Panama By: John Karrasch

Form of Government Panama has a constitutional democracy.

President Panama’s president is Martin TORRIJOS Espino (since September )

Panama’s Military Panama passed an amendment that abolished the military and formed the Panamanian Public Forces (security-like)

Transportation There are 116 airports, 2 heliports, 355km of railways, 11,643km of roadways, and 800km of waterways in Panama.

Languages Spoken Spanish is the official language spoken but with many Panamanians being bilingual 14% can also speak English.

Geographical location Panama is found in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica.

Geographical Make-up Panama’s interior is mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills.

Population Panama’s population is estimated at around 3,242,173.

Major Imports capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, chemicals

Major Exports bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing

Agricultural Goods bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables; livestock; shrimp

Currency Panama’s main currency are the Balboa and U.S. Dollar

Religion Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

Major National Holidays Independence Day, 3 November

Major International Disputes Organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia operate within the remote border region with Panama.

Sources -world-factbook/geos/pm.html