The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean through Panama in Central America. Ships travel between the oceans using a system of locks and an artificial lake.
The canal officially opened on 15 August 1914. The United States completed the project after France’s earlier attempt failed because of disease, financial problems, and engineering challenges. The canal’s construction required cutting through the Continental Divide and controlling the Chagres River.
Ships are raised to Gatun Lake and then lowered again as they cross the isthmus. The original canal locks were expanded by a new set of larger locks, which opened in 2016 as part of the Panama Canal Expansion.
The Suez Canal also links major oceans, but it connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and runs through Egypt. It does not cross Central America.