The Red Sea is considered one of the most important seas in the world due to its geographical, economic, and historical significance. It stretches between the continents of Asia and Africa and serves as a strategic maritime passage connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal.
But one question many people may not know the answer to is: How many countries border the Red Sea? And which are they?
Countries Bordering the Red Sea
There are seven countries that have a direct coastline on the Red Sea. These countries are spread across Asia and Africa:
- Egypt
- Sudan
- Eritrea
- Djibouti
- Saudi Arabia
- Yemen
- Jordan (with a very small coastline)
So, in total, seven main countries border the Red Sea. Some countries, like Jordan, have a limited or indirect access, but they are still considered part of the geographic and economic framework surrounding the Red Sea.
Egypt
Egypt lies on the northwestern coast of the Red Sea, with its shoreline stretching from Suez in the north to Halayeb in the south. The Suez Canal, which connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, is one of the world’s most vital maritime passages. Additionally, Egypt’s Red Sea region—particularly the cities of Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh—is a major hub for tourism and economic activity.
Sudan
Sudan’s coastline along the Red Sea extends for over 700 kilometers, featuring important seaports such as Port Sudan, which serves as the country’s main maritime artery for both exports and imports.
Eritrea
Eritrea boasts a long 1,000-kilometer coastline on the Red Sea and includes several strategic islands like the Dahlak Archipelago. Eritrean ports are crucial for regional and international maritime traffic, particularly due to their proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia borders the eastern coast of the Red Sea, with its shoreline stretching from Haql in the north to Jazan in the south. Major coastal cities include Jeddah, Yanbu, and Al-Wajh. The Red Sea is a key maritime route for Saudi Arabia, providing access to the Suez Canal and the North African markets.
Yemen
Yemen’s coastline on the Red Sea extends from Midi in the north to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the south—one of the world’s most critical and vulnerable maritime chokepoints. Yemen is home to important ports such as Al Hudaydah.
Jordan
Jordan has a small coastline—about 26 kilometers—on the Red Sea through the city of Aqaba at the country’s southern tip. Despite its short length, this coastal access provides Jordan with a strategic and vital gateway to the sea.
Djibouti
Located in the southwestern corner of the Red Sea, Djibouti sits right at the entrance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, giving it immense strategic and military significance. Its ports serve as a major maritime outlet for landlocked countries like Ethiopia.
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The importance of the Red Sea
The Red Sea holds immense importance due to its strategic location, economic value, and ecological uniqueness. Here’s why it matters:
Strategic Maritime Route
The Red Sea connects the Mediterranean Sea (via the Suez Canal) to the Indian Ocean (via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait), forming one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Over 10% of global trade passes through it, including vital oil and gas shipments.
Economic Significance
Coastal nations benefit from:
- Ports and trade hubs (like Port Sudan, Jeddah, and Suez)
- Tourism in cities like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada
- Fishing and marine resources
Military and Geopolitical Importance
The Red Sea is a key area for naval operations and regional power dynamics, especially at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow chokepoint critical for global energy transport.
Ecological and Environmental Value
The Red Sea hosts some of the world’s most diverse coral reefs, which are remarkably resilient to climate change, making it a vital marine biodiversity hotspot.
In summary, the Red Sea is not only a lifeline for global commerce, but also a geopolitical hotspot and ecological treasure.
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Landlocked Countries
Countries that do not have access to any sea or ocean are known as landlocked countries. There are about 44 such countries around the world. Some of the most notable include:
- Afghanistan
- Ethiopia
- Chad
- Niger
- Uganda
- Armenia
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Luxembourg
- Nepal
- Bolivia
- Zambia
These countries often face challenges in international trade and maritime transport, making them heavily dependent on neighboring nations for access to seaports.
In summary, seven main countries border the Red Sea: Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Jordan. Each country holds unique geographic, political, economic, and security significance in the region.
Since the Red Sea connects three continents (Africa, Asia, and Europe) and contains strategic straits and ports, it remains a central focus of global cooperation and competition. The region continues to attract international attention due to its role in global trade routes and geopolitical dynamics.