Discover Fascinating Panama Facts
Dive into the history, culture, and unique insights about Panama.
Panama
Background
π Panama: A Quick Trip Through History! ποΈ
Panama's story began in the 16th century when it was explored and settled by the Spanish. π’ In 1821, it broke away from Spain and joined the Republic of Gran Colombia, which included Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. ποΈ However, when this union dissolved in 1830, Panama stayed connected to Colombia. Things took an interesting turn in 1903 when, with a little help from the US, Panama seceded from Colombia! πΊπΈ After this, Panama quickly signed a treaty with the US to build a famous canal - a crucial waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans! ππ
Year Panama Joined the Republic of Gran Colombia
1821
Year Panama Separated from Colombia
1903
Year the Union of Gran Colombia Dissolved
1830
Exports - commodities
π Let's dive into the exciting world of Panama's exports! In 2022, Panama exported a variety of key commodities that play an important role in its economy. Hereβs what Panama shipped out last year:
- Copper Ore
- Ships π’
- Fish π
- Bananas π
- Refined Petroleum β½
These commodities reflect Panama's rich natural resources and strategic position in global trade. Each item has its own story and value, helping boost the nation's economy!
Top Export Commodities
Copper Ore, Ships, Fish, Bananas, Refined Petroleum
Exports - partners
π Panama's Export Partners in 2022 π
Did you know that Panama has a variety of partners for its exports? Here's a fun breakdown of where Panama sends its goods!
- China leads the pack with 17% of Panama's exports! π¨π³
- Japan follows with 12%, showing strong trading ties. π―π΅
- South Korea is next at 8%, contributing to Panama's economy. π°π·
- The United States and Spain are tied, each taking 5% of exports. πΊπΈπͺπΈ
These percentages show how important each country is to Panama's trade. Let's visualize these numbers using a pie chart! π°
Percentage of Exports to China
17%
Percentage of Exports to Japan
12%
Percentage of Exports to South Korea
8%
Percentage of Exports to the United States
5%
Percentage of Exports to Spain
5%
Panama's Export Partners in 2022
Capital
π Welcome to Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama! ποΈ This remarkable city sits at the crossroads of the Pacific and Caribbean, making it a crucial hub for business and tourism. With a rich history and modern skyline, Panama City is definitely a place to explore! πΊοΈ
Capital Name
Panama City
Imports - commodities
π Panama imports a variety of important commodities that keep its economy vibrant! In 2022, the country imported the following essential goods:
- Crude Petroleum: π A major energy source for power and transportation!
- Refined Petroleum: β½ Important for domestic use, helping to fuel vehicles and industries.
- Ships: π’ Vital for maritime trade, bringing goods and resources to the country.
- Garments: π Clothing imports to meet the fashion needs of its citizens.
- Packaged Medicine: π Ensuring health and wellness with necessary medical supplies.
These commodities play a critical role in shaping Panama's trade and economy! π
Imported Commodities in 2022
Crude Petroleum, Refined Petroleum, Ships, Garments, Packaged Medicine
Climate
π΄ Panama enjoys a tropical maritime climate that's perfect for all you sun lovers out there! βοΈ It's hot, humid, and often cloudy, creating a lush environment. The country experiences a long rainy season that stretches from May to January, while the short dry season lasts from January to May. Get your umbrellas ready! β
Executive branch
Executive Branch of Panama π΅π¦
In Panama, the executive branch is a vital part of its government, led by the chief of state and head of government, both of whom are the same person: President JosΓ© RaΓΊl MULINO Quintero! π He has been at the helm since 1 July 2024.
