The Panama Canal opened in 1914, links

The Panama Canal is a critical artificial waterway constructed across the Isthmus of Panama in Central America [1]. Officially opened in 1914, it serves as a strategic maritime shortcut that connects the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west [1][3]. By linking these two major oceans, the canal allows vessels to bypass the lengthy and hazardous journey around the southern tip of South America via Cape Horn. The project was completed by the United States government after an earlier failed French attempt [5]. In contrast, the Suez Canal connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea [2][4]. The Panama Canal remains one of the most significant engineering achievements, utilizing a system of locks to lift ships to the level of Gatun Lake to cross the continental divide.

Sources

1. [1] FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > The Panama Canal > p. 63
2. [3] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 30: World Communications > OCEAN TRANSPORT > p. 307
3. [5] https://history.state.gov/milestones/1899-1913/panama-canal
4. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > INDIA AND THE GEO-POLITICS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN > p. 64
5. [4] FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > The Mediterranean–Indian Ocean Sea Route > p. 62