Geography+of+Panama

Geography of Panama
 * Geography || History || Culture || Political System || Economic Structure || Activities ||

 As shown in the above map, Panama is located in Central America. Wedged between Costa Rica and Colombia, Panama's unique location gives its people access to both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. As a result, Panama is globally important as it contains and controls the Panama Canal, which links the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean by way of the Caribbean Sea. Panama's total area is 75,420 km, which is similar in size to South Carolina in the United States. The country also has a 2,490 km coastline, making it a popular vacation destination. Major cities in Panama include the capitol, Panama City with 1.1 million people, as well as Colon with 198, 551 people and David with 138, 241.

The Topography of Panama

 The topography of Panama is diverse. The interior consists mostly of steep, rugged mountains and upland plains. Areas along the coast consist of plains and rolling hills. The highest point in Panama is Volcan Baru at 3,475 m, while the lowest point is the Pacific Ocean. The Resources of Panama  Panama is known for its resources, including copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, and hydropower. The Population of Panama



 As of July 2009, the population of Panama was estimated to be 3,360,474 people. Approximately 64% of the population fall between the ages of 15 and 64, while about 30% of the population is 14 years old or younger. The country has a population growth rate of 1.503%. Panama's population consists of various people groups including: mestizo (70%), Amerindian and mixed (14%), white (10%), Amerindian (6%). The mestizos are mixed Amerindian and white, while the "Amerindian and mixed" category consists of West Indians.

The Climate of Panama

 Panama has a tropical maritime climate. The temperature and humidity are relatively high year round. The average temperature in Panama is 27 degrees Celsius, which is about 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The country has a prolonged rainy season from May to January, followed by a brief dry season lasting from January to May. During the rainy season, the average daily rainfall is 1 inch.