Location: Central America
Status: UN Country
Capital City: Panamá City (Panamá)
Main Cities: Colón, David
Population: 2,611,000
Area: 77,080 km2
Currency: 1 balboa = 100 centésimos
Languages: Spanish
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim
More about
Panama: a republic in Central America, occupying the Isthmus of Panama: gained independence from Spain in 1821 and joined Greater Colombia; became independent in 1903, with the immediate area around the canal forming the Canal Zone under US jurisdiction; Panama assumed sovereignty over the Canal Zone in 1979 and full control in 1999. Official language: Spanish; English is also widely spoken. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: balboa. Capital: Panama City. Pop.: 3 178 000 (2004 est.). Area: 75 650 sq. km (29 201 sq. miles)