The United States Government completed the Panama Canal, one of the wonders of the modern world, in 1914 and because of the Torrijos - Carter agreements, passed to Panama absolute control on December 31, 1999.
The Canal is 50 miles long, from Colon to Panama in Pacific. A ship takes an average of 8 to 10 hours on the way. When crossing, these ascend or descend about 26 meters, through the three chambers of Gatun Locks.
The construction of The Panama Canal took ten years, under the labor force of more than 75 thousand men and women at an approximate cost of 400 million dollars.
It opened its maritime traffic on August 15, 1914. Since then more than 700 thousand ships have traveled through it, a figure that increases every day because of its great importance and success for maritime trade.
There is an important synergy between the Canal, the Colon Free Zone, the international banking center and the railroad ports to favor commercial routes, which contributes greatly to the development of the country.
Exuberant tropic
Its exuberant nature, abundant fishing, numerous beaches, and more than a thousand paradisiac islands in its archipelagos and, for its people, friendly, festive and hospitable, distinguish Panama. The magic that captivated so many adventurers centuries ago is still available to all who wish to meet her and enjoy its charm and tropical tourism.
The word Panama has pre-Columbian origins and, according to the statements of numerous historians, means "place where the butterflies proliferate". Its rich biodiversity attributed to its unique geographical configuration and position, which creates a convergence isthmus for the Americas and for thousands of species of flora and fauna.
The country has natural attractions such as beaches, lakes, jungles and forests inhabited by all types of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. It has 15 national parks, a dozen forest reserves and 10 wildlife refuges. The world flora has reported more than 30 thousand species and in Panama 50% of them found.
The great variety and accessibility of Panama's eco-tourism attractions has made it a prime destination for nature lovers. Annually many expeditions carried out that lead tourist to witness its infinite biodiversity, beauty of fauna and flora, as well as its ample attractions.
