The world's longest canal, running north from Hangzhou to near Beijing, China; 1,600 km/1,000 mi long and 3061 m/100200 ft wide. The earliest section was completed in 486 BC; the central section linking the Chang Jiang and Huang He rivers was built from AD 605 to 610; and the northern section was built between 1282 and 1292 during the reign of Kublai Khan.
The star depicts Liberia as a shining light. The blue canton symbolizes the dark continent of Africa. The stripes represent the 11 signatories to the Declaration of Independence. Effective date: 26 July 1847.