The Canal Zone was a strip of land in Panama that was controlled by the United States from 1903 until 1979. It was established to facilitate the construction and operation of the Panama Canal, a crucial waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The zone was approximately 10 miles wide and included the canal itself, along with surrounding areas. During its existence, the Canal Zone was a unique entity with its own governance and infrastructure, separate from Panama. The U.S. military presence and the economic activities related to the canal significantly influenced the region's development and its relationship with the Panamanian government.