December 31, 1999
Panama gained full control of the Panama Canal on December 31, 1999.
The treaty signed by President Carter in 1977 set in motions the transfer of control of the Panama Canal. The treaty turned the canal over to Panama.
Panama owns the Panama Canal. Although the US had control over the Canal Zone from 1903 to 1979, the treaty was eventually amended in 1977.
Panama Canal Authority, an agency of the Panamanian government owns the canal. Complete control was turned over to them by a joint U.S/Panama administration on December 31, 1999.
Through the Hay-Herran Treaty the United States built the Panama Canal starting in 1903 ending in 1914 with the first ship passing through on August 15. The United States retained control of the Panama Canal until December 31, 1999 when control was handed over to Panama.
Panama owns the Panama Canal. Although the US had control over the Canal Zone from 1903 to 1979, the treaty was eventually amended in 1977.
Panama
The treaty signed by President Carter in 1977 set in motions the transfer of control of the Panama Canal. The treaty turned the canal over to Panama.
By giving the Panama Canal back to Panama, the Soviets could have easily used Cuba to conquer and sieze the canal. If the Soviets had control over the canal then they could set up bombing bases in the Pacfic without any conflit of passage.
Control over the canal zone
Control over the canal zone