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Strait of Dover facts for kids

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Dover Strait
France manche vue dover.JPG View from France across the Strait of Dover towards the English coast
Strait of Dover map.png
Location North SeaEnglish Channel (Atlantic Ocean)
Coordinates 51°00′N 1°27′E / 51.000°N 1.450°E / 51.000; 1.450
Type Strait
Basin countries France
England
Min. width 33.3 km (20.7 mi)
Average depth 150 ft (46 m)
White cliffs of dover 09 2004
Cliffs at Dover

The Strait of Dover or Dover Strait is the strait at the narrowest part of the English Channel.

The strait is at the east end of the English Channel, where it joins the North Sea. Its width is the shortest distance between France and England. On a clear day, it is possible to see the coastline on the other side and the buildings on the shore without the help of binoculars.

The shortest distance across the strait is from the South Foreland, some 6 km (4 mi) north-east of Dover in the county of Kent, England, to Cap Gris Nez, a cape near Calais in the département of Pas-de-Calais, France. Between these two points – the most popular route for cross-channel swimmers – the distance is just 33 km (20 mi).

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Paso de Calais para niños

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