Which Sea Separates Europe And Africa?

Nov 19, 2025, 01:19 IST

The sea that separates Europe and Africa is the Mediterranean Sea. It lies between southern Europe and northern Africa and is one of the world's most critical inland seas. The Mediterranean connects to the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar and is bordered by historic nations such as Spain, Italy, Morocco, and Egypt. Known for its warm climate, clear waters, and rich history, this sea has played a significant role in trade, culture, and travel for thousands of years.

Which Sea Separates Europe And Africa?
Which Sea Separates Europe And Africa?

Have you ever wondered how many different seas there are in the world? Some seas are huge. Some are very deep. Others are known for having extremely salty water. For example, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the largest inland seas. The Red Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water. The Caribbean Sea is famous for its clear blue water. Every sea has its own story, size, and special features. Seas also connect countries, shape the climate, and support millions of people who live around them. They play a significant role in travel, trade, and culture. Now here's a question for you. Do you know which sea separates Europe and Africa? It is a vital sea. It lies between two continents and has been a significant route for travellers for thousands of years. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this sea, its location, history, and why it is so important.

Which Sea Separates Africa And Europe?

Seas & Oceans in the Mediterranean Region: Lesson for Kids Video

The sea that separates Africa and Europe is the Mediterranean Sea. It lies between southern Europe and northern Africa, stretching from the Strait of Gibraltar in the west to the coasts of Turkey and the Levant in the east. It covers about 2.5 million square kilometres and is almost land-enclosed.

On the northern side, you'll find countries like Spain, France and Italy; on the southern side, you'll find African nations such as Egypt, Libya and Morocco. The narrow Strait of Gibraltar (only about 14 km wide at its narrowest) connects it to the Atlantic and marks one crossing between Europe and Africa. 

10 Lesser-known facts about the Mediterranean Sea

Mediterranean Sea

  • The average salinity in the Mediterranean Sea is about 38 PSU (practical salinity units), which is higher than that of many oceans.
  • Its deepest point (Calypso Deep in the Ionian Sea) reaches over 5,000 m.
  • It includes around 3,300 islands, the largest being Sicily and Sardinia.
  • Because evaporation exceeds freshwater input, a unique two‐layer current flows: salty water out, fresher in via Gibraltar.
  • The coastline is about 46,000 km long.
  • Many ancient civilisations (Egyptians, Greeks, Romans) grew up around its shores, it's often called the "incubator of Western civilisation".
  • It sits between two tectonic plates, the African and Eurasian, so it is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis.
  • Its western gateway (the Strait of Gibraltar) connects directly to the Atlantic and is about 14 km wide at its narrowest point.
  • The Nile is the longest river that empties into the Mediterranean.
  • Even though we know it as "Mediterranean Sea", the name means "sea in the middle of the land."

Which Sea Is Located Between Europe And Africa?

Bodies of Water: The Mediterranean Sea and Beyond! | Yacht Charters

The sea located between Europe and Africa is the Mediterranean Sea. It lies between southern Europe and northern Africa, forming one of the world's most essential waterways. The Mediterranean stretches from the Strait of Gibraltar in the west to the Middle East in the east. It is almost entirely landlocked, which makes it unique. On its northern shores lie countries like Spain, France, Italy, and Greece.

On its southern side are Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. The sea covers around 2.5 million square kilometres and is known for its rich history, warm climate, and clear blue waters. It also connects to the Atlantic Ocean through the narrow Strait of Gibraltar.

Kriti Barua
Kriti Barua

Executive Content Writer

Kriti Barua is a professional content writer who has four years of experience in creating engaging and informative articles for various industries. She started her career as a creative writer intern at Wordloom Ventures and quickly developed a passion for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers.

Currently working as a content writer for the GK section of Jagran New Media, she continues to hone her skills in writing and strives to deliver high-quality content that educates and entertains readers.
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