REPUBLIC OF PANAMA 
PANAMA is located in Central America and has a population of 3,220,000. The capital and largest city of Panama is Panama City. Many different ethnic groups comprise the population of Panama. The population is made up of 70% Mestizo (mixed African, Amerindian and European), 14% Amerindian and mixed West Indian, 10% Caucasian, and 6% Amerindian.
The government is a Constitutional Democracy. Panama became an independent country on November 3, 1903. Its President is Ricardo Martinelli. Its Vice President is Juan Carlos Varela. Before 2009, Panama had one president and two vice-presidents. But in May 2009, the country changed and elected one president and one vice-president.
The culture, language, and customs of the people of Panama come mostly from their Caribbean Spanish heritage. Spanish is the official language and the one spoken by most people. English is the second language. English is used in business and is also spoken by the West Indian citizens of Panama.
The original people of Panama were from the Cuevas and Coclé tribes. These people died from diseases that the Spanish brought when they came looking for silver and gold. The Spanish ruled Panama for 300 years (1538-1821). The narrow land that connects the two oceans has determined most of Panama's history since the Spanish first came.
