ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: (May 27, 2005) U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to obtain a U.S. passport before traveling to Panama.  Although entry into Panama is currently permitted with proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate or a Naturalization Certificate) and official photo identification (such as a driver's license), travelers may experience difficulties exiting Panama and re-entering the U.S. when not in possession of a valid U.S. passport.  Panamanian law requires that travelers must either purchase a tourist card from the airline serving Panama or obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling to Panama.

Panamanian law requires all persons to carry official identification documents at all times.  This law applies to both Panamanian citizens and people visiting the country.  Due to an increase in illegal aliens in Panama, the police have been checking documents more frequently resulting in the detention of persons not carrying identification. (*) (Top)

HEALTH INFORMATION: Although Panama City has some very good hospitals and clinics, medical facilities outside of the capital are limited.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000.  Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance have, when a medical emergency occurs, found it life-saving.  When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.  Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.  In Panama, most hospitals accept credit cards for hospital charges, but not for doctors' fees. (*) (Top)

PEOPLE (March 2005)
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Panamanian(s).
Population (2004 estimate): 3.2 million.
Annual growth rate: 1.31%.
Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European ancestry) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, Caucasian 10%, Amerindian 6%.
Religions: Roman Catholic 84%, Protestant 15%, other 1%.
Languages: Spanish (official); 14% speak English as their native tongue; various indigenous languages. Many Panamanians are bilingual.
Education: Years compulsory--6. Attendance--95% for primary school-age children, 60% for secondary. Literacy—92.6% overall: urban 94%, rural 62%.
Health: Infant mortality rate—20.95/1,000. Life expectancy—72.14 yrs.
Work force (1.1 million): Commerce (wholesale and retail)--19.1%; agriculture, cattle, hunting, silviculture--14%; industries (manufactures)--8.8%; construction--7.7%; transportation, storage, communications--7.2%; public and defense administration--6.9%; other community and social activities--5.8%; hotels and restaurants--3.7%; financial intermediation--2.6%.(Top)

GOVERNMENT
Type: Constitutional democracy.
Independence: November 3, 1903.
Constitution: October 11, 1972; amended 1983 and 1994 and reformed in 2004.
Branches: Executive--president (chief of state), two vice presidents. Legislative--Legislative Assembly (unicameral, 78 members). Judicial--Supreme Court.
Subdivisions: Nine provinces and five (Indigenous) territories.
Political parties: Former President Mireya Moscoso belonged to the Arnulfista Party (PA). The PA in coalition with smaller parties held a slim majority in the Legislative Assembly. The Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) was the primary opposition. Represented by its presidential candidate, Martin Torrijos, the PRD on May 2, 2004 won the presidency and a legislative majority and took power on September 1, 2004.
Suffrage: Universal at 18. (*) (Top)

GEOGRAPHY
Area: 78,200 sq. km. (30,193 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than South Carolina. Panama occupies the southeastern end of the isthmus forming the land bridge between North and South America.
Cities: Capital--Panama City (827,828). Other cities--Colon (140,908), David (102,678).
Terrain: Mountainous (highest elevation Cerro Volcan, 3,475 m.--11,468 ft.); coastline 2,857 km. (1,786 mi.).
Climate: Tropical, with average daily rainfall 28 mm. (1 in.) in winter.(Top)

ECONOMY
GDP (2004 estimate): $13.83 billion (nominal).
Annual growth rate (2003): 4.3%; (2004 estimate): 6.2%.
Per capita GDP (2004 estimate): $4,320.
Natural resources: Timber, seafood, copper.
Services (77% of GDP): Finance, insurance, health and medical, transportation, telecommunications, the Canal and maritime services, tourism, Colon Free Zone, public administration, and general commerce.
Agriculture (5% of GDP): Products--bananas and other fruit, corn, sugar, rice, coffee, shrimp, timber, vegetables, livestock.
Industry/Manufacturing (8% of GDP): Types--food and drink processing, petroleum products, chemicals, paper and paper products, printing, mining, refined sugar, clothing, furniture, construction.
Trade (2004 figures do not include the Colon Free Zone or CFZ): Exports--$884.4 million: bananas, petroleum products, shrimp, sugar, coffee, and clothing. Major markets--U.S. 50.4%. Imports--$3.52 billion: capital goods, crude oil, foodstuffs, chemicals, other consumer and intermediate goods. Major suppliers--U.S. 34.1%. 2004 U.S. goods exports to Panama: $1.9 billion. 2004 U.S. goods imports to Panama: $316 million. (*) (Top)