Country Information on Panama

Terrain Two mountain ranges run through Panama lengthwise, dividing the country in two plains. The higher Serrania de Tabasará extends from the west into the country's interior. The average elevation of the range is 1,500 m. The highest peak is the extinct volcano Barú (3,374 m). The lower mountain range consists of the Cordillera de San Blas and the Sierra del Darién, which have an average elevation of around 900 m. Both Panamanian coasts are characterized by gulfs, bays, and lagoons. Climate Panama has a tropical climate. In the coastal areas mean annual temperatures range between 21 and 32°C. The average temperature at higher elevations in the country's interior is 19°C. The rainy season lasts from April to December. Fauna/Flora The Caribbean side and the east of Panama are covered with tropical rainforest with a thick undergrowth of tropical flowers, sedge, and other grasses. Owing to the dryer climate the slopes on the Pacific side of the isthmus are covered with savannah interspersed with deciduous trees. In Panama over 2,000 different species of tropical plants grow. Among Panama's game species almost all of the species indigenous to South America are found, e.g. the puma, armadillo, ocelot, anteater, spider monkey, sloth, and fallow deer. Among the reptiles which have their habitat in the country there are alligators, crocodiles, and various snake species. There are numerous colourful tropical birds, but also ducks and other migratory birds known to live in North America in large numbers. Besides, there is a multitude of various fish species. History/Politics The first European to explore the coasts in the region was Spanish explorer Rodrigo de Bastidas. In 1501 he first set foot on the country's coast, calling the place "El Escribano". One year later, Christopher Columbus (on his fourth journey) more thoroughly explored the Panamanian coast. During the succeeding decades of the 16th century, the entire region was conquered by Spain and changed into an important trade centre within the monopolistic Spanish system. In 1717 the area became part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. In 1821 Panama declared its independence from Spain, first becoming part of Greater Colombia and then the Republic of Colombia. Discontent with Colombian rule led to several rebellions during the 19th century given Panama's diminishing role as a trade route between two oceans and decreasing geopolitical importance. Finally, when the Colombian Parliament did not ratify a treaty with the USA concerning the canal, Panama declared its independence on 3 November 1903 and was officially recognized by the USA three days after. In 1904, a constituent assembly drafted the first Panamanian constitution, the year 1914 marked the opening of the Panama Canal. Arnulfo Arias, elected president in 1940, was removed from office in 1941 on the grounds that he was in favour of the Axis powers. Panama entered World War II on the side of the Allies in 1942. General Omar Torrijos seized the presidency in 1969, which was to be the beginning of diplomatic struggle in all international forums with the aim to regain unlimited sovereignty over the Panama Canal. The Torrijos-Carter Treaty was signed in 1977, establishing the supposed turnover of the canal to Panama by the year 2000. Noriega took power in 1983, annulled the presidential elections of April 1989 and put down an attempted military coup in 1989. Two months later, however, the United States sent in 24,000 soldiers and appointed Guillermo Endara president who had won the April 1989 elections. Noriega was imprisoned and sent to the US in 1990, where he was indicted in Miami/Florida in 1992. The Endara government, however, was faced with enormous economic difficulties, but succeeded in supporting gradual recovery. In 1994 Ernesto Pérez Balladares, candidate of the rightist Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), won the presidential elections. Economy Panama's most important source of revenue is the services sector accounting for 75% of the country's gross national product. The services sector comprises the operation of the Panama Canal, banking, the free-trade zone of Colón, insurance companies, harbour dues, ship registration under Panamanian flag, and tourism. Economic growth in 2000 was triggered by falling prices in the free-trade zone of Colón and export activities in agriculture, as well as high oil prices. Approx. 60% of Panama's active population is employed in services, 21% in agriculture, and 18% in manufacturing, resulting in an unemployment rate of about 13%. The country's industrial sector comprises construction, oil and sugar refining, and manufacturing of cement and other construction materials. Products for export include bananas, prawns, sugar, and coffee. Culture Panama's culture is a mixture of Spanish, African, Amerindian, and North American elements. Dances, music, and festivities are colourful. During carnival, which is celebrated on the last four days before Lent, many variations of traditional folk customs can be seen. The tamborito, which is danced in time with drums and clapping hands, came into being in the 17th century. The cumbia is a dance which originated in Africa.