Panama, a country nestled between North and South America, is often recognized for its iconic Panama Canal, but there is much more to this vibrant nation than meets the eye.
From its rich cultural tapestry to its breathtaking natural landscapes, Panama is a treasure trove of fascinating facts and stories.
In this article, we will delve into some of the most interesting and lesser-known aspects of Panama, revealing why this small but significant country is a gem worth exploring.
History of Panama
Panama was inhabited by various indigenous groups, known for their early pottery-making, which dates back to around 2500-1700 BC.
In 1501, Rodrigo de Bastidas became the first European to explore the Isthmus of Panama.
By 1519, the Spanish had established Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Panamá, which would later become Panama City.
However, the city was sacked and burned by English privateer Henry Morgan in 1671, leading to its rebuilding.
Panama declared its independence from Spain in 1821 and joined the confederacy of Gran Colombia.
After Gran Colombia’s collapse, Panama became part of Colombia in 1831.
In 1903, with U.S. support, Panama gained independence from Colombia, and the Panama Canal was completed in 1914 under U.S. control.
The U.S. returned the Panama Canal to Panama on December 31, 1999.
Today, Panama’s economy is driven by the Panama Canal and financial services.
The country boasts a diverse culture, influenced by indigenous, European, Afro-Caribbean and immigrant communities.
With that said let’s have a look at some interesting facts about Panama;
1. Panama is the southernmost country in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica.
2. Panama is a transcontinental country, with its western part in North America and its eastern part in South America.
3. Panama is shaped like a horizontal S.
4. Panama is approximately 75,417 square kilometers, similar in size to the Czech Republic or the Canadian province of New Brunswick.
5. Panama is only 48 kilometers across at its narrowest point and 185 kilometers at its widest point.
6. The population of Panama is around 4.4 million, with nearly half living in Panama City.
7. The capital city is Panama City, with a metropolitan population of just under 2 million.
8. Spanish is the official language.
9. The dominant religions are Roman Catholic (48.6%) and Evangelical (30.2%).
10. Panama has a tropical maritime climate with a prolonged rainy season from May to January and a short dry season from January to May.
11. Before European colonization, various indigenous groups inhabited the region, known for early pottery-making.
12. The first permanent European settlement was established in 1510, but it was later abandoned and rebuilt in 1519.
13. Panama City was sacked and burned by English privateer Henry Morgan in 1671.
14. Panama declared independence from Spain in 1821 and joined Gran Colombia, later becoming part of Colombia in 1831.
15. With U.S. support, Panama gained independence from Colombia in 1903.
16. The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, was under U.S. control until December 31, 1999.
17. Panama is the only place where you can see the sun rise in the Pacific and set in the Atlantic from the top of Volcan Baru.
18. Panama was the first country outside the United States where Coca-Cola was sold, in 1906.
19. Panama adopted the U.S. dollar as its official currency in 1904.
20. A pearl found in Panama, known as “The Pilgrim,” was part of both Spanish and English royal jewels and later owned by Elizabeth Taylor.
21. The first diocese in the American continent was established in Panama in 1510.
22. The first European city on the Pacific side of the Americas was founded in Panama in 1516.
23. The first European royal of African descent, Princess Angela of Liechtenstein, is Panamanian.
24. The first ocean-to-ocean flight was made over Panama in 1913.
25. Panama has 365 islands in the San Blas Archipelago, one for every day of the year.
26. The lowest toll ever paid to transit the Panama Canal was 36 cents by Richard Halliburton in 1928.
27. The Harpy Eagle is the national bird of Panama.
28. Mireya Moscoso was the first female president of Panama, serving from 1999 to 2004.
29. Isabel Saint Malo was the first female vice president of Panama, serving from 2014 to 2018.
30. Edward Murphy Jr., the originator of Murphy’s Law, was born in the Panama Canal Zone in 1918.
31. U.S. Senator John McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone in 1936.
32. Baseball player Mariano Rivera is from Panama.
33. Boxer Roberto Durán is also from Panama.
34. The Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, is a natural history museum in Panama.
35. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, based in Panama, administers Barro Colorado Island, one of the most studied tropical forests in the world.
36. The Panama Canal is 82 kilometers long.
37. Panama has the largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere outside the Amazon Basin.
38. Panama was one of the founding members of the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
39. Panama has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Coiba National Park and the Historic District of Panama.
40. There are three major volcanoes in Panama: Barú, El Valle, and La Yeguada.
41. Panama has 14 national parks, with Coiba National Park being the largest.
42. Panama is home to sloths, armadillos, anteaters, jaguars, pumas, caimans, and nearly 1000 bird species.
43. The Golden Frog is the national animal of Panama.
44. Panama has more species of bats than any other mammal.
45. The U.S. invaded Panama in 1989 to oust General Manuel Noriega.
46. The Panama Canal contributes significantly to Panama’s economy, with over 15,000 vessels passing through annually.
47. Panama is considered a high-income economy, with major sectors including commerce, banking, and tourism.
48. In 2019, Panama ranked 57th in the world in terms of the Human Development Index.
Conclusion
Panama, with its rich history, diverse culture, and strategic geographical position, stands as a unique and fascinating nation.
From its early indigenous inhabitants to its modern-day status as a high-income economy, Panama has navigated through significant historical events, including Spanish colonization, independence struggles, and the construction of the iconic Panama Canal.
The country’s blend of European, African, and indigenous influences has created a vibrant cultural tapestry, while its natural landscapes, including rainforests and islands, make it a haven for biodiversity.
As Panama continues to grow and face new challenges, its history serves as a testament to its resilience and adaptability.
Whether it is the economic importance of the Panama Canal, the cultural significance of its historical sites, or the natural beauty of its landscapes, Panama remains a captivating destination for those interested in exploring its multifaceted identity.
