3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821)
Religions
Christian 42.8% (Catholic 27.1%, Celestial 5%, Methodist 3.2%, other Protestant 2.2%, other 5.3%), Muslim 24.4%, Vodoun 17.3%, other 15.5% (2002 census)
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%
Languages
French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)
Spanish (official), English 14%; note - many Panamanians bilingual
Exports
bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing
External Debt
$13,340,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
balboas (PAB) per US dollar - 1 (2008 est.), 1 (2007), 1 (2006), 1 (2005), 1 (2004) note: the US dollar is the legal currency
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
1.000%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
0
1
Location
Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria and Togo
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica
Area
112,622 km sq
75,420 km sq
Coastline
121 km
2,490 km
Climate
tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north
tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)
