Which one of the following statements about the Suez Canal is not correct ?
The Suez Canal was constructed in 1869.
It links the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
It has a six lock system and ships cross the different levels through these locks.
It has given Europe a new gateway to the Indian Ocean.
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2019
A) The Suez Canal was constructed in 1869. This is correct; it officially opened on November 17, 1869.
B) It links the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. This is correct; it provides a direct waterway between Port Said on the Mediterranean and Suez on the Red Sea.
C) It has a six lock system and ships cross the different levels through these locks. This is incorrect. The Suez Canal is a sea-level canal. This means there is no significant difference in water level between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, and therefore, locks are not needed for ships to transit.
D) It has given Europe a new gateway to the Indian Ocean. This is correct. Before the canal, ships had to sail around the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope) to travel between Europe and the Indian Ocean/Asia. The Suez Canal drastically shortened this route, making it a vital gateway.
– Opened in 1869.
– Connects Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea.
– Shortened the sea route between Europe and Asia/Indian Ocean.