Question

What was the main reason for building the Suez Canal?

Answer 1

allowing Indian merchants to reach the eastern coast of Africa

Answer 2

The Suez Canal is an Egyptian sea level waterway built in the isthmus of Suez  between the years 1859 and 1869. It is an important structure because most of the goods transported around the world back then and nowadays, is done by sea. The Suez Canal officially opened for business on November 17th 1969.

The main reason for opening the canal was that it offered Indian merchants a shorter way to reach Africa. B will be the correct answer. Now, the canal allows vessels a much shorter trip between the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Indian Ocean by way of the Mediterranean sea and the Red sea. Avoiding the South Atlantic southern tip saves ships about 6.000 Km.

The Suez Canal Authority owes and maintains the canal which can be used by merchant and war vessels alike, during peace or war times without distinction of nationality or flag.