Panama Canal

About

The Panama Canal is a monumental waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, stretching approximately 82 kilometers across the Isthmus of Panama. Completed in 1914, it revolutionized global trade and navigation by providing a shortcut that saves ships up to 8,000 nautical miles compared to navigating around South America. The canal uses a system of locks to raise and lower vessels between sea level and Gatun Lake, an artificial lake 26 meters above sea level. The canal's expansion in 2016 increased its capacity to accommodate larger Neopanamax ships, further enhancing its role in global trade. It is now managed by the Panama Canal Authority and is crucial for international commerce, with over 5% of world trade passing through it annually. The canal's importance extends beyond trade, as it also plays a significant role in shaping regional economies and global maritime routes.