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The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separates southern Europe (Spain and the British territory of Gibraltar) from northern Africa (mainly Morocco).[wikipedia +1]
Location and size
• The strait lies between the southern tip of Spain and the northern coast of Morocco, marking the boundary between Europe and Africa.[britannica +1]
• It is about 36 miles (58 km) long and narrows to roughly 8–9 miles (13–14 km) at its narrowest point, making it one of the world’s best‑known maritime chokepoints.[gibraltar-city +1]
Physical features
• The waterway links two different seas, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the east.[wikipedia +1]
• Its depth varies from about 300 to 900 metres, deep enough for large ocean‑going ships to pass through safely.[worldatlas +1]
Water circulation
• Less salty Atlantic surface water flows eastward into the Mediterranean, while deeper, saltier Mediterranean water flows westward underneath, creating a two‑layer circulation system.[vajiramandravi +2]
• This exchange is crucial because it prevents the Mediterranean, which loses a lot of water to evaporation, from shrinking and becoming even saltier.[britannica +1]
Strategic and economic importance
• The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, carrying trade between Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia.[firmm +1]
• Because of its position as the only natural sea gateway between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, it has been of major military and commercial importance since ancient times and remains strategically significant today.[study +2]
Surrounding landmarks and politics
• The eastern entrance is framed by the legendary Pillars of Heracles: the Rock of Gibraltar to the north and either Mount Hacho or Jebel Moussa to the south.[worldatlas +1]
• The area involves several territories, including Spain, Morocco, Gibraltar (a British Overseas Territory), and nearby Spanish enclaves such as Ceuta, leading to ongoing political and territorial disputes.[study +1]