| Welcome
to the Panama Information homepage. Here you can find useful
information on a variety of subject. From the history of this
great country, to the address of your local Panamanian Embassy.
Feel free to look around as much as you like. Below is a map of Panama, with the main Cities/tourist
areas of note. You can find more information on a number of
areas in our destination guide, here. 
Geography
- Panama is the Southernmost country of Central America,
bordering Costa Rica to the North West, Colombia to
the South East, The Caribbean Sea to the North and
the Pacific Ocean to the South.
- Panama covers an area of 75,517 km2, 2.9% of which
is covered by water.
- Approximately 22% of Panama’s area is protected
in the form of 14 national parks, making Panama one
of the most ecologically friendly countries in the
world.
- The Capital City of Panama is Panama City
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Population
- Panama has a population, estimated in 2005, to be
around 3,232,000, with a population density of 43/km2
- Panama City has a population of 708,738 (as of the
year 2000), with a population density of 275/km2
- Panamas total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated
at $23.495 Billion in 2005, with the GDP per Capita
being $7,283.
- Panama has the fastest growing GDP rate in Latin
America. Its imports and exports are both clear
at the top of both lists, with 61% of GDP for Imports
and 64% for exports.
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Other
Information
- The official language of Panama is Spanish, although
English is a popular second language with businesses
and professionals, as well as the West Indians.
- Panama is ruled by a Constitutional Democracy,
and President Martin Torrijos.
- Panama first gained its independence on November
28th, 1821 from Spain. They then regained
their independence on November 3,1903 from Colombia.
- Panama uses a combination of their own currency,
the Balboa and the US dollar. The Balboa has
been locked against the Dollar in a ratio of 1:1
since its introduction. Panama has a mix of
Balboa coins and USD notes in circulation, with
both being used on a daily basis.
- Panama are predicted to have the lowest inflation
rate in Latin America in 2007, with a rate
of just 2.3%, compared to 2.8% in 2006.
- There is currently a real estate boom in Panama,
fueled by a battle by two rival projects to become
the tallest building in Latin America.
- The current boom is not likely to slow, due to
the promise of such developments as the widening
of the Panama Canal, a possible refinery being opened
by oil giant Oxy, and a new container port opening
at the Pacific entrance to the Canal.
- Panama does not have an official religion, however
the overwhelming majority of the population, accounting
for about 80% are Roman Catholic. The next
most popular is Protestantism, with about 12% of
the population. The remaining 8% is made up
of Islam, Bahá'í Faith, Buddhism,
Judaism, and Hinduism
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