Strait Of Gibraltar: Find Borders And Distance

The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow waterway that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, separating the Iberian Peninsula in Europe from Morocco in Africa. It is a significant geographical feature, with a rich history and strategic importance. In this article, we will explore the borders and distance of the Strait of Gibraltar, providing an in-depth analysis of its geographical characteristics and significance.

Geographical Location and Borders

The Strait of Gibraltar is located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered by two countries: Spain to the north and Morocco to the south. The strait is approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) wide at its narrowest point, known as the straits, and stretches for about 60 kilometers (37 miles) in length. The coastline of the strait is characterized by steep cliffs, rocky shores, and sandy beaches, with several small islands and islets scattered throughout.

Spanish Border

The Spanish border of the Strait of Gibraltar is defined by the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. The city of Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, is located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, surrounded by the Spanish municipalities of La Línea de la Concepción, San Roque, and Algeciras. The Spanish border is marked by a series of geographical features, including the Sierra de San Bernardo mountain range and the Guadarranque River.

Moroccan Border

The Moroccan border of the Strait of Gibraltar is defined by the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region, in the northern part of the country. The city of Tangier is the largest urban center on the Moroccan side of the strait, with a population of over 700,000 people. The Moroccan border is marked by a series of coastal towns, including Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city, and the ports of Tangier and Ksar es-Seghir.

Distance and Navigation

The distance across the Strait of Gibraltar varies depending on the location and the route taken. The narrowest point of the strait, known as the straits, is approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) wide. The distance from the city of Gibraltar to the Moroccan coast is around 35 kilometers (22 miles), while the distance from the Spanish port of Algeciras to the Moroccan port of Ceuta is around 20 kilometers (12 miles). The strait is an important navigational route, with several shipping lanes and maritime traffic separation schemes in place to ensure safe passage.

Shipping Lanes and Maritime Traffic

The Strait of Gibraltar is a critical shipping route, with over 100,000 vessels passing through it every year. The strait is divided into several shipping lanes, including the Trafalgar Route and the Gibraltar Route, which are used by different types of vessels, including container ships, tankers, and ferries. The strait is also an important maritime traffic separation scheme, with several areas designated for different types of vessels, including a traffic separation zone and a precautionary area.