Source: DH
Context: The Panama Canal, a crucial global shipping route, has recently been at the centre of geopolitical tension as former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to reclaim control over it.
About Panama Canal:
- Location and Connection:
- Situated in Panama, Central America, the canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- History:
- Initial Efforts: Spanish colonizers envisioned the canal in the 16th century, with the French starting construction in 1878, which ultimately failed.
- U.S. Construction: Post-Panama’s independence in 1903, the U.S. built the canal (1914), overcoming engineering challenges but witnessing over 5,000 worker deaths.
- Transfer to Panama: In 1977, a treaty under U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos paved the way for Panama’s full control, effective from December 31, 1999.
- Present Ownership:
- The Panama Canal is managed by the Panama Canal Authority, a government entity of Panama.
- Features:
- Spanning 82 km (51 miles), it uses interconnecting locks to lift ships 26 meters (85 feet) above sea level via Gatun Lake.
- Working of the Canal:
- Ships are transported through a lock system that balances water levels to move vessels efficiently between the two oceans, saving around 8,000 miles of travel.
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