India, March 14 -- Global trade moves mostly by sea, and a handful of narrow waterways quietly carry a massive share of the world's energy, goods, and raw materials. These maritime chokepoints connect major oceans, shorten shipping distances, and keep supply chains moving between continents. When even one of these routes faces disruption, the impact can ripple through global markets.

Recent tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, for example, have once again highlighted how vulnerable the world economy can be to instability in these critical corridors. From oil flows and manufactured goods to food and minerals, some shipping routes have become so essential that the modern global economy depends on them. Here are five of the most ...