More so than any other nation in Central America, Panama is a product of its strategic location. Its history, culture, economy, and political relations with regional neighbors and the United States are largely derived from this circumstance.

Official Name. Republic of Panama.

Capital. Panama (City).

Area. 29,762 square miles (77,082 square kilometers).

Population (1989 estimate). 2,370,000; 79.6 persons per square mile (30.7 persons per square kilometer); 51.9 percent urban, 48.1 percent rural.

Major Language. Spanish (official).

Major Religion. Roman Catholicism.

Literacy. 88.2 percent.

Highest Peak. Volcano Baru.

Major Rivers. Chepo, Chucunaque, Santa Maria, Tuira.

Form of Government. Republic.

Head of State and Government. President.

Legislature. Legislative Assembly.

Voting Qualification. Age 18.

Political Divisions. 9 provinces and 1 special territory.

Major Cities (1989 estimate). Panama (435,458), San Miguelito (252,560), Colon (58,479), David (49,472 [1980 census]).

Chief Manufactured Products. Processed foods, textiles, clothing, refined petroleum.

Chief Agricultural Products. Crops bananas, cacao, coffee, sugar, grain crops, vegetables, fruits, rice. Livestock and fish cattle, freshwater fish and seafood.

Monetary Unit. 1 balboa = 100 cents.