America's newly elected President Donald Trump said that Panama is charging arbitrary fees for the use of the canal. The fees of Panama Canal should be reduced. Otherwise, his administration can take steps to bring the Panama Canal back under the control of America.

On this, Panama's President Jose Raul Munillo replied that every square meter of the Panama Canal belongs to us. He will not compromise on Panama's sovereignty and independence in any way. Since then, the Panama Canal is constantly in the news.

Do you know what Panama is? Why was the canal named Panama? Where is it located? Who built the Panama Canal and why? Who has control of the Panama Canal now? What happens with the Panama Canal? Can Trump take back the Panama Canal, if yes, then how and what is its legal process? If you do not know the answers to these questions, then it does not matter, we tell you the answers to all the questions one by one...

What is Panama?

Panama is a country located in Central America. This country is located on a narrow landmass connecting North and South America. Panama is known for its skyscrapers.

It is also called the Dubai of Latin America. While the Panama Canal is a man-made waterway. This canal connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Its total length is about 82 kilometers, average width is 90 meters and minimum depth is 12 meters. The canal is considered the backbone of Panama.

Now the question is why was the canal named Panama?

This canal is named after the country of Panama, because this canal is in the country of Panama.

Why was the Panama Canal built?

This was at a time when the Panama Canal had not been built. At that time, to travel from Asia to the eastern parts of the American continents by water, one had to first go to the lower tip of South America and then go north from there. Thousands of kilometers had to be covered in this entire journey.

Then geographers suggested that if a canal is built in Panama, many countries of the world will save both time and money. After this, the Panama Canal was built to reduce the travel distance and save time and money.

Who built the Panama Canal?

France first started the construction of the Panama Canal in the 1880s. The team had to face geographical and climatic challenges. Thousands of workers died due to diseases like malaria and yellow fever. In such a situation, France stopped its efforts.

After this, in 1904, America took over the Panama Canal project. Then American engineers and scientists built the canal in 1914 using better technology. A large number of engineers, scientists and laborers were involved in building the canal. At that time, 380 million US dollars were spent on building this canal.

Who controls the Panama Canal right now?

After the Panama Canal was completed, America had control over it for many years. Gradually, opposition to it started in Panama. Then in the year 1977, an agreement (Panama Canal Treaty) was signed between America and Panama. It was agreed in the agreement that America would operate the Panama Canal till 1999.

After this, the responsibility of operation will be handed over to Panama. This happened. On December 31, 1999, Panama got full control of the Panama Canal. Currently, the control of the Panama Canal is with the Panama government. The responsibility of its operation and management lies with the Panama Canal Authority.

What happens with the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This saves ships from having to go around South America. This canal reduces the distance of sea travel by 12 thousand 875 kilometers. This reduces the travel time and cost and facilitates global trade.

Why is the Panama Canal so important?

• Ever since Panama took control of this canal, its operation has been praised.
• Thousands of ships pass through this canal every year, which also benefits Panama's economy.
• The Panamanian government receives more than $1 billion in transit fees annually from the canal.
• Most of the traffic through the Panama Canal is of American ships.
• According to the Panama Canal Authority, 75% of cargo through the Panama Canal either goes to or comes from the United States.
• Every year around $270 billion worth of business is done through this route.
• If we talk about international trade, only five percent of the business takes place through the Panama Canal route.
• The Panama Canal is considered a masterpiece of engineering and a revolutionary change in global trade.

Can Trump take back the Panama Canal, if yes then how?

Legally and politically, it is not easy for the US to take control of the Panama Canal. Under the Torrijos-Carter treaties signed between the two countries in 1977, the US gave full control of the canal to Panama. Now, the US will need Panama's consent and the support of the international community to take control of the canal.