worldwide trade since it serves as a gateway to the Suez Canal and, by extension, Europe.
It’s importance cannot be overemphasized, as evidenced by the fact that more than 10% of world trade passes through this restricted channel.
Furthermore, the Red Sea’s proximity to volatile regions such as the Middle East and the Horn of Africa adds a layer of complexity to its geopolitics.
The Red Sea has witnessed international tensions, naval deployments, and power struggles, all reflecting the region’s importance in global politics.
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9 Countries With Red Sea Coastline
The Red Sea, a beautiful body of water that connects Africa and Asia, is graced by the shores of nine countries, each with its own set of traits, difficulties, and contributions to the region in which it is located.
In this section, we will go deeply into these nine nations, discussing their geographical features, demography, and economic significance.
1. Egypt
Egypt is one of the countries with the Red Sea coastline. Egypt is located in northeastern Africa and shares its western border with Libya and its southern border with Sudan. It is bounded by the Red Sea to the east and Mediterranean Sea to the north.
Egypt’s northern region is known as the Nile Delta, where the Nile River empties into the Mediterranean, while the country’s eastern border extends along the Red Sea.
Egypt boasts approximately 1,500 kilometers of breathtaking shoreline, making it a true Red Sea coastline giant. This country’s impact on the history of the Red Sea is enormous.
Known for its world-class resorts in Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada, Egypt’s Red Sea coast is a global tourist destination, attracting people eager to discover its brilliant coral reefs and azure waters.
Egypt’s coastline areas are densely populated, with bustling cities such as Suez and Safaga. These cities serve as important commerce hubs, leveraging Egypt’s geographical location on the Red Sea.
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2. Sudan
The second country on our list of countries with a Red Sea coastline is Sudan. Sudan is located south of Egypt, it extends further southward and is bounded by countries like Libya, Chad, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Ethiopia.
With over 700 kilometres of the Red Sea shoreline, Sudan provides a one-of-a-kind combination of natural beauty and historical significance.
Sudan’s Red Sea coastline is vital to the country’s economy, supporting trade and commerce. Also, Port Sudan, a significant port city, is critical for the export of agricultural products and minerals from Sudan.
That’s not all, the region’s significance is emphasized further by its location along critical shipping routes connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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3. Eritrea
Eritrea is also one of the countries with the Red Sea coastline. Eritrea is a country in northeastern Africa. It borders Sudan on the west, Ethiopia on the south, and Djibouti on the southeast. The coastline of Eritrea along the Red Sea expands to the east, allowing access to this critical waterway.
Eritrea is rich in history and culture, with roughly 1,150 kilometres of coastline along the Red Sea. Also, Massawa, a historical port city, is located in Eritrea. This port is also known as the “Pearl of the Red Sea”. It exemplifies Eritrea’s rich maritime heritage.
Eritrea’s coastal regions are economically significant despite their modest population. Many Eritreans rely on fishing and maritime activities for a living.
Furthermore, Eritrea’s coastline, with its ancient landmarks and pristine scenery, has the potential to become a major tourism centre.
4. Djibouti
Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa. It is bound to the north by Eritrea and to the west and south by Ethiopia. Its eastern border meets the Red Sea, making it strategically important due to its proximity to key maritime routes.
Because of its strategic location, it has acquired the name “The Gateway to the Red Sea.”. Djibouti boasts approximately 370-kilometre-long coastline. This coastline serves as a hub for international trade and naval activities.
The country’s ports, especially the Port of Djibouti, play an important role in transporting products between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Djibouti’s Red Sea coastline is buzzing with activity, reflecting the country’s essential position in global logistics and trade.
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5. Yemen
Yemen, which is located in the south of the Arabian Peninsula is next on our list. It is bordered by Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the north.
Yemen’s southern coastline stretches along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which connects to the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.
Yemen’s Red Sea coastline stretches over 2,000 kilometres, passing through cities like Aden and Al-Hudaydah.
