3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821)
Religions
Zionist 40% (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship), Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, other (includes Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30%
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%
Languages
English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)
Spanish (official), English 14%; note - many Panamanians bilingual
Exports
soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn, refrigerators, citrus and canned fruit
bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing
External Debt
$737,300,000 $
$14,200,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
emalangeni per US dollar - 7.75 (2008 est.), 7.4 (2007), 6.85 (2006), 6.3593 (2005), 6.4597 (2004)
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
2.600%
1.000%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
0
1
Location
Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica
Area
17,364 km sq
75,420 km sq
Coastline
0 km
2,490 km
Climate
varies from tropical to near temperate
tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)
