3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821)
5 July 1811 (from Spain)
Religions
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%
nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%
Languages
Spanish (official), English 14%; note - many Panamanians bilingual
Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects
Exports
petroleum, bauxite and aluminum, steel, chemicals, agricultural products, basic manufactures
External Debt
$74,870,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
bolivars (VEB) per US dollar - 2.147 (2008 est.), 2,147 (2007), 2,147 (2006), 2,089.8 (2005), 1,891.3 (2004) note: On 1 January 2008 Venezuela revalued its currency with 1000 old bolivares equal to 1 new bolivar
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
1.050%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
1
1
Location
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica
Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana
Area
75,420 km sq
912,050 km sq
Coastline
2,490 km
2,800 km
Climate
tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)
Rankings + Records
