The Republic of Panama is located in the center of the Western Hemisphere, between the following coordinates: 7º12’07″ and 9º38’46″ North Latitude, and 77º09’24″ and 83º03’07″ West Longitude.
It is bordered to the north by the Caribbean Sea, to the east by the Republic of Colombia, to the south by the Pacific Ocean, and to the west by the Republic of Costa Rica.
Panama forms a link between Central America and South America, constituting an isthmus approximately 80 km wide at its narrowest point.
Official Name: Republic of Panama.
Capital: Panama City.
Nationality: Panamanian.
Land Area, Population, and Density: 75,517 km²; 2,839,177 inhabitants; 81 inhabitants per square mile.
Age Distribution (%): National Population and Housing Census 2023.
Political Division: 10 provinces and 5 indigenous regions (comarcas).
Government: Constitutional democracy; centralized republic.
Legal System: Based on the civil law system, with judicial review of legislative acts by the Supreme Court of Justice; recognizes the jurisdiction of international courts, with certain reservations.
Language: The official language is Spanish; however, many Panamanians speak English.
Literacy Rate: 90%.
Climate: Panama has a tropical climate, and temperatures are usually uniform throughout the year. The average temperature is 27°C.
Religion: There is complete freedom of worship in Panama. The majority of Panamanians are Roman Catholic; however, due to the country’s diversity, there are numerous churches, temples, and synagogues.
Time Zone: Panama’s time is the same year-round as U.S. Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5).
Currency: U.S. Dollar. Panama’s coins are equivalent in size and value to those of the United States.
Business Hours: Generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Some are open on Sundays.
Tipping: A tip of 10% to 15% of the bill is recommended.
Driver’s License: Visitors may drive for up to 90 days with a foreign license.
Electricity: 110 volts; 60 cycles.
Clothing: Lightweight clothing is recommended. Business attire is formal: a light jacket is recommended for men, and a suit or pant set for women. A wide-brim hat and sunglasses are advisable if visiting coastal areas.
How to Get There: The best way to reach Panama is by air. Copa Airlines, Continental Airlines, American Airlines, and Iberia operate several daily flights to the country. If driving, you can arrive via the Inter-American Highway, which runs through Central America. If arriving by sea, you may disembark at one of the country’s ports.
