Panama

Central America

Panama is a country in Central America, home to 4.5 million people, with an area of 75,417 km². Its capital is Panama City.

Capital: Panama City
Population: 4.5 million
Area: 75,417 km²
Region: Central America
Density: 59.7 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Panama · Central America · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Panama is known for

Panama is best known for Panama Canal, San Blas Islands and Panama City.

Panama is a country located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The country is known for its vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, and famous canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Panama at a glance

Language: Spanish is the official language, with English also widely spoken
Currency: Panamanian balboa (PAB), which is at parity with the US dollar (USD)
Religion: Christianity is the predominant religion in Panama, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination
National dish: Sancocho, a hearty chicken soup with root vegetables and herbs, is considered the national dish
Climate: Panama has a tropical climate, with a wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April
Main industries: The Panama Canal, financial services, tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing
GDP: $66.82 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Panama is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 73 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Panama

Some of the main tourist attractions in Panama include:

Panama Canal one of the most famous engineering feats in history, the Panama Canal allows ships to pass between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
San Blas Islands an archipelago of 365 islands and cays located off the northeastern coast of Panama, known for their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Panama City the capital of Panama, with a rich history, stunning colonial architecture, and a vibrant nightlife.
Boquete a picturesque mountain town located in the Chiriquí Highlands, known for its coffee plantations and outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and whitewater rafting.
Bocas del Toro a group of islands located in the western Caribbean Sea, known for their beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and surfing.
Coiba Island a UNESCO World Heritage Site located off the southwestern coast of Panama, known for its pristine forests, marine life, and historic penal colony.
Embera Indigenous Village a traditional village located in the Darien Province, where visitors can learn about the culture and way of life of the Embera people.
Portobelo a historic town located on the Caribbean coast, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and rich history as a major port for Spanish galleons.
Gulf of Chiriquí a marine reserve located in the Pacific Ocean off the western coast of Panama, known for its diverse marine life and excellent snorkeling and diving.
Volcán Barú National Park a national park located in the Chiriquí Highlands, home to Panama's highest peak, Volcán Barú, and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Panama has to offer. The country is also known for its rich history, diverse indigenous cultures, and lively festivals and celebrations.

Panama in pictures

Panama on video

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Panama compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Central America.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Nicaragua	7 million	130,373 km²	Managua
El Salvador	6.4 million	21,041 km²	San Salvador
Costa Rica	5.1 million	51,100 km²	San José
Panama	4.5 million	75,417 km²	Panama City