Strait of Gibraltar

Category: World Geography | International Trade | Maritime Security

UPSC Notes

The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow maritime passage connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. It separates southern Spain in Europe from northern Morocco in Africa and is one of the world's strategically important maritime chokepoints.

Key Pointers

  • Connects: Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

  • Separates: Europe and Africa.

  • Northern shore: Spain and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar.

  • Southern shore: Morocco.

  • Narrowest width: Approximately 14 km.

  • Strategic importance: Major route for international shipping, energy transportation and naval movement.

  • Oceanographic significance: Water exchange between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea influences salinity and circulation.

  • Geopolitical relevance: Naval access, migration routes and maritime security.

UPSC focus: World map locations, maritime chokepoints and the relationship between geography and geopolitics.