1. Panama gained full control over the Panama Canal in 1999, which was previously controlled by the U.S. troops. 2. Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific & set on the Atlantic. 3. At its narrowest distance it is only 80 kilometers is the land of panama which superstates the Atlantic from the pacific ocean. 4. Panama has set multi-world records in the area of bird watching & fishing. 5. Panama has the most diversified wildlife of all the countries in Central America. 6. Panama houses over 10,000 different plant species. 7. The U.S dollar is the official currency but the national currency is is called Balboa. 8. Panama is situated South of the hurricane alley , so is typically not effected by tropical storms or hurricanes. 9. Panama has the lowest population in Central America. 10. 70% of the population is a mixture of Europeans & Native Americans. 11. The Panama canal was built by the U.S Army corps of engineers between 1904-1914. 12. The elevation runs from 0 meters to 3,475 meters throughout Panama. 13. Panamas coastline is 5,637 kilometers long. 14. Panama has more than 1,518 islands. 16. Panama elected its first female president in 1999. 17. Baseball is the most common sport in Panama. 18. Dictator Manuel Norriega was deposed in 1989. 19. Panama was explored & settled by the Spanish in the 16th century. 20. The capital of Panama is Panama City.