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.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Panama Canal Authority, Autoridad del Canal de Panamá picture gallery
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any unauthorised published reproduction (print or electronic) is an infringement of copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.