What is the English Channel?
The English Channel is the arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates southern England from northern France. It is about 350 miles long, and at its narrowest point, the Strait of Dover, England and France are only about 21 miles apart.
The French call the channel La Manche, meaning the sleeve, because of its shape. It links the Atlantic Ocean with the North Sea.
The channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with hundreds of ships passing through each day. Ferries cross between ports such as Dover and Calais.
Crossings and swims
On clear days, the white cliffs of Dover can be seen from France, and the French coast can be seen from England.
Swimming the English Channel is a famous challenge. Captain Matthew Webb became the first person to swim it without aids in 1875.
In 1909, Louis Bleriot made the first flight across the channel in an airplane.
The Channel Tunnel, opened in 1994, links England and France by rail beneath the sea. The channel has also played an important role in history, protecting Britain from invasion.