Panama is one of the less visited Central American countries which is surprising given the amount of attractions packed into this narrow stretch of land connecting two continental land masses. Panama was a key site for Spanish colonisation of the Americas and reminders of this period can be seen in the historical districts of Panama City and the remains of the Spanish forts on the Caribbean coast. Panama is also a country of extraordinary natural beauty and diversity, with national parks like Darien and La Amistad being important habitats for a wide range of animal species. The country also offers many opportunities for relaxation and adrenaline activities in the islands off its Caribbean coast. Finally, don't miss a chance to observe the workings and traffic of the canal for which Panama is world famous. Explore in depth highlights of Panama.
| Tours | Unesco WHS | Guidebooks |
|---|---|---|
| groups tours with set departures |
World Heritage Sites | country, regions and cities |
| Time zone: | GMT -5 (Panama standard time) | Daylight savings: None |
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| Main languages: | Spanish |
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| Other languages: | Amerindian dialects, Creole, English |
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| Currency: |
balboas (PAB) €1 = B/.1.11, $1 = B/.1.00, £1 = B/.1.32 (rates as of Sep 2016) |
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| Internet Domain: | .pa | International Dialling Code: 507 |
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For help planning your trip to Panama including visas, vaccinations, currency exchange, flights, accomodation and insurance, see our Panama trip planning page.
Further information on Panama
Discover more about Panama - the country's geogrpahy and natural features, an assessment of its status on freedom and rights and data on the country's population and economy.
Geography & Natural Features
Total area: 78,200 sq km (2,210 sq km under water)
Coastline: 2,490 km (Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean)
Neighbours (border lengths): Colombia (225km), Costa Rica (330km)
Climate: 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.
Highest mountain: Volcan Baru (3,475m)
Freedom & Rights
Summary status and rankings for Panama from classifications of different organisations measuring political and economic freedom, democracy and civil rights. See more details of these rankings.
| Index | Status | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Freedom in the World | Free | - |
 | Democracy Index | Flawed democracy | 47/167 |
 | Economic Freedom | Moderately Free | 68/179 |
 | Press Freedom | Noticeable problems | 81/179 |
 | ILGA LGBT rights | Limited rights | - |
 | Corruption Perceptions | Medium corruption | 94/174 |
| Overall Ranking: | 64/195 | ||
Other Data & Links
Full name: Republic of Panama Status: Independent Country
Population: 3,608,431 (rank: 128/196) Density: 46.1 people/sq km (rank: 136/196)
Ethnic groups: mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%
Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%
GDP (PPP): $61.54 billion GDP per capita: $16,500 (rank: 63/195)
Information derived from the CIA World Factbook. Other country profiles: BBC News.