Panama is an isthmus that is located in Central America. An isthmus is a narrow strip of land having water on each side and connects two large areas of land. This isthmus connects North and South America. The officials name for this country is the "Republic of Panama". With over 678 types of ferns, over 1200 kinds of orchids, 1500 different species of trees, and over 972 species of birds, Panama is a beautiful place to visit and some are choosing to make this paradise their home. The Harpy Eagle is Panama's national bird.

Here are a few interesting facts about Panama.

Over 27,500 people died during the construction of the Panama Canal. The French started building the canal, in the 1880's, and the United States took over the project and completed it in 1914. The first ship that passed through the canal, on August 15, 1914, was the Ancon. The canal is a waterway that connects the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean. The United States controlled this waterway until December 31, 1999. The US turned over the canal to Panama at this time. This canal is the largest man made canal in the world.

Panama declared its independence from Columbia on November 3, 1903.

Panama's official language is Spanish.

Panama's official national currency is the Balboa which is a coin even though they use the US dollar for bills.

Baseball, boxing, and soccer are the most common sports in Panama.

Panama City is the capital of Panama.

Ceviche (onions, peppers, and fish marinated in lime juice) and palacones de platano (fried plantain) are two local dishes that anyone visiting Panama should try.

To drive to the United States from Panama, you would have to go through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Mexico. Panama is connected to Costa Rica on the top end and Colombia on the bottom end.

Panama has the smallest population of Central America.

At the smallest point, there is only 50 miles (80 kilometers) of land separating the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.

There are more birds in Panama then in the United States and Canada put together.

Panama's coastline is 3,502 miles (5,637 kilometers) long.

Panama has more than 1,518 islands.

Panama's government is a constitutional democracy that consist of a judicial, executive, and legislative branch. Their government is modeled after the United States government.

Over 30% of Panama is protected by 10 wildlife refuges, 15 national parks, and 5 forest preserves.

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