Republic Of Panama

There are plenty of stories about the meaning of the name Panama. Some say that the name comes from an unspecified indigenous language, from words meaning variously an abundance of fish or an abundance of butterflies. Another funny tale states that the name comes from the indigenous kuna word bannaba, which means farther that way. That is what the kuna would tell the explorers looking for gold. Panama is also the name of a variety of trees found in isthmus.

Much of the Panama’s domestic politics and international diplomacy in the 20th century was connected to the Panama Canal and the foreign policy of the United States. At the turn of the 20th century, Theodore Roosevelt pursued United States diplomatic efforts to facilitate a deal with Colombia that would allow it to take over French canal operations started by Ferdinand de Lesseps. In November 1903, a small number of wealthy Panamanian landowners led by a covert Separatist Junta presided by Dr. Manuel Amador Guerrero, were engaged to withdraw from Colombia by the United States.

On the 3rd of November 1903, Panama declared its independence from Colombia. The president of the Municipal Council, Demetrio H. Brid, highest authority at that time, became its de facto President, appointing on the 4th of November a Provisional Government to run affairs of the new republic. The United States was the first country to recognize the new Republic of Panama and sent troops to protect the nation.

The original intent of the founding fathers was to bring harmony between the two major political parties, Conservatives and Liberals. The republic of Panama government went through periods of political instability and corruption, however, at various times in its history, the mandate of an elected president terminated prematurely.

The Republic of Panama is not that famous for its beaches, but it has its share of beautiful ones. Surfer enthusiasts, however, are the ones who will benefit from the beaches, thanks to the many surfing spots. Nevertheless, Panama is rich in natural beauty. The culture, customs, and language of the republic of Panama people are predominantly Caribbean Spanish.

Ethnically, the majority of the population is mestizo or mixed Spanish, Indian, Chinese, and African descent. Spanish is the official and dominant language, English is the second common language spoken by the West Indies and by many in business and the professions. More than half of the population in the Republic of Panama lives in the Panama City- Colon metropolitan corridor. As for the religion, majority of the Panamanians is Roman Catholic, accounting to 80 % of the population. Although the Constitution of recognizes Catholicism as the religion of majority, Republic of Panama has no official religion. Other religion that Republic of Panama people has includes Evangelical Christian, Protestant, Islam, Buddhism, and Bahá’í Faith.