Map
Source: CIA World Factbook
Summary Data
| summary data |
|
| Total Area (km2) |
78,200 |
| Land (km2) |
75,990 |
| Water (km2 |
2,210 |
| Population |
3,292,693 |
| Population Density (/km2) |
43.4 |
| Capital |
Panama |
| Religion (%) |
Roman Catholic 85%
Protestant 15% |
| Time |
GMT-5 |
| Climate |
Panama has a Tropical maritime climate that is hot, humid
and cloudy. There is a prolonged rainy season from May to
January, and a short dry season from January to May. |
Source: CIA World Factbook
Geography
Panama is a country that connects the northern and southern
American continents. Bordering Colombia to the east, Costa Rica to
the west and the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean to the north and south
respectively, the country is very mountainous with low lands along
the coastlines. There is only a quarter of the country that is
inhabited with people living mostly in and around Panama City and
Colon, the country's two major cities, or in the low lands. Panama
is set in an ideal location as it is doesn't suffer from any
natural disasters such as hurricanes and earth quakes.
Government
Panama has a Republic government from which it gained
independence from Colombia in 1903. Martin Torrijos is the head of
government and in September 2004 also took over the role of Chief
of state. He vowed to fight for a free trade agreement with the USA
which he achieved in December 2006. The government currently has
plans to expand the Panama Canal in 2008 which should increase the
country's shipping industry and improve economic growth.
Language
The official language in Panama is Spanish but English is widely
spoken by many and a large number of locals are bilingual.
Electricity
120 volts AC, 60Hz.
Plugs vary from the flat two-pin American type to three pin
plugs.
Passports/Visa
Passports
Nationals are required to have a passport which is valid for a
minimum of six months to enter Panama. All nationals must also have
a return or ongoing ticket out of the country.
Visas
British nationals do not require a visa to enter the country;
nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA do not need a visa but
must be issued a tourist card and may stay in the country for a
maximum of 30 days unless they apply to the immigration authorities
for an extension of a further 60 days.
Passport/Visa Information
Panama Embassy
Panama House
40 Hertford Street
London
W1J 7SH
Tel: 020 7409 2255
Fax: 020 7493 4499
Airports and Airlines
Tocumen Panama International
Airport (PTY)
- Location: The airport is located 17km East
from Panama City.
- Time: GMT-5
- Contacts: Via Tocumen, Panama City,
Panama
- Tel: 507 238 2700
- Website: www.tocumenpanama.aero
- Terminals: 1
- Transfer to the city: Bus services are
available to downtown Panama and taxi firms operate from the
airport with pre purchased fares. Some hotels may operate a shuttle
service.
- Car rental: There are several car hire
companies including Alamo, Avis and Hertz with booking desks at the
airport.
- Facilities: The airport has an ATM, banking
services, bureau de change, several shops including duty free at
both arrivals and departure gates. Snack bars, restaurants and
coffee shops are also available.
- Parking: Parking is available.
Standard of Living
Panama is rapidly becoming known as a popular tourist and
retirement destination thanks to the very high standard
of living the country enjoys, along with its
burgeoning tourist industry. The country has a very good
health care system, infrastructure and a low cost of living.
English is widely spoken throughout the country and it is a safer
place to live than neighbouring countries such as Columbia.
Principal commercial centres and towns
Panama City is the country's capital and most populated
city.
| population by city/town 2007 |
|
| Panama |
445,800 |
| San Miguelito |
314,800 |
| David |
83,000 |
| Arraijan |
69,100 |
| La Chorrea |
59,900 |
| Colon |
45,200 |
| Changuinola |
41,700 |
Source: Panama Offshore Legal Services
(www.offshorelegal.org)
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