More so than any other nation in Central America, Panama is a product of its
strategic location. Its history, culture, economy, and political relations with regional neighbors
and the United States are largely derived from this circumstance.
Extending in an undulating arclike fashion for a distance of 480 miles (772 kilometers)
from the South American mainland nation of Colombia on the east to Costa Rica on the west,
Panama rarely exceeds a width of more than 75 miles (120 kilometers). It encompasses an area
of 28,753 square miles (74,470 square kilometers). Whereas the northern Caribbean shoreline is
relatively straight, the Pacific margin is interrupted by a number of peninsulas, and a number of
island groups lie offshore.
Official Name. Republic of Panama.
Capital. Panama (City).
Area. 29,762 square miles (77,082 square kilometers).
Population (1989 estimate). 2,370,000; 79.6 persons per square mile (30.7 persons per
square kilometer); 51.9 percent urban, 48.1 percent rural.
Major Language. Spanish (official).
Major Religion. Roman Catholicism.
Literacy. 88.2 percent.
Highest Peak. Volcano Baru.
Major Rivers. Chepo, Chucunaque, Santa Maria, Tuira.
Form of Government. Republic.
Head of State and Government. President.
Legislature. Legislative Assembly.
Voting Qualification. Age 18.
Political Divisions. 9 provinces and 1 special territory.
Major Cities (1989 estimate). Panama (435,458), San Miguelito (252,560), Colon (58,479),
David (49,472 [1980 census]).
Chief Manufactured Products. Processed foods, textiles, clothing, refined petroleum.
Chief Agricultural Products. Crops bananas, cacao, coffee, sugar, grain crops, vegetables,
fruits, rice. Livestock and fish cattle, freshwater fish and seafood.
Monetary Unit. 1 balboa = 100 cents.