- The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean through the narrow Isthmus of Panama. It also divides North America and South America.
- With an approximate length of 65 km, it is one of the strategic waterways in the world, along with the Suez Canal.
- Owned by the Republic of Panama, it has provided a shortcut to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in a time-effective manner. It promotes maritime trade through ships and large vessels.
- Initially, the territory surrounding the canal was controlled by Columbia, France,and the USA. From 1914 to 1979, it was controlled by the USA. Currently, the canal is managed by the Panama Canal Authority, a joint authority of the United States and the Republic of Panama. It is governed by a board of directors that includes 11 members.
- Landslides near the hills of the canal, increased silting, and sedimentation of the rivers of the watershed, have caused major threats to the river.
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