
What country does Panama belong to?
Panama is a country located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica. Panama is located on the narrow and low Isthmus of Panama....Geography of Panama.ContinentCentral AmericaCoordinates9°00′N 80°00′WAreaRanked 116th• Total75,417 km2 (29,119 sq mi)• Land98.57%10 more rows
Is Panama part of the USA?
History of the US-Panama Relationship. Panama and the United States of America have had a special relationship over the years. The United States recognized Panama as a state on November 6, 1903, after Panama declared its separation from Colombia.
Where is Panama located in USA?
Central AmericaLocation: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica. Panama occupies the southeastern end of the isthmus forming the land bridge between North and South America. Area: 74,177 km² (28,640 sq. mi.)
Is Panama located in Mexico?
Central America is the southernmost region of North America. It lies between Mexico and South America, and it includes the countries Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize.
Is Panama a poor country?
Panama has the second-worst income distribution in Latin America: Although the country is rapidly growing in wealth, not everyone feels prosperity. According to the CIA World Factbook, approximately one-quarter of the population lives in poverty.
Do they speak English in Panama?
English is taught in grade schools, private schools, and bilingual schools in Panama. However, recent findings show only 8% of the population can speak English. In Panama City, where there is a greater need in business for employees to be able to converse bilingually, there is a higher English-speaking population.
Why is Panama so rich?
The economy of Panama is based mainly on the services sector, which accounts for nearly 80% of its GDP and accounts for most of its foreign income. Services include the Panama Canal, banking, commerce, the Colón Free Trade Zone, insurance, container ports, and flagship registry, medical and health and tourism.
Who owns Panama?
The United States recognized Panama on November 6, 1903, after Panama declared its independence from Colombia.
Is traveling to Panama safe?
Reconsider travel to Panama due to COVID-19 quarantine requirements. Exercise increased caution in Panama due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Is Panama considered South America?
Panama seems like it should be located in South America, but it's actually part of North America. North America and South America connect at the Isthmus of Panama, and it is the only place where the two continental land masses are connected.
Do you need a passport to go to Panama?
Upon entering Panama, you will need the following documents and information: A passport that is valid for at least three months after date of entry. A round-trip bus or plane ticket as proof that you plan to leave.
What is Panama known for?
Panama is known as a transit country because of the Panama Canal. While the country is known for its famous canal, its natural attractions include birding, whitewater rafting, and snorkeling tours. Panama's biodiversity has been said to be three times higher than the United State, Canada and Europe combined.
Is Panama City Panama in the USA?
Panama City, Spanish Panamá or Ciudad de Panamá, capital of the Republic of Panama. It is located in the east-central part of the country near the Pacific Ocean terminus of the Panama Canal, on the Gulf of Panama. Area city, 38.5 square miles (100 square km).
Does the US still control Panama?
U.S.-PANAMA RELATIONS The Panama Canal opened in 1914. In 1977, the United States and Panama signed the Carter-Torrijos Treaties to set basic governing standards for the Canal through 1999 and guarantee its permanent neutrality.
Is someone born in Panama a US citizen?
A person born in the Republic of Panama on or after 2/26/1904 is a U.S. citizen if, at the time of birth, one or both parents were U.S. citizens employed by the U.S. government or by the Panama Railroad Company.
Can you go to Panama without a passport?
Upon entering Panama, you will need the following documents and information: A passport that is valid for at least three months after date of entry. A round-trip bus or plane ticket as proof that you plan to leave.
Where is Panama located?
Where is Panama? Panama is a transcontinental country – located in Central America; on the southern edge of the Isthmus of Panama (a narrow strip of land connecting the continents of North and South America). It is positioned in the Northern and Western hemispheres of the Earth.
What is the geography of Panama?
Key Facts. Flag. Panama is a transcontinental country covering an area of 75,417 sq. km (29,119 sq mi) from Central to South America. As observed on the physical map of Panama, the country's landscape is dominated by forested, volcanic-in-origin, mountains that extend from its Costa Rican border to Colombia, South America.
How many provinces are there in Panama?
Panama (officially, the Republic of Panama) is divided into 10 administrative provinces ( provincias, sing. provincia) and 3 indigenous regions ( comarcas ). In alphabetical order, the provinces are: Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, Panama Oeste and Veraguas. Embera-Wounaan, Guna Yala and Ngobe-Bugle are the 3 indigenous regions of Panama. The provinces are further subdivided into districts and townships. Kuna de Madungandi and Kuna de Wargandi are the two indigenous comarcas within the administrative provinces which have the same status as that of a municipality ( corregimiento ).
What is the capital of Panama?
Situated in the province of Panama, with a strategic position at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal is Panama City – the capital, the largest and the most populous city of Panama. It is also the administrative, commercial and banking hub of the country.
What is the eastern third of Panama?
The eastern third of Panama ( the Darien province) is a sparsely populated land of rain forests, rivers and swampy lowlands bordered by high mountain peaks. The Darian Gap, fronting the border with Colombia, is an inhospitable, almost impassable thick jungle.
Which hemisphere is Panama in?
It is positioned in the Northern and Western hemispheres of the Earth. Panama is bordered by Columbia to the southeast and by Costa Rica to the west. It is bounded by the Caribbean Sea to the north and by the Pacific Ocean to the south. Panama Bordering Countries : Costa Rica, Colombia. Regional Maps: Map of North America.
What is the highest point in Panama?
The highest point in Panama is the 3,475 m (11,401 ft) tall Volcán Barú. A yellow upright triangle mars the position of the point on the map. The sandy beach coastlines of Panama merge into forested lowlands that rise into the foothills of the inland mountain ranges.
When did Panama become a country?
In the 80 years following independence from Spain, Panama was a subdivision of Gran Colombia, after voluntarily joining the country at the end of 1821. The people of the isthmus made over 80 attempts to secede from Colombia.
What is the origin of the name Panama?
The definite origin of the name Panama is unknown. There are several theories. One states that the country was named after a commonly found species of tree ( Sterculia apetala, the Panama tree). Another states that the first settlers arrived in Panama in August, when butterflies are abundant, and that the name means "many butterflies" in one or several of the indigenous Amerindian languages that were spoken in the territory prior to Spanish colonization. The most scientifically corroborated theory by Panamanian linguists, states that the word is a castilianization of the Kuna language word " bannaba " which means "distant" or "far away".
How many rivers are there in Panama?
Nearly 500 rivers lace Panama's rugged landscape. Mostly unnavigable, many originate as swift highland streams, meander in valleys, and form coastal deltas. However, the Río Chagres ( Chagres River ), located in central Panama, is one of the few wide rivers and a source of hydroelectric power.
What was the name of the Spanish war that led to the independence of Panama City?
As the Spanish American wars of in dependence were heating up all across Latin America, Panama City was preparing for independence; however, their plans were accelerated by the unilateral Grito de La Villa de Los Santos (Cry From the Town of Saints), issued on November 10, 1821, by the residents of Azuero without backing from Panama City to declare their separation from the Spanish Empire. In both Veraguas and the capital this act was met with disdain, although on differing levels. To Veraguas, it was the ultimate act of treason, while to the capital, it was seen as inefficient and irregular, and furthermore forced them to accelerate their plans.
How long is the Panama Canal?
The treaty granted rights to the United States "as if it were sovereign" in a zone roughly 16 km (10 mi) wide and 80 km (50 mi) long. In that zone, the US would build a canal, then administer, fortify, and defend it "in perpetuity". Construction work on the Gaillard Cut of the Panama Canal, 1907.
How did the isthmus of Panama affect the American continent?
The existence of the isthmus affected the dispersal of people, agriculture and technology throughout the American continent from the appearance of the first hunters and collectors to the era of villages and cities.
What is the ranking of Panama?
In 2019 Panama ranked 57th in the world in terms of the Human Development Index. In 2018, Panama was ranked the seventh-most competitive economy in Latin America, according to the World Economic Forum 's Global Competitiveness Index.
The Panama Canal
In the middle of the country, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic with the Pacific. Here is the narrowest point in the country. Since the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, ships have been able to save the long trip around the southern tip of South America.
Azuero Peninsula and Gulf of Panama
The Azuero peninsula juts out into the Pacific and forms the left-hand bridge pillar of the country’s shape. Thus it is also the western limit of the Gulf of Panama, while the Darién forms the eastern limit. In the Gulf of Panama, the Panama Canal begins on the Pacific side. The Pearl Islands are located in the Gulf of Panama.
