Location: Central America, Isthmus connecting North and South America, Panama
Area: Approx. 75,420 km² (29,120 sq mi)
Climate: Tropical maritime climate; Hot and humid year-round. Rainy season is May to November. Dry season is December to April
Timezone: UTC -5 (Eastern Standard Time)
Capital: Panama City
Population: Approx. 4.4 million (2024 estimate)
Language: Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in business and tourism sectors
Currency: Balboa (PAB) & US Dollar (USD). US Dollar is the primary circulating currency
Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
Motto: “Pro Mundi Beneficio” translates to “For the Benefit of the World”
Culture & Identity
- Ethnic Mix: Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European), Indigenous groups, Afro-Caribbean, European descent
- Major Celebrations:
- Carnival (February/March)
- Independence Days (November)
- Festival de la Mejorana (Traditional folklore festival)
- National Symbols:
- National Dish: Sancocho (hearty chicken soup)
- National Bird: Harpy Eagle
- National Tree: Panama Tree (Sterculia apetala)
- National Flower: Holy Ghost Orchid (Peristeria elata)
- Coat of Arms: Features the isthmus, canal, eagle, and symbols of peace & defense
Geography & Nature
- Landmarks:
- Panama Canal (world-famous engineering marvel)
- San Blas Islands (Indigenous Guna Yala territory)
- Bocas del Toro Archipelago
- Darien National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Bridge of the Americas
- Mountainous interior with coastal lowlands
- Hundreds of islands along both Caribbean & Pacific coasts
History Highlights
- Indigenous peoples inhabited the region for thousands of years
- Spanish colonization began in the 16th century
- Panama gained independence from Spain in 1821
- Separated from Colombia in 1903 with U.S. support
- Panama Canal opened in 1914, boosting global trade
- Full control of the Canal transferred to Panama in 1999
Interesting Facts
- Panama is the only place where you can see the sun rise over the Pacific and set over the Atlantic
- Home to more bird species than the entire U.S. and Canada combined
- Uses both the Balboa and U.S. Dollar, but coins are uniquely Panamanian
- The canal handles about 5% of all global maritime trade
- Known as a major international banking hub
