| Situated between Costa Rica (in the | | | | 1821. It was also under Columbian rule until |
| northwest) and Columbia (in the southeast), | | | | 3 November 1903. Now, it is a fully |
| Panama is a small country that has a total | | | | independent country. Due to its past, |
| land area of 29,157 square miles. On the list | | | | Panamanians still speak Spanish and much of |
| of the world?s largest country, it is placed | | | | its early culture can be traced to Spanish |
| 118th. It is the smallest Spanish speaking | | | | influences. In recent years, Panama has seen |
| country in Latin America in terms of | | | | an increase in the arrival of Africans, |
| population with a little over 3 million | | | | Chinese, Jewish, Hindus and other races. |
| people. Panama is shaped like a small letter | | | | Panama prides itself as the banking and |
| 'n' though a little skewered and it is a | | | | economical center of Latin America because of |
| 'bridge' between Central America and South | | | | its strategic location. With the coming of |
| America. | | | | these new people, the Panamanian culture is |
| | | | slowly evolving to stamp its own distinct |
| If you think about Panama, you will most | | | | path. A good example is traditional |
| likely think of sun and sea. Panama is | | | | Panamanian music which is unique in itself. |
| blessed with long wonderful stretches of | | | | |
| sandy beaches along its north and south coast | | | | The capital of Panama is Panama City with a |
| so it has become a favorite romantic getaway | | | | population of about a million people. It is a |
| for tourists who like the sun and sea. | | | | sprawling city of fantastic sights and |
| However, Panama has other attractions as | | | | sounds. If you think Panama is a sleepy |
| well. Near the Costa Rican end, there is a | | | | little village, a visit to Panama City will |
| mountain range which extends up to 6,500 | | | | surprise you. In terms of modern buildings, |
| feet. In the Chiriqui district, you can find | | | | Panama City is comparable to some famous |
| some volcanoes, the largest of which is | | | | cities like San Francisco or Miami. Situated |
| called Baru. This region is mainly used for | | | | around the Atlantic side of the canal, Colon |
| agricultural purposes and is quite cold. If | | | | is the biggest free trade zone in the Western |
| you plan to visit these parts, please be | | | | Hemisphere. Colon is accountable for the |
| advised to bring the appropriate clothing. | | | | majority of Panama's export and import |
| | | | activities. |
| Panama was a Spanish colony up to 28 November | | | | |