Panama: flag, capital, currency and history
Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is a country in Central America, the Americas. Its capital is Panama City. The currency is the Panamanian balboa and United States dollar. Languages spoken include Spanish.
Quick facts about Panama
- Official name
- Republic of Panama
- Capital
- Panama City
- Region
- Americas, Central America
- Currency
- Panamanian balboa (PAB, B/.)
United States dollar (USD, $) - Languages
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +507
- Internet domain
- .pa
- Area
- 75,417 km² (29,119 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Colombia, Costa Rica
- Demonym
- Panamanian
- National day
- Separation Day, November 3
Flag of Panama
Download the flag of Panama as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇵🇦.
History of Panama
Indigenous peoples lived on the Isthmus of Panama long before Europeans arrived. Spanish explorers reached the coast in the early 1500s, and Vasco Nunez de Balboa crossed the isthmus to the Pacific in 1513. Panama City was founded in 1519, and the isthmus became an important route for Spanish trade. Panama declared independence from Spain in 1821 and joined Gran Colombia. In 1903 it separated from Colombia with United States support, and the Panama Canal opened in 1914. Under treaties signed in 1977, control of the canal passed fully to Panama at the end of 1999.
Key dates
- 1513Vasco Nunez de Balboa crosses the isthmus and sights the Pacific Ocean.
- 1519Spanish settlers found Panama City on the Pacific coast.
- 1821Panama declares independence from Spain and joins Gran Colombia.
- 1903Panama separates from Colombia and becomes an independent republic.
- 1914The Panama Canal opens to shipping.
- 1977The Torrijos-Carter treaties are signed, providing for Panamanian control of the canal.
- 1999Panama assumes full control of the Panama Canal.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Panama
Panama uses the Panamanian balboa (PAB, B/.) and United States dollar (USD, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Panama?
The capital of Panama is Panama City.
What currency does Panama use?
Panama uses the Panamanian balboa (PAB, symbol B/.) and United States dollar (USD, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in Panama?
Languages used in Panama include Spanish.
What is the calling code of Panama?
The international calling code of Panama is +507. Its internet domain is .pa.
Which countries border Panama?
Panama shares land borders with Colombia and Costa Rica.
On which continent is Panama?
Panama is in Central America, part of the Americas, in the region of Central America.
What is the national day of Panama?
Panama marks Separation Day on November 3.
Neighbours of Panama
More countries in Central America
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).