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Geography
Area: 78,200 sq. km. (30,193 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than South Carolina. Panama occupies the southeastern end of the isthmus forming the land bridge between North and South America.
Cities: Capital--Panama City (827,828). Other cities--Colon (140,908), David (102,678).
Terrain: Mountainous (highest elevation Cerro Volcan, 3,475 m.--11,468 ft.); coastline 2,857 km. (1,786 mi.).
Climate: Tropical, with average daily rainfall 28 mm. (1 in.) in winter.
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Panamanian(s).
Population (2004 estimate): 3.2 million.
Annual growth rate: 1.31%.
Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European ancestry) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, Caucasian 10%, Amerindian 6%.
Religions: Roman Catholic 84%, Protestant 15%, other 1%.
Languages: Spanish (official); 14% speak English as their native tongue; various indigenous languages. Many Panamanians are bilingual.
Education: Years compulsory--6. Attendance--95% for primary school-age children, 60% for secondary. Literacy--92.6% overall: urban 94%, rural 62%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--20.95/1,000. Life expectancy--72.14 yrs.
Work force (1.1 million): Commerce (wholesale and retail)--19.1%; agriculture, cattle, hunting, silviculture--14%; industries (manufactures)--8.8%; construction--7.7%; transportation, storage, communications--7.2%; public and defense administration--6.9%; other community and social activities--5.8%; hotels and restaurants--3.7%; financial intermediation--2.6%.

Government
Type: Constitutional democracy.

Economy
GDP (2004 estimate): $13.83 billion (nominal).
Annual growth rate (2003): 4.3%; (2004 estimate): 6.2%.
Per capita GDP (2004 estimate): $4,320.

Natural resources: Timber, seafood, copper.
Services (77% of GDP): Finance, insurance, health and medical, transportation, telecommunications, the Canal and maritime services, tourism, Colon Free Zone, public administration, and general commerce.
Agriculture (5% of GDP): Products--bananas and other fruit, corn, sugar, rice, coffee, shrimp, timber, vegetables, livestock.
Industry/Manufacturing (8% of GDP): Types--food and drink processing, petroleum products, chemicals, paper and paper products, printing, mining, refined sugar, clothing, furniture, construction.

Trade (2004 figures do not include the Colon Free Zone or CFZ): Exports--$884.4 million: bananas, petroleum products, shrimp, sugar, coffee, and clothing. Major markets--U.S. 50.4%. Imports--$3.52 billion: capital goods, crude oil, foodstuffs, chemicals, other consumer and intermediate goods. Major suppliers--U.S. 34.1%. 2004 U.S. goods exports to Panama: $1.9 billion. 2004 U.S. goods imports to Panama: $316 million.
The U.S. Embassy in Panama is located at Avenida Balboa y Calle 38, Panama City (tel: 507-207-7000). Personal and official mail for the embassy and members of the mission may be sent to: U.S. Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002. E-mail: Panamaweb@state.gov
American Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Panama
Estafeta BalboaApartado 168
Panama, Republica de Panama
Tel: 507-269-3881
Fax: 507-223-3508
E-mail: amcham@pan.gbm.net