Panama

Panama is located in the middle of the American continent. Through the east lies Colombia and through the west Costa Rica. It forms a natural isthmian bridge, 80 kilometers in its narrowest part, that joins the Atlantic Ocean in the north with the Pacific Ocean in the south. **Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, They broke away from Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela-named the Republic of Gran Colombia. When it feel apart in 1830 and Panama still apart of Colombia. They seceded from Colombia in 1903 and they signed a treaty with the US allowing for construction of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of and on either side of the structure and it was built by the United States.The Panama Canal was built by the Army Corps of engineers between 1904 and 1914.In 1977 an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama by the end of the century.It is a 100% tropical with temperatures around 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit (about 25 - 30 degrees Celsius). There are two seasons: the dry season with a bright sun from December to April and the rainy season from May to November. You can also enjoy temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees Celsius in the highlands of the Province of Chiriqui close to the border with Costa Rica as well as in the Valley of Anton and Cerro Azul at one hour and a half and 40 minutes from downtown Panama City respectively.There is an estimated population of 2,329,329 (1990 census) with 40% residing in Panama City.Transfer from Tocumen International Airport to downtown is provided by airport taxi or limos at two different rates: US$20.00 for a maximum of two persons or US$24.00 for a maximum of three passengers. In the city, taxis are inexpensive and almost constantly available. The fares vary according to the number of zones you travel. Going outside the city limits can cost up to US$10.00. Taxis waiting at hotel entrances are air-conditioned and a little more expensive but some of the drivers are trained guides and speak English or can understand it. Buses to the interior are also comfortable, air-conditioned, with reclining seats and stereo music and very affordable.** [|**http://www.panamatours.com/Facts/Useful%20Facts.htm**] [] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSDVFiq8HBiMl4uiB0_FCk4fF_0sJx1zJu1K1p67rIcqaaiC38&t=1&usg=__lH_OnYQZVgSMDfRl0NjWLb_BzZc=
 * With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA was deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the Canal, and remaining US military bases were transferred to Panama by the end of 1999. In October 2006, Panamanians approved an ambitious plan (estimated to cost $5.3 billion) to expand the Canal. The project, which began in 2007 and could double the Canal's capacity, is expected to be completed in 2014-15.**