The Impact of the Suez Canal on Egypt’s Geography and Economy, 1867–2019 (150 Years Since Its Opening)

Type:

Book Chapter

Author:

Arnon Soffer

Published:

2023

Publisher:

Springer International Publishing

Abstract We assume in this article that the geographical location and special international role of the Suez Canal had and still has great potential for strengthening the Egyptian economy in general and for the development of the Canal area in particular. On the 150th anniversary of the inauguration of the Suez Canal, the article attempts to see if the potential has materialized, at least in part. We find that, despite the very large gap discovered between expectations and reality, there are achievements to point to: The Canal is an unusually important source of income for Egypt, the construction of the Canal led to the establishment of three major cities, in the three Canal cities, new industrial areas have been established, accompanied by modern infrastructure, along the cities, modern bridges and tunnels have been built that effectively connect the West and East banks of the Canal, and Egypt has invested tremendous efforts in agricultural development of all periphery areas. The Canal area has received special treatment. There is a new five-year plan for the development of the area, a plan in which large investments are made in the area with high expectations.

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