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Location: Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica Area—comparative: slightly smaller than South Carolina . Population: 2,735,943 (July 1998 est.). Ethnic groups: mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6% Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15% Languages: Spanish (official), English 14%
note: many Panamanians bilingual . Government type: constitutional republic National capital: Panama Independence: 3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821) . Economy—overview: Because of its key geographic location, Panama's economy is service-based, heavily weighted toward banking, commerce, and tourism. The most important sectors driving growth have been the Panama Canal and the shipping and port activities. The Colon Free Zone also rebounded from a slow year in 1996. Exchange rates: balboas (B) per US$1—1.000 (fixed rate) .
Radio (Information provided upon request)
Stereo Amantes-91.7 FM
La Primerisima 680 AM
Television (Information provided upon request)
Telenica-Canal 8
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