Panama Canal is one of the vital man-made navigation canals in the wo...
- This canal connects the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. It has been constructed across the Panama Isthmus between Panama City and Colon by the U.S. government which purchased 8 km of an area on either side and named it the Canal Zone.
- It shortens the distance between New York (West Coast of USA) and San Francisco (East Coast of USA) by 13,000 km by sea.
- Likewise, the distance between Western Europe and the West-coast of the U.S.A.; and Northeastern and Central U.S.A. and East and South-east Asia is shortened.
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Panama Canal is one of the vital man-made navigation canals in the wo...
The correct answer is option 'D', which means that the Panama Canal has shortened the distance between the East Coast and West Coast of the USA, Western Europe and the West coast of the USA, and the North-Eastern USA and South-East Asia.
The Panama Canal is indeed one of the vital man-made navigation canals in the world. It is a 50-mile long waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, passing through the Isthmus of Panama in Central America. The canal has played a significant role in international trade and transportation since its completion in 1914.
The Panama Canal's impact can be understood by examining its effect on different regions:
1. East Coast and West Coast of the USA:
- Before the construction of the Panama Canal, ships had to take a long and dangerous journey around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America to travel between the East Coast and West Coast of the USA.
- The canal has provided a shortcut, allowing ships to pass through the narrow isthmus of Panama instead of circumnavigating the entire continent.
- This has significantly shortened the distance and travel time between the two coasts, making it easier and more efficient for trade and transportation.
2. Western Europe and the West Coast of the USA:
- The Panama Canal has also had a positive impact on trade between Western Europe and the West Coast of the USA.
- Ships traveling from Europe to the West Coast of the USA can now use the canal to avoid the longer route around South America.
- This has reduced transportation costs and time, facilitating greater trade between the two regions.
3. North-Eastern USA and South-East Asia:
- The Panama Canal has also shortened the distance between the North-Eastern USA and South-East Asia.
- Ships traveling from the North-Eastern USA to South-East Asia can now pass through the canal, avoiding the need to sail around Africa or navigate through the crowded and difficult waters of the Suez Canal in Egypt.
- This has opened up new trade routes and increased connectivity between the two regions.
In conclusion, the Panama Canal has significantly shortened the distances between various regions, including the East Coast and West Coast of the USA, Western Europe and the West Coast of the USA, and the North-Eastern USA and South-East Asia. Its construction has revolutionized global trade and transportation, providing a vital shortcut for ships and contributing to the growth of international commerce.