Panamá

Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is a isthmus country connecting Central and South America. Its strategic location has profoundly shaped its history and economy. The country is bordered by Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east, with the Caribbean Sea to its north and the Pacific Ocean to its south. Panama's most famous feature is the Panama Canal, a man-made waterway that allows ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significantly reducing travel time and cost for global shipping.

The geography of Panama is diverse, featuring tropical rainforests, mountain ranges like the Cordillera de Talamanca, and numerous islands and archipelagos, including the San Blas Islands. The capital city is Panama City, a bustling metropolis and the economic hub of the nation. Spanish is the official language, and the currency is the Panamanian Balboa, which is pegged at par with the United States dollar, and US dollars are also widely used.

Panama's economy is heavily reliant on services, particularly related to trade, finance, and tourism, largely driven by the canal. The country has a rich cultural heritage, a blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, evident in its music, dance, and cuisine. Panama's history is marked by periods of indigenous rule, Spanish colonization, and its eventual independence, with the United States playing a significant role in the construction and operation of the Panama Canal.