The Panama Canal is an artificial waterway that cuts across the isthmus of Panama. It connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean about 82 kilometers (51 miles) west of Panama City.
History of the Panama Canal
The idea of building a canal in Central America to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans dates back to the 16th century. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the technology was developed to make such a project feasible.
The United States began construction of the Panama Canal in 1904. The project was extremely challenging, and more than 25,000 workers died during the construction. The canal was finally completed in 1914.
The Panama Canal has been an important shipping route ever since it opened. It has also played a significant role in the military history of the United States. During World War II, the canal was used to transport troops and supplies between the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war.
The Panama Canal was transferred to Panama in 1999, after nearly a century of US control. The canal is now managed by the Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous government agency.
Description of the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a 82-kilometer-long (51-mile-long) channel that runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The canal is about 151 meters (495 feet) wide and has a maximum depth of 13 meters (42 feet).
The Panama Canal is composed of a series of locks, which are used to raise and lower ships as they pass through the canal. The locks are located at either end of the canal, and they are each about 300 meters (984 feet) long.
The Panama Canal Today
The Panama Canal is one of the most important shipping routes in the world. More than 14,000 ships pass through the canal each year, carrying more than 200 million tons of cargo.
