The correct answer is Option 2: Bering Strait.

The Bering Strait is the strait that is nearest to the International Date Line. It is located between the easternmost point of the Asian continent (the Russian Far East) and the westernmost point of the North American continent (Alaska). The International Date Line, on the other hand, is an imaginary line that roughly follows the 180-degree longitude line, separating one calendar day from another.

The Bering Strait is approximately 53 miles (85 kilometers) wide at its narrowest point, making it one of the narrowest straits in the world. It connects the Bering Sea to the Arctic Ocean. The region around the Bering Strait is historically significant as it served as a migratory route for early humans from Asia to the Americas.

The International Date Line, as mentioned earlier, is an imaginary line that is mostly located in the Pacific Ocean. It deviates from the 180-degree longitude line to avoid dividing countries and islands into two different calendar days. It generally follows the 180-degree meridian, but it deviates to avoid land masses, particularly the Aleutian Islands in Alaska.

To understand why the Bering Strait is closest to the International Date Line, we need to look at their geographical locations. The Bering Strait is situated in close proximity to the 180-degree meridian, which is the starting point for counting the days on either side of the International Date Line. In contrast, the other options mentioned:

Option 1: The Malacca Strait is located in Southeast Asia and connects the Andaman Sea to the South China Sea. It is far away from the International Date Line, which is primarily located in the Pacific Ocean.

Option 3: The Strait of Florida is a strait located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated far to the east of the International Date Line.

Option 4: The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow strait that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. It is located in the westernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea, far away from the International Date Line.

In summary, the Bering Strait is the strait that is closest to the International Date Line. Its geographical location near the 180-degree meridian makes it a significant landmark in terms of dividing the world into different calendar days.