Panama :: Essays Papers

crewmanThe official name of Panama is the Republic of Panama or (Repblica de Panam). Panama is located on the narrowest and lowest part of the Isthmus of Panama that links North America and South America. This part of the isthmus is dictated between 7 and 10 brotherhood latitude and 77 and 83 west longitude. Panama is slightly sm everyer than South Carolina, approximately 77,082 square up kilometers. The countrys two coastlines are referred to as the Caribbean and Pacific, rather than the north and south coasts. To the east is Colombia and to the west Costa Rica. Pacific. Dominant features of their landform is highlands forming the continental divide. The higher(prenominal) elevations near borders with Costa Rica and Colombia. The highest point in the country is the Volcn hinder which rises to almost 3,500 meters. The lowest elevation is in the middle of the country where it is cross by the Panama Canal. Most of the population is on the Pacific locating of the divide. The po pulation of the country is around 2.8 million with a growth measure of 1.5%. The racial and ethnic groups are 65% mestizo, 14% African descent, 10% Spanish descent, 10% Indian. The religion is 85% Roman Catholic, 5% Protestant, and 5% Islamic. Spanish is the official language, though United States influence and the canal zona reinforce the use of English as a second language. Panamas humanities show its ethnic mix. Indian tribes, West Indian groups, mestizos, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Swiss, Yugoslavian and North American immigrants have all offer contributed ingredients to the culture. Traditional arts are woodcarving, weaving, ceramics and mask-making. The capital city is Panama City with major cities of Colon, Bocas del Toro, Potobelo, El porvenir, Santiago, Tocumen, La Palma, David, Balboa, and el Dorado. Political culture traditionally characterized by personalism, the temperament to give ones political loyalties to an individual rather than to a party. Politics from 19 68 until his demolition in 1981 dominated by General Omar Torrijos Herrera, Their form of government is administrator under provisions of their 1972 Constitution, as amended in 1978 and 1983. The chief administrator is president of the republic, he is assisted by two vice presidents, all elected by popular vote for five-year terms. The unit of currency is the Balboa which is liken to the United States dollar. Balboas are available only in coins.