Isthmus of Panama

The Isthmus of Panama is a narrow strip of land connecting Central and South America, approximately 30 miles wide. It separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Pacific Ocean and is home to the Panama Canal, a vital waterway that allows ships to transfer between the two oceans without circumnavigating South America. This geographic feature has played a crucial role in trade, exploration, and biological diversity, serving as a natural land bridge that has influenced migration and ecology for thousands of years. The isthmus is also notable for its diverse ecosystems and strategic importance in global transportation.