Why is it in the news?
Rising West Asia tensions highlight strategic importance. Threats may disrupt global trade routes.
Category: Geography
Important Points:
● Located between Arabian Peninsula and Horn of Africa
● Connects Red Sea with Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean
● Separates Yemen from Djibouti and Eritrea
● One of world’s key maritime chokepoints
● Around 10–12% global trade passes through it
● Important for oil and LNG transportation
● Links to Suez Canal trade route
● Disruptions force rerouting via Cape of Good Hope
● Increases shipping cost and global inflation