The Panama Canal
The\xa0Panama Canal\xa0(Spanish:\xa0Canal de Panam\xe1) is an artificial 82\xa0km (51\xa0mi) waterway in\xa0Panama\xa0that connects the\xa0Atlantic Ocean\xa0with the\xa0Pacific Ocean. The\xa0canal\xa0cuts across the\xa0Isthmus of Panama\xa0and is a\xa0conduit\xa0for maritime trade.\xa0Canal locks\xa0are at each end to lift\xa0ships\xa0up to\xa0Gatun Lake, an\xa0artificial lake\xa0created to reduce the amount of\xa0excavation work\xa0required for the canal, 26\xa0m (85\xa0ft)\xa0above sea level, and then lower the ships at the other end. The original locks are 32.5\xa0m (110\xa0ft) wide. A\xa0third, wider lane of locks\xa0was\xa0constructed\xa0between September 2007 and May 2016. The expanded canal began commercial operation on June 26, 2016. The new locks allow transit of larger,\xa0neo-Panamax\xa0ships, capable of handling more cargo.[1]
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