This dual role means that President Quintero is leading the country both as the top leader and as the head of government, making decisions that can shape the future of Panama. π
Current President
JosΓ© RaΓΊl MULINO Quintero
Took office on
1 July 2024
Legislative branch
In Panama, the legislative branch is known as the National Assembly ποΈ. It consists of 71 seats, making it a unicameral body. This means that there is only one house that handles the legislative process. It's an important institution for making laws and shaping the future of the country! π
Number of Seats in National Assembly
71
Natural resources
π Panama is rich in natural resources! It has valuable treasures like copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, and hydropower. These resources not only tell us about the rich biodiversity but also support the economy and the livelihoods of many people. π±π€π§ Let's dive deeper into what these resources mean for Panama!
Economic overview
π Economy of Panama π
Panama is an upper middle-income nation in Central America. It has a diverse economic landscape, but one of its standout features is its growing trade with China, which is becoming increasingly important! π
In Panama, the US dollar is widely used, making it a significant player in international finance. π΅ There's also an exciting development happening: the expansion of the Panama Canal is leading to broader investments in infrastructure. ποΈ
The services sector is the biggest part of the economy, showing that Panama offers various services to its people and tourists. π¨βοΈ However, Panama also faces challenges, having a history as a money-laundering and illegal drug hub. β οΈ
Overall, while Panama shines with its economic potentials, it has some clouds hovering over its past.
Economic Classification
Upper middle-income
Primary Currency
US dollar
Sector Dominance
Services sector
Government type
π΅π¦ Panama's Government Type π΅π¦
Did you know that Panama is a presidential republic? This means that the country has a president who is the head of state and government, making important decisions! ποΈ
In a presidential republic, the president is usually elected by the citizens, and they have the power to execute laws and make sure the country runs smoothly. Isn't that interesting? πΌπ
Government Type
Presidential Republic
Ethnic groups
πΊοΈ Ethnic Diversity in Panama π΅π¦
Panama is a colorful tapestry of cultures and ethnicities! Each group contributes to the rich heritage of this beautiful country.
Here's a breakdown of the major ethnic groups in Panama:
- Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and White): 65% π«
- Indigenous: 12.3% πͺΆ
- Ngabe: 7.6%
- Kuna: 2.4%
- Embera: 0.9%
- Bugle: 0.8%
- Other: 0.4%
- Unspecified: 0.2%
- Black or African descent: 9.2% π
- Mulatto: 6.8% π
- White: 6.7% π€΅
As you can see, Panama is primarily made up of Mestizos, followed by Indigenous peoples and individuals of African descent. Each ethnic group plays a vital role in the cultural and social composition of the nation! πβ¨
Total percentage of Indigenous people
12.3%
Largest ethnic group
Mestizo at 65%
Percentage of Black or African descent
9.2%
Ethnic Groups in Panama
Religions
In Panama, the religious landscape is quite colorful! π Here's a quick breakdown of the major religions practiced:
- Evangelical: 55% - A majority of the population! π
- Roman Catholic: 33.4% - A significant portion as well! βͺ
- None: 10.1% - Some folks identify with no religion. π«
- Unspecified: 1.5% - A small number haven't specified their beliefs. π€·
This shows that Panama is predominantly Evangelical, followed by Roman Catholicism. Isn't it fascinating how diverse beliefs can be? πβ¨
Total Percentage of Evangelical Population
55%
Total Percentage of Roman Catholic Population
33.4%
Total Percentage of Atheists or Non-religious
10.1%
Total Percentage of Unspecified Religion
1.5%
Religious Distribution in Panama
Languages
π Languages Spoken in Panama π΅π¦
Panama is a colorful country with a variety of languages! The official language is Spanish, which is widely spoken by the majority of the population. π£οΈ But that's just the beginning!
