Panama

Introduction to Panama

Panama (Spanish: Panamá) is the southernmost country of North America. A transcontinental country, its isthmus constitutes the last part of a natural land bridge between the North American and South American continents. It borders Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east, and the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south.

In December 1989, the United States invaded Panama in a large military operation codenamed Operation Just Cause involving 25,000 United States troops. Ostensibly, the death of an unarmed U.S. soldier in plain clothes in Panama at a Panamanian Defence Forces roadblock was one of the precipitating causes for the invasion along with drug trafficking charges and Noriega's refusal to hand over power after being defeated in elections. However, according to the Panamanian government at the time, the officer's vehicle attempted to drive through the roadblock, which was located near a sensitive military location. A few hours after the invasion, in a ceremony that took place inside a U.S. military base in the former Panama Canal Zone, Guillermo Endara was sworn in as the new president of Panama. The invasion occurred just days before the Panama Canal administration was to be turned over to Panamanian control, according to the timetable set up by the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. After the invasion, Noriega sought asylum in the Vatican diplomatic mission represented by Monsignior Jose S. Laboa, but after a few days turned himself in to the American military. Noriega was immediately taken to Florida where he was formally charged and arrested by United States federal authorities. He is eligible for parole in 2007.

Under the Torrijos-Carter Treaty, the United States returned all canal-related lands to Panama on December 31, 1999, but reserves the right to military intervention in the interest of its national security. Panama also gained control of canal-related buildings and infrastructure as well as full administration of the canal.

Panama is located in both North and Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica. Its location on the eastern end of the isthmus forming a landbridge connecting Central and South America is strategic. By 1999, Panama controlled the Panama Canal that links the North Atlantic Ocean via the Caribbean Sea with the North Pacific Ocean.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Panama

The security situation is stable. Petty theft is common in rural and urban areas, especially in Panama City's bus stations, on Avenida Central, in the Chorrillo area, and throughout tourist spots in the old section of town (Casco Viejo). Travellers should be especially vigilant at airports, bus terminals, and other public places. Do not walk alone after dark in Panama City, and stay within well-known tourist areas in the downtown core. Remain vigilant on roads around the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, on or near the Bridge of the Americas, and in the city and surrounding areas of Colón. Visitors are advised not to stop at the scenic viewpoint of the Madden Dam unless there is a police presence, due to the risk of mugging. There is a higher risk of crimes in the following areas: San Miguelito, Rio Abajo, El Chorillo, Ancon, Curundu, Veracruz Beach, Panama Viejo and the Madden Dam overlook. Do not display signs of affluence or carry large sums of cash. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Local police can be reached at 104 and the fire department at 103.

Boaters should be aware that Coiba Island, on the Pacific coast, is home to a penal colony, and is also known as a transportation corridor for narcotics, as is the southeastern coast of Comarca de San Blas, south of Punta Carreto.

Some beaches on both Pacific and Caribbean coasts can be dangerous, as there are strong currents and undertows. Drownings occur every year.