Which strait separates southern Spain from northern Africa?

The Strait of Gibraltar separates southern Spain from northern Africa.

The strait connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. At its narrowest point, Spain and Morocco are about 14 kilometres apart. This short crossing has made the waterway strategically important since ancient times.

The European side includes Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar. The African side includes northern Morocco. Ancient Greeks associated the two sides with the Pillars of Hercules, marking the western entrance to the Mediterranean world.

The strait’s currents have an unusual two-layer pattern. Relatively warm, salty Mediterranean water flows outward near the surface, while cooler Atlantic water moves inward at depth. The passage is also an important route for ships and migrating birds. Its location makes it a key link between Europe, Africa and the Atlantic.