PanamaThe official name of Panama is the Republic of Panama or (República de Panamá). Panama is located on the narrowest and lowest part of the Isthmus of Panama which connects North America and South America. This part of the isthmus is located between 7° and 10° north latitude and 77° and 83° west longitude. Panama is slightly smaller than South Carolina, at approximately 77,082 square kilometers. The country's two coasts are called the Caribbean and Pacific, rather than the north and south coasts. To the east is Colombia and to the west is Costa Rica. Peaceful. The dominant features of their relief are the highlands which form the continental divide. The highest altitudes are near the borders with Costa Rica and Colombia. The highest point in the country is Volcán Barú which rises to almost 3,500 meters. The lowest altitude is in the center of the country, where it is crossed by the Panama Canal. Most of the population is on the Pacific side of the continental divide. The country's population is approximately 2.8 million with a growth rate of 1.5%. The racial and ethnic groups are 65% mixed race, 14% African, 10% Spanish, and 10% Indian. The religion is 85% Roman Catholic, 5% Protestant and 5% Islamic. Spanish is the official language, although the influence of the United States and the Canal Zone increases the use of English as a second language. The arts of Panama show its ethnic mix. Indian tribes, West Indian groups, mixed-race people, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Swiss, Yugoslav, and North American immigrants all contributed ingredients to the culture. Traditional arts include wood carving, weaving, ceramics and mask making. The capital is Panama City with the main towns of Colon, Bocas del Toro, Potobelo, El Porvenir, Santiago, Tocumen, La Palma, David, Balboa and El Dorado. Political culture traditionally characterized by personalism, the tendency to give political loyalty to an individual rather than to a party. Politics from 1968 until his death in 1981 dominated by General Omar Torrijos Herrera. Their form of government is executive according to the provisions of their 1972 Constitution, as amended in 1978 and 1983. The head of the executive is president of the republic, he is assisted by two vice-presidents. presidents, all elected by popular vote for a five-year term. The monetary unit is the Balboa, which is equal to the US dollar. Balboas are only available in parts.