Welcome to Panama

Photo of Country Flag

Explored by Columbus in 1502 and by Balboa in 1513, Panama was the principal shipping point to and from South and Central America in colonial days. Within 1821, during the time Central America revolted against Spain, Panama joined Colombia, that had already declared its independence. For the next 82 years, Panama attempted unsuccessfully to break away from Colombia. Between 1850 and 1900 Panama had 40 administrations, 50 riots, 5 attempted secessions, and 13 U.S. interventions. Soon after a U.S. proposal for canal rights over the narrow isthmus was rejected by Colombia, Panama proclaimed its independence with U.S. backing in 1903. Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on an isthmus, Panama is voted by the masses asto be wholly part of North America by most authorities, though many categorize it as a transcontinental nation connecting North and South America. It borders Costa Rica to the north-west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. It is known to be an international business center and is known to be also a transit country. Within Central America, it is always the second most industrialized country, behind El Salvador. Did you know that the southernmost of the Central American nations, Panama is south of Costa Rica and north of Colombia. Did you know that the Panama Canal bisects the isthmus at its narrowest and lowest point, allowing passage from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Panama is slightly modester than South Carolina. It is marked by a chain of mountains in the west, moderate hills in the interior, and a low range on the east coast. Did you know that there are and have always been all-encompassing forests in the fertile Caribbean area.

Climate

Panama is tropical, but temperatures vary according to location and altitude. It is noted that the annual average temperature on both coasts is 29°C (84°F), and it ranges from 10° to 19°C (50 to 66°F) at various mountain elevations. There is little seasonal change in temperature, with warm days and cool nights all over the year. Humidity is quite high, however, averaging 80%. Rainfall averages 178 cm (70 in) in Panama City and 328 cm (129 in) in Colón. It is noted that the timeframe of lightest rainfall is from January to March.

Population Stats

Population (2006 est.): 3,191,319 (growth rate: 1.6%);
birth rate: 21.7/1000;
infant mortality rate: 16.4/1000;
life expectancy: 75.2;
density per sq mi: 109