Mountains
The west of Panama is divided by a central mountain range. This mountain range is the Cordillera de Talamanca, it comes from Costa Rica. Not far from the border is Panama’s highest mountain, Volcán Barú (Volcano Baru, 3477 meters). To the east of the Panama Canal, the land becomes lower.
Rivers and Lakes
In the southeast there is a rainforest area that is difficult to access. It’s called Darién. Colombian guerrillas and drug dealers are making this area unsafe and taking hostages.
Climate
The climate is tropical and dominated by the sea. It’s hot, humid and often foggy. It is about consistently warm all year round. The annual average temperature is 27 degrees. Only in the mountains does it get cooler.
What is the capital of Panama?
The capital city of country is Panama City . The government type of Panama is a presidential representative democratic republic featured with multi-party system. In this system, the President of Panama is head of the state as well as head of government.
What is the Panama Isthmus?
Panama map also shows that the Panama Isthmus i.e. a thin strip line of landmass joins the two continents i.e. North America and South America and separates two big water bodies i .e. Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea (Atlantic Ocean).
Is Panama a tropical country?
Moreover, being a tropical country, Panama has large extensive area under rainforest in which there are plenty of species of flora and fauna. Some of them are unique and not found anywhere else in the world.
Is Panama's economy good?
The substantial amount of revenue that contributes in Panama's economy comes from Panama Canal tolls. However, Panama's economy is quite good in the Central America and it is one of the fastest growing countries of Central America.
Is Panama part of South America?
Map of Panama illustrates that it shares its international boundaries with Costa Roca in the north-west region i.e. part of North America continent and Colombia in the south-east, which is part of South America continent. The capital city of country is Panama City.
How long is Panama?
At its narrowest point, it’s only 50 miles long. Panama is Central America’s southernmost country, and because of a bend in the isthmus, it gives one the impression that the sun rises in the west (over the Pacific Ocean) and sets in the east (on the Atlantic).
Is Panama a continent?
Panama, barely the size of North Carolina, is an isthmus connecting two continents. Located in Central America, Panama is bordered by Costa Rica to the Northwest and Colombia to the Southeast, and both its southern and northern borders being coastline. The Pacific Ocean is to the South and the Caribbean Sea to the North.
When did Panama get independence?
Eventually, with the aid of the US government, Panama was able to free itself from Spanish, and then Colombian, rule. Panama proclaimed their independence in 1903, and signed a treaty with the US that allowed them to build a canal connecting the two oceans. That canal, known as the Panama Canal, was completed in 1914.
How many people live in Panama City?
It has a population of about 4 million people, nearly half of whom live in Panama City, the capital of Panama. Panama is surrounded by tropical plants and animals, and its jungles (which cover approximately 40% of the country’s land area) are home to creatures that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
What was the name of the road that Spain took to Panama?
This route soon earned the name El Camino Real (The Royal Road).
What tribes were the first to live in Panama?
The first inhabitants of Panama were tribes known as the Cocle and Cuevas . The Cueva were the largest group in the region, with an estimated 200,000 people. When Europeans arrived and began to take over, most of the native population fled into the nearby forests and to the surrounding islands. In the years following European contact, these indigenous peoples would eventually be wiped out, unable to fight off the infectious diseases brought by colonizers.
Why did the US send troops to Panama?
Panama faced political strife and nefarious leaders throughout much of the 20th century. In 1989, the US sent troops to protect US citizens living in the country. The troops were also instructed to defend human rights and democracy, as well as fight drug trafficking.
What is the culture of Panama?
Panama’s culture draws influences from a mix of European (Spanish), Indigenous, and African sources. The intermixing of these distinct cultures has led to an extremely rich and diverse tradition of food and art.
What is the traditional cuisine of Panama?
The traditional cuisine of the country includes ingredients from many places all over the world. Both music and literature also reflect Panama’s diverse cultural heritage. When it comes to visual arts, the blended cultural influences can be seen in ceremonial masks, pottery, and wood carvings.

