73 Mediterranean Sea Facts Your Kids Will Enjoy Learning

As per experts, around five million years ago, the Zanclean floods occurred which resulted in the Mediterranean Sea being filled with water in two years.

The Mediterranean Sea is an important part of the Atlantic Ocean that is completely enclosed by the Mediterranean countries on all sides. The Atlantic Ocean is connected with the Atlantic Ocean through a narrow strait that is known as the Strait of Gibraltar.

With an average depth of 4,921 ft (1,500 m), the sea used to be an important transport route for merchants and travelers. It splits three continents including, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Additionally, a slender passage, called the Strait of Gibraltar, is what binds the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Several prehistoric civilizations developed encircling the Mediterranean Sea which is why it is so famous. Furthermore, it borders around 22 coastal countries, and there exist over 3,000 islands in the Mediterranean Sea. This sea is connected with the Suez Canal through the Red Sea.

The surface area of the sea extends to 0.97 million sq mi (2.5 million sq km), meaning the sea is larger than some of the world's most prominent countries including, France, Greece, Italy, Denmark, the UK, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and several others. According to research, some of the most ancient civilizations of Europe were located around the eastern basin and western basin of the Mediterranean Sea. The sea with its diverse marine biota and rich fish stocks offered them a ready source of food and also offered a gateway to other countries for trade and cultural exchange.

Amazing, right? Scroll below for more such exhilarating facts concerning the Mediterranean Sea. After reading the Mediterranean Sea fun facts, also check animals that live in lakes and ponds and grassland animals facts.

Where is the Mediterranean Sea located?

The Mediterranean Sea is connected to the Atlantic Ocean and being an intercontinental sea it is located in western Europe, southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.

It spans three continents including, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Additionally, a slender passage, called the Strait of Gibraltar, is what binds the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Several prehistoric civilizations developed encircling the Mediterranean Sea.

Some of the major subdivisions of the Mediterranean Sea include the Ionian Sea, Aegean Sea, Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, Balearic Sea, and the Ligurian Sea.

Which countries are near the Mediterranean Sea?

The Mediterranean Sea borders around 22 countries and there exist over 3,000 islands in the Mediterranean Sea. These countries share a coastline of 28,583 mi (46,000 km).

The countries that are located around the Mediterranean Sea are Turkey, Spain, Italy, Algeria, Egypt, Greece, Tunisia, Croatia, France, Monaco, Albania, Malta, and several others.

How many parts is the Mediterranean Sea divided into?

What is also called the Eurafrican Mediterranean Sea in Oceanography, the Mediterranean Sea is split up into four regions that are Western Mediterranean, Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea, and Central Mediterranean and Aegean-Levantine Sea.

Additionally, a slender passage, called the Strait of Gibraltar, is what binds the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Also, the sea is connected to the Sea of Marmara by the Straits of the Dardanelles in the east and to the Black Sea by the inlet of Bosporus in the east. The Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, in the southeast, are connected by way of the contrived Suez Canal.

Its western point, the Strait of Gibraltar is situated at the Alboran Sea’s western end and connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Whereas, its eastern point lies on the Gulf of Iskenderun’s coastline. The sea’s northern point is positioned on the shoreline of the Gulf of Trieste near Monfalcone, Northern Italy.  As for its southern end, it is seated at the littoral of the Gulf of Sidra.

Why is the Mediterranean Sea so special?

After reading all these interesting facts about the Mediterranean Sea, you might be clear about what makes this sea extremely special. If you are still looking for more information on the importance of the Mediterranean Sea, the following facts will make it evident why the Mediterranean Sea is so special.

Why the name Mediterranean? The primeval Romans used to call the sea 'Mediterraneus', which comprises two different Latin terms ‘medius’ meaning 'middle' and ‘terra’ translates to 'Earth', thus, to them the Mediterranean Sea was stationed at the Earth’s center.

How deep is the Mediterranean Sea? The deepest extremity of the sea is Calypso Deep at 17,280 ft (5,267 m) depth.

There exist over 3,000 islands in the Mediterranean Sea, amongst them, the largest islands are Majorca, Lesbos Rhodes, Cyprus, Corsica, Crete, Sicily, Sardinia, Euboea, Chios, and the Balearic Islands.

The Mediterranean Sea is encompassed by mountains and precipitous rock cliffs.

The Mediterranean monk seal, which has been put under the Critically Endangered species, can only be seen in the Mediterranean Sea.

It is among the most variegated block basin seas in the world due to its topography, varying cultures, and serene climate. One of the most interesting Mediterranean Sea facts pertains to its multiple sub-divisions. Some of the most important sub-divisions include the Ionian Sea, Aegean Sea, Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, Balearic Sea, and the Ligurian Sea.

The total area of the Mediterranean Sea is around 0.97 million sq mi (2.5 million sq km). In the world of oceanography, the Mediterranean Sea is also known as the European Mediterranean Sea. This could be primarily because of the sheer number of European countries present along the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Sea is connected with the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea through the Suez Canal, to the Atlantic Ocean via the Strait of Gibraltar, and to the Black Sea through the Dardanelles and Sea of Marmara.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Mediterranean Sea facts, then why not take a look at did you know? 17 incredible Mediterranean monk seal facts, or did you know? 15 European spider crab facts?