Location: The Republic of Panama is located in the center of the western hemisphere, between the coordinates 7º12’07", northern latitude and 9º38’46", western longitude. The country limits, to the north, the Caribbean sea and to the south, the Pacific ocean. Colombia lies to the east, while Costa Rica can be found to the west. Panama serves as a connector, between Latin and South America and, at it's narrowest, is a mere 80 kilometers wide.

Area: 75,517 square km (29,208 square miles).

Topography: The country is mountainous towards the coast of the Caribbean, with rolling hills and extensive savannahs towards the Pacific.

Political Division - Administrative : Panama is comprised of nine provinces, 75 districts and 5 indigenous regions; Kuna Yala, Emberá, Ngöbe - Buglé, Kuna de Madungandi and Kuna de Wargandi.

Population: 2,839,177 inhabitants. (2000 Census).

Language: Primarily Spansih, although English is widely spoken and understood in most civilized areas. There are also various indigenous dialects and minority groups have established the speech of such languages as Italian, French, Greek, Chinese and Hindu, amoung others.

Government: The Republic of Panama is a sovereign and independant country. The Government is Unitary, Republican, Democratic and Representative, comprised of a President, two Vice Presidents and twelve ministers of state that govern the Executive Authority, the Legislative Assembly, with 72 Legislators and 9 Magistrates.

Education: Panama a large part of the national budget in it's education. It's Public and Private schools are both under the supervision of the Ministry of Education. The schooling system is organised into the levels of Primary and Secondary, each of which run for a period of six years and are ultimately followed by superior or University education. There are eleven Universities in total, with The University of Panama and The Technological University being official, while the Santa Maria Univeristy, Latin University, Istmo University, Interamerican University of remote education, The State University of Florida, Latinamerican University of science and technology, Panama Canal College and Columbus University are all private institutions.

Religion: 85% Catholic, 15% Protestant

Climate: The climate of Panama is typically tropical and the average temperature is more or less uniform throughout the year. The nights in Panama are generally fresh and the average temperature is 27ºC. The country contains two main weather seasons - the rainy season runs from May until mid november, while the dry season, mid november until april. Recommended reading: Hidrometeorología de Panamá.

More >

Information collected from : The Panamanian Tourist Institute, IPAT