25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)
3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821)
Religions
Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several small Shia Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.)
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%
Languages
Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle classes
Spanish (official), English 14%; note - many Panamanians bilingual
