Question

why is the suez canal so important to international shipping? it connects the jordan river to the persian gulf, making it cheaper to ship oil to other parts of southwest asia. it makes it possible to get from the mediterranean to the red sea without sailing around africa. it allows ships to get out of the persian gulf. it is iraq’s only waterway to the persian gulf.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• The first option is incorrect because the Suez Canal does not connect the Jordan River to the Persian Gulf.
• The second option is correct. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, providing a shortcut for ships traveling between Europe (via the Mediterranean) and Asia (via the Red Sea/Indian Ocean), eliminating the need to sail around the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope), which significantly reduces travel time and cost.
• The third option is incorrect. The Suez Canal is not the route for ships to get out of the Persian Gulf; that would be via the Strait of Hormuz.
• The fourth option is incorrect. The Suez Canal is not in Iraq; it is in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas.

Answer:

B. It makes it possible to get from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea without sailing around Africa.