Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 90.8%
male: 91.4%
female: 90.2%
Government —————
Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of Panama
conventional short form: Panama
local long form: Republica de Panama
local short form: Panama
Data code: PM
Type of government: constitutional republic
Capital: Panama
Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (provincias, singular -
provincia) and 1 territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui,
Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, San Blas*,
Veraguas
Independence: 3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent
from Spain 28 November 1821)
National holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1903)
Constitution: 11 October 1972; major reforms adopted April 1983