Built by the US over a 30-year period, the strategically located Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. On January 1, 2000, Panama regained sovereignty over it, 85 years after its inauguration. Prior to that, the area around the canal had been a US colony: some 1,400 square kilometres, nicknamed “La Zona”. Since its handover to Panama, most Americans have left this narrow strip of land. Our reporters Laurence Cuvillier and Matthieu Comin met those who have stayed behind, maintaining American traditions but with bitter memories for some Panamanians.
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It took 11 years to build, not 30 years…1903 to 1914
The American canal took 10 years to build and not 30 years as indicated in your article. The American effort began in 1904 and the first transit took place in 1914. The French effort preceded the US but failed.