Panama Canal Facts
 

The Panama Canal is one of the most famous and important engineering projects in the world. It connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean and allows ships to avoid the long and dangerous trip around the southern tip of South America. Here are some basic and easy-to-read facts about the Panama Canal:

What is the Panama Canal?
The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway that cuts across the country of Panama in Central America. It helps ships travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans faster and safer.

How Long is the Canal?

• The Panama Canal is about 82 kilometers (51 miles) long
• It takes about 8 to 10 hours for a ship to pass through the canal

When Was it Built?

• Construction began in the early 1900s
• The canal officially opened on August 15, 1914

Who Built It?

• The canal was started by the French in the 1880s but they stopped because of engineering problems and disease
• The United States took over and completed the canal between 1904 and 1914

How Does it Work?

• The Panama Canal uses a system of locks to raise and lower ships:
• Locks are like water elevators for ships
• Ships enter a lock chamber, water levels change, and ships move up or down to the next level

Why is it Important?

• The canal saves ships about 13,000 kilometers (8,000 miles) of travel
• It helps world trade by allowing goods to move faster between oceans
• About 12,000 ships use the canal every year

Fun Facts

• A ship called the SS Ancon was the first to officially pass through the canal
• The canal was expanded in 2016 to allow even bigger ships to pass
• The country of Panama controls and operates the canal today

Where Can You See It?
Visitors can see the Panama Canal at several points:

• Miraflores Visitor Center near Panama City
• Agua Clara Locks near Colón on the Atlantic side
• Observation decks allow people to watch ships move through the locks

The Panama Canal is not just a waterway, it is a symbol of global connection and human achievement.