Story: Law of the sea

The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal

The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea allows for unhindered transit for vessels through international straits. The canal across the isthmus of Panama between North and South America, completed in 1914, is one such strait. Bypassing the lengthy route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans around South America, the canal benefits many countries and is used by up to 15,000 ships each year.

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Panama Canal Authority, Autoridad del Canal de Panamá picture gallery

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How to cite this page:

Bill Mansfield, 'Law of the sea - United Nations convention, 1982', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/6963/the-panama-canal (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Bill Mansfield, published 12 Jun 2006