Panama country facts

Capital of Panama

Panama City

Exchange rate, currency Balboa

1 US$ = 1 Balboa, B (fixed rate).

Administrative divisions

9 provinces: Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama and Veraguas. 3 territories: Emberá-Wounaan, Kuna Yala (San Blas) and Ngobe-Bugle.

Population

3.2 millions growth rate 1.6% (2007 est.). Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%.

Languages

Spanish (official), English 14%, many Panamanians are bilingual.

Religions

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%.

Climate

Tropical; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season from May to January, short dry season from January to May.

Geography

78,200 sq. km. Interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills.

National Anthem

Listen to the National Anthem of Panama

Public holidays

January 1 - New Years Day.
January 9 - Mourning Day.
February 15 - Carnival.
March/April - Good Friday.
May 1 - Labor Day.
November 3 - Independence Day (1903 from Colombia).
November 4 - Flag Day.
November 10 - The rebellion of the Saints.
November 28 - Independence from Spain.
December 8 - Mother's Day.
December 25 - Christmas Day.

Newspapers

La Prensa | El Siglo | La Estrella

Natural resources

Copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower.

Industries

Construction, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling.

Agriculture products

Bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables, livestock, shrimp.

GDP

US$ 26.2 billion, real growth rate 8.1%, per capita US$ 8,200 (2006 est.).

Exports

US$ 8.5 billion (f.o.b., 2006 est.). Bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing.