Panama Canal: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 13, 2026

News •

Today in History: November 9, Theodore Roosevelt becomes first president to travel abroad • Nov. 9, 2026, 4:01 AM ET (The Lowell Sun)

How monster El Nino is causing havoc around the world • Oct. 22, 2026, 2:00 PM ET (Sydney Morning Herald)

To keep the Panama Canal flowing, the living and the dead must pay the price • Oct. 18, 2026, 6:00 AM ET (CNN)

Did You Know?

The Panama Canal's toll revenue per year averages almost $2 billion.
To cross the Panama Canal, Richard Halliburton paid the lowest toll in its history, 36 cents.
Travel writer Richard Halliburton swam through the Panama Canal in 1928.

Photos and Videos

Panama Canal centennial

Panama Canal cross section

Panama Canal: Miraflores Locks

Panama Canal: Gatún Locks

Panama Canal: dredging

Black-and-white photo of Teddy Roosevelt over Panama Canal backdrop, flanked by Panama and U.S. flags with “or” and a question mark between them.

Learn how the Panama Canal's rivers, canals, and lakes with locks link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans

Navigating the Panama Canal: A captain's perspective

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

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