Panama - Country Details

Basic Information

Capital

Panama City

Region

Americas / Central America

Population

4,626,304

Area

75,517 km²

Currencies

Panamanian balboa (B/.), United States dollar ($)

Languages

Spanish

About country

Panama is a country situated in Central America, connecting North and South America. Its history is deeply intertwined with its strategic location, initially inhabited by indigenous peoples before Spanish colonization in the 16th century. For centuries, it was part of Colombia before gaining independence in 1903, largely facilitated by the United States' support for the Panama Canal project. The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, remains a vital waterway for global trade and a significant contributor to the Panamanian economy. Today, Panama is a thriving hub for logistics, banking, and tourism, experiencing consistent economic growth.