The Suez Canal is an open cut, without locks , and, though extensive straight lengths occur, there are eight major bends. To the west of the canal is the low-lying delta of the nile river and to the east is the higher, rugged, and arid Sinai Peninsula. Prior to construction of the canal (completed in 1869), the only important settlement was Suez, which in 1859 had 3,000 to 4,000 inhabitants. The rest of the towns along its banks have grown up since, with the possible exception of Al-Qanṭarah.
