Panama Canal

A vital waterway, the Panama Canal is a 50-mile-long (80 km) sea-level canal connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

History

The construction of the Panama Canal began in 1880 with French engineer Charles Tournesey. He proposed building a lock system to elevate ships over the rapids of the Chagres River. The US took over the project after the Great War and began excavation in 1904-1914, led by American engineer Arthur Loomis. The Panama Canal was completed in 1915 and has since played a crucial role in global trade.

Geography

The canal is located near the Isthmus of Panama, which connects North and South America. It spans across three countries: Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica. The height of the Gatun Dam, which holds back Lake Gatun, reaches 45 feet (14 meters).

Types of Locks

There are two main types of locks in the Panama Canal: transit locks and fill locks. The canal also features a lock system for ships to go upstream.

Statistics

The Panama Canal handles approximately 15% of global trade. It has processed over 50 million tons of cargo in its first year alone. The canal is operated by the Panama Canal Authority, a US government agency.