The Dead Sea, the saltiest body of water of the earth and a wonderful natural treasure, is becoming smaller and smaller because of decisions by people to use part of its waters.
The Dead Sea is located at the lowest point of the earth, almost 400 metres below sea level. It is 50 kilometres long. Just 40 years ago it stretched 80 kilometres in length.
One of the main reasons for the sea's shrinking is lack of water. 90% of the waters that flow from the Jordan River, which traditionally goes into the Dead Sea, is taken for drinking and agriculture in Israel and Jordan.
Besides, local industry adds to the Dead Sea's problems. They use the water for getting necessary minerals. It's a real disaster for the Sea.
Now hundreds of thousands of tourists come to the Dead Sea every year. Its water is so salty that a man can read a newspaper comfortably while lying on his back on the water. The water contains a lot of sulphur, and the thick black mud that is found at the sea's beach is very useful for people with skin diseases. Tourists treat their bodies with the black mud, but they don’t think about the Dead Sea's troubles.