Yemen’s unique location near the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula allows it to play an important role in regional politics and economy.
Despite facing challenges due to political instability, Yemen’s Red Sea coast remains an essential maritime route. The Port of Aden, for instance, has historical significance and continues to be a hub for shipping and trade in the region.
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6. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is also one of the countries with the Red Sea coastline. It occupies a large chunk of the Arabian Peninsula. It has a long Red Sea coastline to the west, stretching from the Gulf of Aqaba in the north to the southern areas.
It borders Jordan and Iraq on the north and Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar on the east.
Saudi Arabia, with a Red Sea coastline reaching over 2,000 km, is a heavyweight in the area’s geopolitics and economy. Also, cities like Jeddah and Yanbu serve as major ports, facilitating trade with Europe and Asia.
Truth is, the Red Sea is more than just a waterway; it also has enormous economic worth for Saudi Arabia.
The country’s Red Sea coast is critical to the oil and gas industry, with various refineries and export terminals dotting the coastline.
Additionally, it serves as a popular tourist destination for those looking for a mix of history and natural beauty.
7. Jordan
The eighth country on our list of countries with a Red Sea coastline is Jordan. Jordan is located in the Middle East, bordering Syria on the north and Saudi Arabia on the east and south. It has a tiny shoreline in the south along the Gulf of Aqaba, which connects it to the Red Sea.
Jordan’s proximity to the Red Sea through the Gulf of Aqaba, with a coastline of about 27-kilometre, is a strategic asset. Despite Jordan’s restricted coastline, it has evolved the port city of Aqaba into a successful economic centre.
Aqaba’s location allows Jordan to bypass regional conflicts and access global markets through the Red Sea. In fact, Jordan has become an attractive destination for investors, with special economic zones and tourism initiatives.
8. Israel
Israel is a country in the eastern Mediterranean region. It shares land borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest.
The Red Sea coastline of Israel is located in the southernmost city of Eilat, which is located along the Gulf of Aqaba. It offers a distinct blend of modernity and natural beauty.
While Israel’s Red Sea coast is relatively short, it’s economically significant. The port of Eilat acts as a vital transit point for commodities traveling to and from Israel, providing an alternative to Mediterranean ports.
Not just that, Eilat also attracts visitors from all over the world due to its beautiful beaches and diverse marine life.
9. Somalia
Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa, with Ethiopia to the west and Kenya to the southwest. It has a shoreline along the Gulf of Aden to the north and a coastline along the Indian Ocean to the east.
The Red Sea coastline of Somalia, which stretches over almost 800 kilometres, has enormous potential. Despite threats such as piracy and political instability, Somalia’s coastline remains an important asset.
The Red Sea is a lifeline for Somalis, sustaining fishing and marine enterprises. With stability, this country might tap into the economic possibilities of its Red Sea coast and play a larger role in regional trade.
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FAQs
- Which countries are on the coast of the Red Sea?
Countries on the coast of the red sea are; Djibouti, Egypt, Sudan, Israel, Eritrea, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and Jordan.
- Which country has the longest Red Sea coastline?
Egypt has the longest Red Sea coastline.
- How many countries share a border with the Red Sea?
Nine countries share a border with the Red Sea.
- What is the only country in the world with a coastline on both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf?
Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world with a coastline on both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
Countries With Read Sea Coastline (Conclusion)
The Red Sea, with its vast coastline linking Africa and Asia, is much more than a topographical feature; it is a dynamic lifeline that has molded histories, transformed economies, and influenced world politics.
Each of the countries with a Red Sea coastline has its own set of traits, difficulties, and contributions to the region in which they are located.
From Egypt’s thriving tourism industry to Saudi Arabia’s vital role in the oil and gas sector, these countries play a critical role in shaping the Red Sea’s economic and political landscape.
Despite challenges and conflicts, the Red Sea remains a beacon of opportunity for the countries that surround it.