What is Panama?
Panama is a country located in Central America, connecting North and South America. It is known for the Panama Canal, a vital waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which has significantly influenced the global economy. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and a growing financial sector.
Provinces in Panama
Panama is divided into 10 provinces and 5 indigenous regions:
- Bocas del Toro
- Chiriquí
- Coclé
- Colón
- Darien
- Herrera
- Los Santos
- Panama (Capital: Panama City)
- Panamá Oeste
- Veraguas
- Indigenous Regions: Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, Comarca Guna Yala, Comarca Emberá-Wounaan, and more.
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Balboa (PAB) and United States Dollar (USD)
- Symbol: B/. (Balboa) and $
- Subunit: 100 centésimos (1 Balboa = 100 Centésimos)
- Central Bank: Panama does not have a central bank; it uses the U.S. Dollar as its official currency.
Type of Government
Panama is a democratic republic with a separation of powers into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch Hierarchy
| Position |
Role Description |
Power & Responsibilities |
| President |
Head of State and Government |
Oversees the government, signs laws, and represents Panama internationally. |
| Vice President |
Second-in-command |
Assumes the presidency if the President is unable to serve, assists in government administration. |
| Cabinet Ministers |
Government heads of various departments |
Oversee specific sectors such as health, education, finance, and defense. |
| Secretaries |
Senior public officials |
Direct governmental agencies and provide guidance in administrative tasks. |
Legislative Branch Hierarchy
| Position |
Role Description |
Power & Responsibilities |
| National Assembly |
Unicameral legislative body |
Comprised of 71 members who create laws, approve budgets, and oversee government actions. |
| President of the National Assembly |
Legislative leader |
Chairs legislative sessions and ensures smooth functioning of the Assembly. |
| Deputies |
Elected members of the Assembly |
Debate and vote on laws, budget allocations, and the national agenda. |
| Secretariat of the National Assembly |
Legislative support staff |
Assists in drafting and reviewing legislative proposals. |
Judicial Branch Hierarchy
| Position |
Role Description |
Power & Responsibilities |
| Supreme Court of Justice |
Highest judicial authority |
Interprets the Constitution, resolves legal disputes, and ensures the rule of law. |
| Appellate Courts |
Review lower court decisions |
Ensure consistency in rulings and fair application of laws. |
| District Courts |
Handle civil and criminal cases |
Oversee court cases related to national laws. |
| Magistrates |
Assist district judges |
Help manage the caseload and administrative tasks. |
Separation of Powers
Legislative
- Function: Drafts and approves laws.
- Tenure: Deputies serve 5-year terms.
- Departments: Finance, Agriculture, Foreign Relations.
Executive
- Function: Implements laws and manages government.
- Tenure: The President serves 5 years.
- Departments Controlled: Security, Education, Health.
Judicial
- Function: Interprets laws and ensures justice.
- Tenure: Judges serve fixed terms or until retirement.
- Departments Controlled: Supreme Court, District Courts.
International Memberships
- United Nations (UN)
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Central American Integration System (SICA)
- Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
Military and Law Enforcement
Panama has a relatively small military, as it abolished its armed forces in 1990. The country relies heavily on the Panamanian Public Forces, which include the National Police and the National Border Service.
- Panamanian Public Forces: National Police, Border Service, and Aeronaval Service.
- Panama’s National Police: Responsible for domestic security and law enforcement.
Law Enforcement Hierarchy
| Level |
Position |
Role |
| Director of National Police |
Head of the police force |
Oversees law enforcement operations nationwide. |
| Police Chiefs |
Senior officers at the regional level |
Manage law enforcement in various regions. |
| Officers |
Police officers |
Conduct daily policing duties, investigations, and law enforcement. |
Emergency Numbers
| Emergency Type |
Number |
Description |
| General Emergency |
104 |
For police, medical, or fire emergencies. |
| Police |
512-225 |
Law enforcement assistance. |
| Ambulance |
911 |
Immediate medical response. |
SWOT Analysis of Panama
Strengths
- Strategic location for international trade, especially through the Panama Canal.
- Growing economy with a strong financial and banking sector.
- Strong international ties with neighboring countries and global organizations.
Weaknesses
- Income inequality and poverty issues.
- Environmental challenges related to deforestation and climate change.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.
Opportunities
- Expanding tourism industry due to its natural beauty and historical sites.
- Continued growth in financial services and international trade.
- Potential for green energy development, including solar and wind power.
Threats
- Rising global competition for shipping routes.
- Drug trafficking and organized crime, particularly along the borders.
- Political instability and potential corruption issues.
Additional Information
- Time Zone: Panama operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC -5:00.
- National Symbols:
- Flag: Blue and red with white stars.
- National Anthem: “Himno Istmeño”