Giraffe
Why was the canal built?
To connect the Pacific and Atlantic ocean
Why did they choose Panama for building the canal?
Panama was the narrowest land between the two oceans
Who built the Panama Canal first?
The French
Who built the Panama Canal second?
The U.S.
How long is the Panama canal?
The canal is 50 miles long
What year did Panama obtain control over the canal from the United States?
1977
What is an isthmus?
It is a narrow strip of land with water on both sides
What were the two worst diseases that killed the canal workers?
Malaria and Yellow Fever were the most dangerous diseases
Who was the United States president that was most responsible for the canal?
Theodore Roosevelt
In what year did the first boat make an official passage through the canal?
1914
How many years did it take for United States to build the canal?
10 years
What country owned the Panama area before the United States helped Panama form its own country?
Colombia
What are the small electric locomotives on the canal used for?
They are used to keep the ship stable and in the center of the lock
What are the locomotives called?
Mules
What United States president signed the treaty to give the canal back to Panama?
1977
What is the capital of Panama?
Panama City
Who was the dictator of Panama?
Manuel Antonio Noriega Moreno
When did panama gain independence?
1821
What is the average number of ships going through the canal each day?
Around 40 ships
How many official languages does Panamá have?
One.
Spanish! But English is used for Canal work and is very common. There are also many indigenous languages.
How high above sea level is the highest part of the canal?
About 85 feet above sea level
What direction does a boat travel that goes from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean through the cana?
West to East
What is the average amount of money paid by each ship going through the canal?
A large commercial ship cost $150,000 to go through the canal. Private boats pay from $600-$3200
What continent is Panamá on?
North America
True or false:
Panamá was once part of the Mayan empire.
False
The Mayan empire stretched from Mexico to El Salvador.