Panama, country of Central America located on the Isthmus of Panama, the narrow bridge of land that connects North and South America. Embracing the isthmus and more than 1,600 islands off its Atlantic and Pacific coasts, the tropical nation is renowned as the site of the Panama Canal, which cuts through its midsection. It is equally well known for its natural beauty, for its diverse plant and animal life, including hundreds of bird and tree species, and for its vibrant music and culture. The home of several Native American peoples, such as the Kuna and Chocó, Panama became the first ... (100 of 11,858 words)
| Official name | República de Panamá (Republic of Panama) |
|---|---|
| Form of government | multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [71]) |
| Head of state and government | President: Juan Carlos Varela |
| Capital | Panama City |
| Official language | Spanish |
| Official religion | none |
| Monetary unit | balboa (B) |
| Population | (2014 est.) 3,671,000 |
| Total area (sq mi) | 28,640 |
| Total area (sq km) | 74,177 |
| Urban-rural population | Urban: (2011) 75.3% Rural: (2011) 24.7% |
| Life expectancy at birth | Male: (2012) 75.2 years Female: (2012) 80.9 years |
| Literacy: percentage of population age 15 and over literate | Male: (2008) 94.1% Female: (2008) 92.8% |
| GNI per capita (U.S.$) | (2013) 10,700 |
