UPSC Prelims 2007 Q23: Current Affairs – International Relations & Treaties
Which one of the following countries is planning to construct a rival to the Panama Canal to
link the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans?
- (a) Colombia
- (b) Costa Rica
- (c) Guatemala
- (d) Nicaragua
Answer: (d) Nicaragua
Explanation
Rival to the Panama Canal
| Country | Planning a rival canal? |
|---|---|
| Colombia | No |
| Costa Rica | No |
| Guatemala | No |
| Nicaragua | Yes — long-standing "Nicaragua Canal" plans |
Nicaragua has long explored plans for an interoceanic canal linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, intended as a potential rival/alternative route to the Panama Canal.
Answer: (d) Nicaragua.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Colombia was not the country associated with this rival canal plan.
- (b) Incorrect. Costa Rica was not the country planning this rival canal.
- (c) Incorrect. Guatemala was not associated with this plan.
- (d) CORRECT. Nicaragua has planned an interoceanic canal to rival the Panama Canal.
Key point
Nicaragua has planned a canal to rival the Panama Canal, linking the Pacific and Atlantic.
Remember
Nicaragua: planned rival to the Panama Canal.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Nicaragua's canal ambitions with other unrelated Central American infrastructure projects.
- Assuming Panama's immediate neighbours (Colombia or Costa Rica) were the planners.
- Not knowing the historical precedent — Nicaragua was considered for a canal route even before Panama was chosen in 1904.
Exam tip
Nicaragua's canal ambitions long predate Panama's — remember Nicaragua as the historical "rival route" country.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Nicaragua Canal
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Panama Canal