Geography
Why Strategic Shipping Chokepoints Become Geopolitical Flashpoints
Quick fact
The Strait of Hormuz, just 33 kilometers wide at its narrowest, carries about 20% of the world's oil, making it the world's most critical energy chokepoint.
Why this is interesting
Every day, millions of barrels of oil and thousands of shipping containers cross paths at a handful of narrow maritime passages. Why are these small blue dots on the map some of the most dangerous places on Earth?