Panama

Official name: Republic of Panama
Also known as: República de Panamá (Spanish)

Panama Map OutlineCapital: Panama City
Total Area: 78,200 km² (30,193 mi²)
Approximate population: 4,337,768
Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica
Languages: Spanish, English, Amerindian languages
Religions: Protestant, Roman Catholic, Sunni Muslim
Currency: Balboa (PAB), United States dollar (USD)
Organizations: United Nations
Border countries: Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km.
Maritime boundaries: Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean
Coastline: 2,490 km


Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (provincias, sing. – provincia):
Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama and Veraguas. 5 comarcas: Nobe Bugle, Kuna Yala, Wagandí, Madugandí y Enbera Wonan.


Natural resources: Copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower.

Note: Strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean.