Which strait separates Asia from Africa, serving as a strategic waterway between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden?

The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is the narrow yet highly important waterway that separates Asia from Africa, forming a critical connection between the Red Sea to the north and the Gulf of Aden to the south. Its name translates to “Gate of Tears,” a reference to the historically dangerous navigation conditions and the many shipwrecks that occurred in ancient times. Despite its width of only about 30 kilometers at its narrowest point, this strait plays an enormous role in global maritime trade and political strategy.

Geographically, the strait lies between Yemen on the Asian side and Djibouti and Eritrea on the African side. It serves as a major transit route for ships traveling to and from the Suez Canal, making it an indispensable link between Europe, Asia, and East Africa. A significant percentage of the world’s oil shipments and commercial goods pass through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, highlighting its importance to international trade and energy supply routes.

The strait also holds major strategic relevance. Many global powers monitor the region closely due to its geopolitical sensitivity and its proximity to countries affected by political instability. Control over this strait has historically been crucial for maintaining security in the Red Sea and ensuring uninterrupted maritime navigation.