- Population:
- 4,516,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Panama was originally part of Spanish-ruled New Granada and later Colombia before gaining independence in 1903 with U.S. support. The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, has played a crucial role in global trade. Today, Panama has a strong economy based on shipping, finance, and tourism.
Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is a transcontinental country in Central America and South America, bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Covering an area of approximately 75,417 square kilometers, Panama has a population of about 4.4 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Panama City. The official language is Spanish. Panama operates as a unitary presidential constitutional democracy. The economy is highly service-oriented, with banking, commerce, and tourism being significant sectors, bolstered by the strategic Panama Canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Panama is known for its diverse culture, tropical rainforests, and as a global logistics and financial hub. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Central American Integration System.
