Capital city: Panama

Region: Pacific

Area: 78 200 km²

Population: 2 845 647

Main cities: David, La Chorrera, Santiago, Tocumen, Colón

Currency: balboa

Dial code: 507

Internet code: PM

Information: Panama is located in Central America, and it is bordered by the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean, Colombia and Costa Rica. Situated in the isthmus between North and South America, Panama occupies a strategic position. A 79.6 km long interoceanic canal with 6 locks crosses the country and allows ships to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean with no need to go round South America and pass by Chile. It offers a considerable gain of time for maritime freighters. That canal was built in 1881, after 20 years of a harsh struggle before it was decided to begin with the works.