# Panama

> sovereign state in Central America

**Wikidata**: [Q804](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q804)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/panama

## Summary

Panama is a country located in Central America [1]. It was established on January 1, 1903 . The nation has an area of 74k  and its capital is Panama City [2].Spanish serves as the official language [3]. The country operates within the UTC−05:00 time zone under the America/Panama designation [4].

## Summary
Panama is a sovereign state in Central America, officially known as the Republic of Panama. It gained independence from Spain in 1903 and later separated from Colombia, becoming a sovereign nation. Panama is known for its strategic location, hosting the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is a vital global trade route.

## Key Facts
- **Area**: 74,177.3 square kilometers
- **Capital**: Panama City
- **Official Name**: República de Panamá
- **Languages**: Spanish, Northern Embera, Panamanian Sign Language, and others
- **Currency**: Panamanian balboa and United States dollar
- **Time Zone**: UTC−05:00 (America/Panama)
- **Population**: Approximately 4.57 million (2025 estimate)
- **Life Expectancy**: 77 years (2022)
- **Human Development Index**: 0.805 (2021)
- **Member of**: United Nations, World Trade Organization, and other international organizations
- **Inception**: Gained independence from Spain in 1903
- **Significant Events**: Independence from Spain, separation from Colombia

## FAQs
- **What is the capital of Panama?** The capital of Panama is Panama City.
- **What languages are spoken in Panama?** Spanish is the official language, along with indigenous languages such as Northern Embera and Panamanian Sign Language.
- **What is the currency of Panama?** The official currency is the Panamanian balboa, with the United States dollar also widely used.
- **What is the time zone of Panama?** Panama operates on UTC−05:00, using the time zone America/Panama.
- **What is the population of Panama?** As of 2025, the estimated population is 4.57 million.
- **What is the life expectancy in Panama?** The life expectancy in Panama is approximately 77 years.
- **What is the human development index of Panama?** The human development index for Panama is 0.805 (2021).
- **What international organizations is Panama a member of?** Panama is a member of the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and other international organizations.
- **When did Panama gain independence?** Panama gained independence from Spain in 1903.
- **What are some significant events in Panama's history?** Key events include the independence from Spain and the separation from Colombia.

## Why It Matters
Panama plays a crucial role in global trade and transportation due to its strategic location, particularly the Panama Canal. The canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating international shipping and economic growth. Panama's independence from both Spain and Colombia was a significant milestone in its history, shaping its political and economic development. The country's diverse cultural heritage, including indigenous languages and traditions, adds to its cultural richness. Panama's membership in international organizations such as the United Nations and World Trade Organization enhances its global influence and cooperation with other nations.

## Notable For
- **Strategic Location**: Hosts the Panama Canal, a vital global trade route.
- **Cultural Diversity**: Home to indigenous languages and traditions alongside Spanish.
- **Economic Influence**: Strong membership in international organizations like the United Nations and World Trade Organization.
- **Historical Milestones**: Gained independence from Spain in 1903 and later separated from Colombia.
- **Tourism Attractions**: Known for its natural beauty, including the Panama Canal and diverse ecosystems.

## Body
### Geography
Panama is located in Central America, bordered by Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east. It has a diverse geography, including coastal regions, mountains, and rainforests. The country's highest point is Volcan Baru, and its lowest point is the Caribbean Sea. Panama's area is 74,177.3 square kilometers, making it a significant landmass in the region.

### Demographics
As of 2025, Panama's population is estimated to be 4.57 million. The population is diverse, with Spanish as the official language and indigenous languages such as Northern Embera and Panamanian Sign Language also spoken. The life expectancy in Panama is approximately 77 years, reflecting a relatively high standard of living.

### Economy
Panama's economy is driven by its strategic location, particularly the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The country's nominal GDP for 2022 was 76.52 billion United States dollars. Panama is a member of the World Trade Organization and other international economic organizations, enhancing its global economic influence.

### Government and Politics
Panama is a republic with a presidential system of government. The current head of state is José Raúl Mulino, who took office on July 1, 2024. Panama is a member of the United Nations and other international organizations, promoting cooperation and diplomacy on the global stage.

### Culture and Society
Panama's cultural heritage is rich and diverse, influenced by indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial history. The country's motto is "Pro Mundi Beneficio," which translates to "For the Benefit of the World." Panama's cultural diversity is reflected in its official languages and traditions, making it a unique and vibrant society.

### History
Panama gained independence from Spain in 1903 and later separated from Colombia, becoming a sovereign nation. Key historical events include the independence from Spain and the separation from Colombia, which shaped Panama's political and economic development. The country's history is marked by significant milestones and cultural achievements.

### Education and Health
Panama has a well-developed education system and healthcare infrastructure, reflected in its human development index of 0.805 (2021). The country's life expectancy of 77 years indicates a relatively high standard of living and healthcare quality. Panama's education and health systems are integral to its overall development and well-being.

### International Relations
Panama maintains diplomatic relations with various countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The country is a member of the United Nations and other international organizations, promoting cooperation and diplomacy on the global stage. Panama's international relations enhance its global influence and economic opportunities.

### Tourism
Panama is known for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems, making it a popular tourist destination. The Panama Canal and other attractions contribute to the country's tourism industry, attracting visitors from around the world. Panama's tourism sector plays a significant role in its economy and cultural heritage.

## References

1. [Source](https://rulers.org/rulp1.html#panama)
2. [Source](http://unstats.un.org/unsd/methods/m49/m49regin.htm)
3. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Panama)
4. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Panama-City)
5. Constitution of Panama
6. BnF authorities
7. [Source](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-list-of-non-cooperative-jurisdictions/)
8. [Source](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-list-of-non-cooperative-jurisdictions/timeline-eu-list-of-non-cooperative-jurisdictions/)
9. [Source](https://data.iana.org/time-zones/tzdb-2021e/northamerica)
10. [Source](https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/panama_e.htm)
11. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
12. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Americas/PANAMA)
13. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
14. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/panama)
15. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
16. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
17. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=229)
18. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
19. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/panama)
20. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
21. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
22. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_parties_to_the_Treaty_on_the_Non-Proliferation_of_Nuclear_Weapons)
23. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
24. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
25. FIPS 10-4
26. Virtual International Authority File
27. MusicBrainz
28. [Human Development Report. 2022](https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI)
29. [Source](https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/panama)
30. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
31. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
32. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
33. World Bank Open Data
34. Recommendations of the Occitan Language Council
35. The National Terminology Database for Irish
36. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
37. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
38. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
39. [Source](https://www.worldometers.info/demographics/panama-demographics/#life-exp)
40. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
41. BabelNet
42. [International Numbering Resources Database](http://www.itu.int/net/itu-t/inrdb/e129_important_numbers.aspx)
43. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)
44. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
45. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=239)
46. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
47. [Gazetteer](https://github.com/EnvironmentOntology/gaz/blob/master/src/ontology/gaz_countries.csv)
48. iNaturalist
49. FactGrid
50. CC 6