The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea

Introduction For five million years, the Dead Sea, lying between Israel and Jordan, has been one of the most unique places in the world, both scenically and culturally. It is said that when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, he finally vanished on the hillsides along the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea gets its name because the amount of water evaporating from it far exceeds the freshwater flowing in, resulting in extremely high salinity. The salt concentration is four times that of ocean water, preventing any plants or animals from surviving. This also creates buoyancy several times greater than that of the ocean, so people floating in the Dead Sea do not sink but can experience a floating sensation unlike anywhere else in the world. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth’s surface, nearly 400 meters below sea level. It stretches about 60 kilometers from north to south and approximately 17 kilometers from east to west. The mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, as well as the extracted black mud, are said to have miraculous therapeutic effects on skin conditions. As a result, there are spas and lodging facilities along the Dead Sea that specialize in treating skin diseases. Towels and bathing equipment are also available for rent, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique experience of floating on the sea. The Dead Sea also serves as a border between Israel and Jordan. As it has become an inland sea, its ongoing rate of evaporation may eventually lead to its complete disappearance from the Earth. Therefore, during times of peace in the Middle East, plans to save the Dead Sea have been prioritized by both Israel and Jordan. “The Dead Sea shall not die” has become a shared wish of people around the world.

Jerusalem, State of Palestine