Panama: Canal and Global Crossroads

Panama, connecting Central and South America, is famous for the Panama Canal, one of engineering's greatest achievements. This narrow isthmus has served as a crucial trade route, making Panama a global crossroads and financial center.

The Panama Canal, opened in 1914 and expanded in 2016, allows ships to transit between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, avoiding the lengthy voyage around South America. The canal generates significant revenue and employs thousands, while Panama's strategic location has made it a major banking and business hub. Panama uses the US dollar, aiding economic stability.

Panama City blends gleaming skyscrapers with colonial Casco Viejo (Old Town), reflecting its role as a modern financial center with historical roots. Despite its small size, Panama has rainforests with incredible biodiversity, and the San Blas Islands showcase indigenous Guna Yala culture. Panama's cultural mix reflects its history as a trading crossroads.