Red Sea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red Sea |
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Coordinates | 22°N 38°E / 22°N 38°E |
Primary inflows | Barka River, Haddas River, Anseba River, Wadi Gasus |
Primary outflows | Bab el Mandeb |
Max. length | 2,250 km (1,400 mi) |
Max. width | 355 km (221 mi) |
Surface area | 438,000 km2 (169,000 sq mi) |
Average depth | 490 m (1,610 ft) |
Max. depth | 3,040 m (9,970 ft) |
Water volume | 233,000 km3 (56,000 cu mi) |
The Red Sea is a long, narrow sea located between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula in Asia. It is connected to the Indian Ocean and is famous for its clear, salty water. This sea is about 2,200 kilometers (1,367 miles) long and less than 330 kilometers (205 miles) wide.
Many ships travel through the Red Sea. This is because the Suez Canal links it to the Mediterranean Sea. At its other end, the Bab-el-Mandeb strait connects it to the Indian Ocean. This makes the Red Sea a very important route for global shipping. Some major ports along its coast include Suez, Port Sudan, Jeddah, and Eilat.
The Red Sea gets its name because it sometimes looks reddish. This color comes from tiny red algae that live in its waters. The water here is saltier and clearer than most other seas. This is because very few rivers flow into it, bringing fresh water.
Contents
Why is the Red Sea a Great Place to Visit?
The weather around the Red Sea is usually dry and warm. This makes it a popular spot for holidays, especially for people from Europe. Many visitors come to enjoy the sun and the sea.
Exploring Underwater Life
The Red Sea is a paradise for divers. They love to swim underwater to see the amazing coral reefs and colorful fish. These reefs are home to many different kinds of sea creatures. Popular holiday towns for divers include Sharm el-Sheikh, Eilat, and Hurghada.
Countries Bordering the Red Sea
Several countries share a border with the Red Sea. These include Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel. Each country has its own unique connection to this important body of water.
The Red Sea in Ancient Stories
The Red Sea is mentioned in ancient texts, including the Bible. In the book of Exodus, it tells a famous story. According to the story, God parted the waters of the Red Sea. This allowed Moses and the Israelites to escape from the Egyptian army.
Images for kids
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Tihama on the Red Sea near Khaukha, Yemen
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An Ancient Egyptian ship on the Red Sea during the time of Queen Hatshepsut
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A Dust storm over the Red Sea
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A Hawksbill sea turtle in the Elphinstone Reef
See also
In Spanish: Mar Rojo para niños