I'd probably try and downplay the length, but Panama was chosen because it was the narrowest point. It was really important when you had to dig it by hand. A ca

I'd probably try and downplay the length, but Panama was chosen because it was the narrowest point. It was really important when you had to dig it by hand. A canal in Nicaragua can't be shorter than the Panama canal, but it does have the advantage of being further north. If spending more time going through this canal is still quicker than heading down to Panama and back, you're at a net gain.