List of Straits of the World, Check Major Straits of the World

List of Straits of the World: A strait is a narrow waterway of the sea that connects two bigger bodies of water. It most frequently refers to a body of water that connects two geographical masses. In this article, we provide a list of the globe's important straits, which will help the reader understand how these straits connect the world.

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A strait is a naturally created, narrow, navigable waterway that connects two larger bodies of water. It most frequently refers to a body of water that connects two geographical masses. It is used for international navigation via the territorial sea between two parts of the high seas or exclusive economic zones that are subject to the transit passage legal framework.

List of Major Straits of the World

Major straits of the world are beneficial for a comprehensive understanding of global affairs, making it a valuable topic for government exams. Below is a list of some of the major straits of the world: 

1. Straits in Asia

Asia has many important straits that connect big oceans and help ships travel and trade between countries. These narrow water paths are very important for moving goods like oil and food around the world.

• Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is between the countries of Oman and Iran. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. This strait is very important because many ships carrying oil pass through it. About 20% of the world’s oil goes through this narrow water path.

• Malacca Strait

The Strait of Malacca is between Malaysia and the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. It is the shortest sea route between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Many ships use this way to carry goods between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It is very important for world trade.

• Sunda Strait

The Sunda Strait is between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra. It is another sea route besides the Strait of Malacca. Ships sometimes use it for travel and trade. There is also a famous volcano nearby called Krakatoa.

• Bering Strait

The Bering Strait is between Russia and Alaska. It connects the Arctic Ocean to the Bering Sea. This area is important for both politics and nature. Many animals live here, and it’s close to where two big countries meet.

• Taiwan Strait

The Taiwan Strait is between Taiwan and mainland China. It is important for trade and travel in the area. This strait also has political issues because of the tension between China and Taiwan. Many ships pass through it for business.

• Bab el-Mandeb Strait

This strait lies between Yemen (Asia) and Djibouti (Africa). It connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea, via the Gulf of Aden. It is very important for ships traveling to and from the Suez Canal.

• Bosporus Strait

The Bosporus lies in Turkey and separates Asia from Europe. It connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, leading to the Mediterranean. It runs through Istanbul, making it very strategic and unique.

• Lombok Strait

Found between the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok, this strait is part of the route for deep-sea ships.
It connects the Java Sea with the Indian Ocean.
It’s also part of the Wallace Line, which divides Asian and Australian wildlife.

• Makassar Strait

This strait is between the islands of Borneo and Sulawesi in Indonesia.
It connects the Celebes Sea to the Java Sea.
It’s an important part of the sea route for oil and cargo ships.

• Tsushima Strait

Located between Japan and South Korea, this strait connects the East China Sea to the Sea of Japan.
It has two main channels – eastern and western.
It’s important for trade, fishing, and naval movement.

2. Straits in Europe

Europe has many important straits that connect seas and oceans. These straits are used for trade, travel, and have played a big role in history.

• Strait of Gibraltar

The Strait of Gibraltar is between Spain in Europe and Morocco in Africa. It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Many ships pass through this narrow waterway every day. It is very important for trade and travel.

• English Channel (Strait of Dover)

The English Channel, also called the Strait of Dover, is between England and France. It links the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the busiest sea routes in the world. Many boats and ships use it every day.

• Dardanelles (Hellespont)

The Dardanelles Strait is in Turkey and connects the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It is a narrow but important water path. In history, it was used in wars and is still important for ships today.

• Bosporus Strait

The Bosporus Strait is also in Turkey. It connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. This strait separates the European and Asian parts of Turkey. Many ships pass through it, and it is very important for both trade and history.

3. Straits in Africa

Africa has important straits and channels that help connect oceans and support trade between continents. These water paths are used by many ships every day.

• Bab el-Mandeb

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is between Yemen and the African countries of Djibouti and Eritrea. It connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. This strait is very important because ships use it to reach the Suez Canal. A lot of trade between Europe and Asia passes through here.

• Mozambique Channel

The Mozambique Channel is between the island of Madagascar and the country of Mozambique in Africa. It is a busy route for ships traveling from southern Africa to Asia and Europe. This channel is important for trade and shipping.

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Strategic and Economic Importance of Straits

Straits serve multiple strategic roles:

• Trade Routes: Many global trade routes pass through straits (e.g., Malacca, Hormuz).

• Military Control: Control of a strait can influence regional power dynamics.

• Ecological Corridors: Some straits are biodiversity hotspots (e.g., Torres Strait).

• Cultural Exchanges: Historically, straits facilitated exploration, migration, and cultural exchange.

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