The picturesque country of Panama, which forms the narrow isthmus that connects North America to South America, is the southernmost nation in Central America. Situated between the countries of Costa Rica and Colombia, Panama is bordered to the north and south respectively by the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Since Panama is the site of the 48-mile long Panama Canal, it has become a popular tourist destination. Panama has a population of approximately 3.5 million people, with a land area of about 29,000 square miles, roughly the size of South Carolina. Panama City, the largest city in the country, is also the capital.
Spanish adventurers explored and colonized Panama in the sixteenth century. After gaining her independence from Spain in 1821, Panama joined a union called the Republic of Gran Colombia with Nueva Granada (present-day Colombia), Venezuela, and Ecuador. After this union disbanded in 1831, Panama and Colombia stayed united. In 1903, with the support of the United States, Panama broke away from Colombia. Panama then allowed the United States to build the Panama Canal, which connected the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. Control of the Panama Canal was transferred to the nation of Panama in 1999.
Today, Panama has a thriving economy. In fact, Panama has the third largest economy in all of Central America. The gross domestic product of the nation of Panama is greatly dependent upon the revenue of the Panama Canal tolls. Compared to other Central American nations, Panamaʼs economy is the fastest growing, and it is the largest per capita consumer in Central America. According to the Human Development Index in 2011, Panama was ranked 6th among Latin American nations and 58th in the world, with both rankings considered as “high human development.” With a terrain ranging from forest, to jungle, to grassland, Panama is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. Such rare animals as jaguars, sloths, and armadillos are just a few examples of the many amazing creatures that inhabit Panama. Throughout the various landscapes that cover the country, there are also thousands of different plant species that can be found. Tourists annually visit Panama to see and experience the many natural wonders that this tropical nation has to offer.
Panama Conventions is not affiliated or connected to the Panama CVB. The Panama Convention and Visitors Bureau of Panama, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of Panama and its associated services, organize, market, conventions, conferences in Panama and internationally to promote Panama. The Panama CVB was a partnerships with international organizations representing a wide variety of travel, tourism, and business connections including the International Congress, International Association of Convention Bureau and a member of ICCA, Cocal and Central American Convention Bureau. To learn more about the the Panama CVB you may wish to Visit Panama.