Official Name: República de Panamá (Republic of Panama

Area: Central America

Size: 75,517 km²

Coastline: 2,490 km

Independence: from Spain 28 November 1821 

Form of Govt.: multiparty republic

Head of Govt.: President

Capital: Panama City

Largest City: Panama City

Demographics (2005): 3,320,000.   43 /km²

Mestizo (mixed Amerindian, African and white) 69%, Caribbean Antillean (West Indian) 11%, white 10%, Amerindian 5%, Asian (mostly Chinese) 5%

GDP per Capita (2005): $7,283

Languages: Spanish (official), English 14%

Geography: interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills. Mountain ranges, covered with large areas of rain forest. The coasts are indented with many lagoons, bays, and gulfs. Located just off the west coast of Panama City, only one hour by ferry, Taboga Island is one of Panama's most frequently visited tourist destinations. The San Blas Islands and the Las Perlas Islands are other unique attractions

Climate: Panama has a tropical climate with little seasonal variation. The rainy season is from April to December and humidity is around 80% all year round. The prevailing winds are the northerlies and north easterlies throughout most of the year and the south westerlies during Autumn. Average annual precipitation varies from 1,780 mm to 2,540 depending on the region. Average temperature ranges in Colon are from 22 degrees to 32 degrees