Panama is also home to a rich tapestry of indigenous languages like:
- Ngabere (Guaymi)
- Buglere
- Kuna
- Embera
- Wounaan
- Naso (Teribe)
- Bri Bri
Additionally, you can hear Panamanian English Creole in certain places. This fun mix of English and Spanish has roots in indigenous languages too, and is known as Guari Guari or Colon Creole. ποΈ
Other languages such as English, Chinese (Yue and Hakka), Arabic, French Creole, and even languages like Yiddish, Hebrew, Korean, and Japanese are also part of this linguistic landscape! π
Isn't it fascinating how many ways people communicate in Panama? β¨
Official Language
Spanish
Number of Indigenous Languages
7
Notable Languages in Panama
Spanish, Indigenous languages, English, Chinese, Arabic, French Creole, other
Imports - partners
π Panama is passionate about trade! In 2022, its main trading partners showcased an interesting mix. China and the United States were neck and neck, each contributing 20% to Panama's imports. π¨π³πΊπΈ Also making a splash were Guyana and Colombia, each accounting for 11%. π¬πΎπ¨π΄ And let's not forget Ecuador, providing 9% of imports! πͺπ¨ This vibrant partnership reflects Panama's diverse import sources and strong economic connections. π
Top Import Partner
China and United States (20% each)
Lowest Import Partner
Ecuador (9%)
Imports Partners of Panama (2022)
Population
π Population of Panama: The total population of Panama is a whopping 4,470,241! This number showcases the vibrant and bustling communities that thrive within this Central American gem. π
Total Population
4,470,241
Area
π Did you know that Panama covers a total area of 75,420 square kilometers? This beautiful country boasts a vast expanse of land and a sprinkle of water! Here's how it breaks down:
- Land Area: 74,340 sq km ποΈ
- Water Area: 1,080 sq km π§
With plenty of land, Panama is the perfect playground for nature lovers and adventurers alike!
Total Area of Panama
75,420 sq km
Land Area of Panama
74,340 sq km
Water Area of Panama
1,080 sq km
Panama's Total Area Breakdown
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
π Panama's Real GDP (purchasing power parity) is showing some exciting growth! In 2023, it is estimated to be $159.867 billion! π Let's see how it has evolved over the past few years:
- 2021: $134.436 billion
- 2022: $148.968 billion
- 2023: $159.867 billion
Isn't it great to see the economy improving? πͺ
Estimated Real GDP for 2023
$159.867 billion
Real GDP for 2022
$148.968 billion
Real GDP for 2021
$134.436 billion
Real GDP Growth in Panama (PPP)
Real GDP per capita
ποΈ Did you know that Panama's economy has been growing steadily? Let's take a look at the Real GDP per capita over the last few years! π
- 2021: $30,900
- 2022: $33,800
- 2023: $35,800
This shows us that the people of Panama are getting wealthier! π°π₯
2021 Real GDP per Capita
30,900
2022 Real GDP per Capita
33,800
2023 Real GDP per Capita
35,800
Real GDP Per Capita in Panama (2021-2023)
Imports
π° Let's dive into Panama's import numbers! In recent years, Panama's imports have shown a steady increase. Here's the breakdown:
- In 2021, the country imported $24.459 billion.
- This amount rose to $32.693 billion in 2022.
- And in 2023, it's estimated to be $36.135 billion! π
This growth reflects Panama's expanding economy and its role as a trading hub in Central America. π
Estimated Import Value for 2023
$36.135 billion
Import Value for 2022
$32.693 billion
Import Value for 2021
$24.459 billion
Panama's Import Trends Over the Years
Exports
π Let's dive into the world of Panama's exports! Here are some interesting numbers showing how much Panama exported in recent years:
- In 2023, the exports were $36.569 billion!
- In 2022, the exports were $35.731 billion.
- And in 2021, they were $27.488 billion.
As we can see, Panama's exports have been on the rise, especially from 2021 to 2023! π It's exciting to see this growth in trade!
Export growth from 2021 to 2023
33.1%
Export increase from 2022 to 2023
$0.838 billion
Yearly Exports of Panama
Population growth rate
π In Panama, the population growth rate is projected to be 1.48% in 2024! This means more people are calling this beautiful country home, and it's exciting to see how Panama is growing! π
Projected population growth rate for 2024
1.48%