The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez. It serves as a critical maritime chokepoint for global trade.
- Statement 1 is Correct: The canal physically links the Mediterranean Sea (at Port Said) with the Red Sea (at Port Tewfik/Suez). This connection allows for direct water transport between Europe and Asia.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The primary purpose of the Suez Canal is to shorten the shipping distance between Europe and Asia. It reduces the journey by approximately 7,000 to 9,000 kilometers (depending on the specific ports) compared to the alternative route around the southern tip of Africa via the Cape of Good Hope.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Suez Canal is a sea-level canal, meaning it does not require locks to raise or lower ships. This is because there is no significant difference in sea level between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, and the terrain of the isthmus is relatively flat. This contrasts with the Panama Canal, which utilizes a system of locks.
Key Takeaway: The Suez Canal is a lock-less, sea-level waterway that drastically reduces maritime travel distance between the North Atlantic and the Indian Ocean by avoiding the circumnavigation of Africa.