Overview
- Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is a transcontinental country in Central America and South America, bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The capital and largest city is Panama City, whose metropolitan area is home to nearly half the country's 4 million people. Panama was inha…
Location
Culture
- The culture of Panama derives from European music, art and traditions brought by the Spanish to Panama. Hegemonic forces have created hybrid forms blending African and Native American culture with European culture. For example, the tamborito is a Spanish dance with African rhythms, themes and dance moves. Dance is typical of the diverse cultures in Panama. The loca…
- Panama is known as the \"Crossroads of the Americas\" due to its privileged position between North and South America. The indigenous meaning of the country's name, \"abundance of fish\", reflects Panama's reputation as a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and eco-tourists alike. As the isthmus connecting two massive continents, Panama's flora and fauna is incredibly diverse. …
Economy
- According to the CIA World Factbook, as of 2012 Panama had an unemployment rate of 2.7 percent. A food surplus was registered in August 2008. On the Human Development Index, Panama ranked 60th in 2015. In more recent years, Panama's economy has experienced a boom, with growth in real gross domestic product averaging over 10.4 percent in 2006–2008. Panama'…
- Panama's government has strong ties to the United States and strongly supports business, development and tourism. The International Monetary Fund applauds the country's diversified economy and predicts it to have one of the strongest GDP growth rates in the world for the next several years. Panama is known for its highly developed international banking sector, with abou…
- Panama's economy, because of its key geographic location, is mainly based on a well-developed service sector, especially commerce, tourism, and trading. The handover of the Canal and military installations by the United States has given rise to large construction projects.
History
- At the time of the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the known inhabitants of Panama included the Cuevas and the Coclé tribes. These people have nearly disappeared, as they had no immunity from European infectious diseases.
- After achieving independence from Spain on November, 1821 Panama became a department of Colombia for the next eight years. The Gran Republic of Colombia was by then composed of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. Panama federalist forces still tried to fight for Independence once again for Panama, and almost got it in 1831, also later between 1840 and 1841 a brief inde…
Languages
- Local dialects, such as Ngäbere are used in the entire nation especially in their respective local regions. More than 400,000 Panamanians embrace their local dialects and beliefs. New figures indicate that English, which is the second language, is used by about 8% of the inhabitants; French is spoken by 4% of the people and Arabic by 1%. There are other small, interesting dialects in Pa…
- Though Spanish is spoken by nearly everyone including minority groups, there are many native languages still spoken in Panama. Despite the small size of the country, there are several indigenous cultures that are keen on keeping their original languages alive. One of the largest native Panamanian groups is the Ngöbe-Buglé, which comprises two ethnicities, the Ngöbe and …
Tours
- Many cruise lines have the Panama Canal on their itineraries. You can make tours on Panama City or Colon City and take part in many packages. Recommendation is to take the Panama Canal Railway from Panama to Colon or vice versa. This train goes back since 1855 and it was the first interoceanic train in the American Continent. It has been rebuilt recently and it has very nice pas…
Population
- The Panamanian National Census conducted in 2010 identified that the population of Ngäbe speakers was 260,058. The total population of Ngäbe speakers in 2000 was 5,090 and the total ethnic populace was 5,360. It is important to note that Ngäbe speakers of the Ngäbere community are few compared to the ethnic populace due to the fact that most young people are presently n…
Safety
- Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Drivers often drive dangerously. Keep car windows closed and doors locked at all times.Night construction on the Pan-American Highway is frequent. Be prepared for possible roadblocks.
- It is possible to hike across the Darien Gap from Colombia with the help of trained guides, but this route is generally considered one of the most dangerous in the world. A large percentage of attempts have ended with the trekkers dead as victims of the Colombian guerrillas and paramilitaries or the oppressive jungle environment, which is considered the densest and most …
List Of Provinces
- 1. Bocas del Toro 2. Chiriqui 3. Cocle 4. Colon 5. Darien 6. Herrera 7. Los Santos 8. Panama 9. San Blas 10. Veraguas...
- Panama is divided into nine provinces. Also, there are five Comarcas (literally: \"Shires\") populated by a variety of indigenous groups. 1. Bocas del Toro 2. Chiriquí 3. Coclé 4. Colón 5. Darién 6. Herrera 7. Los Santos 8. Panamá 9. Veraguas 1. Emberá 2. Kuna Yala 3. Ngöbe-Buglé Comarca 4. Kuna de Madugandí 5. Kuna de Wargandí...