3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821)
24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from Portugal)
Religions
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%
Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 10%
Languages
Spanish (official), English 14%; note - many Panamanians bilingual
Portuguese (official), Crioulo, African languages
Exports
External Debt
Exchange Rate
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
1
0
Location
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal
Area
75,420 km sq
36,125 km sq
Coastline
2,490 km
350 km
Climate
tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)
tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds