The Gulf of Suez, located in Egypt, is commonly misspelled as "Gulf of Sue's" or "Gulf of Sooz". However, the correct transcription is [ɡʌlf əv suːz]. The "gulf" is pronounced with a short "u" sound and the "of" is unstressed, making it sound like "uh". The "Suez" has a long "u" sound followed by a "z" sound. A helpful tip is to remember that "Suez" is pronounced like "soo-ess" without the "th" sound at the end.
The Gulf of Suez is a prominent geographical feature located in northeastern Egypt, connecting the Red Sea to the south with the Mediterranean Sea to the north. This narrow waterway stretches approximately 195 kilometers (121 miles) from its entrance at the town of Ras Gharib in the south to the Bitter Lakes region in the north. It is bordered by the Sinai Peninsula on the east and the African continent on the west.
This significant body of water serves as a crucial international trade route, facilitating the transportation of goods and oil between Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Gulf of Suez is renowned for its strategic importance due to its proximity to major maritime megalopolises such as Port Said and Suez. It is of particular significance as it includes the southern entrance of the Suez Canal, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes that effectively separates the continents of Africa and Asia.
The Gulf of Suez enjoys diverse marine biodiversity, housing numerous species of fish, coral, and other marine organisms. These aquatic ecosystems play a vital role in supporting local fisheries and supporting the overall health of the Red Sea.
Additionally, the Gulf of Suez has been a site of interest for oil exploration and extraction since its discovery in the mid-20th century. It harbors substantial offshore oil fields, contributing significantly to Egypt's oil production and its status as a notable global energy exporter.