The Suez Canal is a sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez. Constructed by the Suez Canal Company between 1859 and 1869, it was officially opened on 17 November 1869. The canal offers watercraft a more direct route between the North Atlantic and northern Indian Oceans via the Mediterranean and Red Seas, thus avoiding the South Atlantic and southern Indian Oceans and thereby reducing the journey distance from the Arabian Sea to, for example, London by approximately 8,900 kilometres (5,500 mi). It extends from the northern terminus of Port Said to the southern terminus of Port Tewfik at the city of Suez. Its length is 193.30 km (120.11 mi), including its northern and southern access channels. In 2012, 17,225 vessels traversed the canal.
Gravelines is a commune in the Nord department in Northern France. It lies at the mouth of the river Aa 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Dunkirk. It was formed in the 12th century around the mouth of a canal built to connect Saint-Omer with the sea. As it was on the western borders of Spanish territory in Flanders it became heavily fortified, some of which still remains.
Annay is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France.
Bénifontaine is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region in northern France.
Courrières is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France.
Harnes is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France.
Noyelles-sous-Lens is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in northern France. It is 3 km (2 mi) east of the centre of Lens.
Sallaumines is a commune of northern France.
The Deûle is a river of northern France which is channeled for the main part of its course. The upstream part is still partly free-flowing and is known as the Souchez. The Deûle flows into the Lys in Deûlémont.
Racing Club de Lens, is a French football club based in the northern city of Lens in the Pas-de-Calais department. Its nickname, sang et or, comes from its traditional colours of red and gold. Their primary rivals are their northern neighbours Lille, with whom they contest the Derby du Nord.
Ligny-en-Barrois is a commune in the Meuse department in Grand Est in north-eastern France.
Olympique de Marseille won 1992/1993 Division 1 season of the French Association Football League with 55 points but lost its title due to a bribery scandal. The club that finished second, Paris Saint Germain refused it, making it unattributed.
Acheville is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in northern France.
Courcelles-lès-Lens is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France.
Estevelles is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France.
Fouquières-lès-Lens is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France.
Gouy-Servins is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France.
Grenay is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France. It is part of the arrondissement of Lens, the canton of Wingles and the Communaupole de Lens-Liévin. Its population was 6,899 in 2013.
Loison-sous-Lens is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France.
