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