The 英仏海峡, or the English Channel, is a body of water that separates 英國 (England) from 法國 (France). It connects the 北海 (North Sea) to the 大西洋 (Atlantic Ocean) and is approximately 33.8 kilometers (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point, known as the 多佛海峡 (Dover Strait). The channel is an important shipping route and has significant historical importance, serving as a barrier and a bridge between the two countries. It is also famous for the 英法隧道 (Channel Tunnel), which allows trains to travel beneath the water, linking 英國 and 法國 directly.