Panama Maps & Facts - World Atlas

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Panama, a narrow isthmus spanning approximately 29,1119 square miles (75,417 square kilometers), links Central and South America. It borders Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. This strategic position allows it to be a natural conduit for international maritime trade, especially through the well-known Panama Canal.

The country's geography encompasses several distinct regions. These include coastal plains, central mountains, and eastern lowlands, each with their unique geographical and ecological characteristics.

The coastal plains extend along both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. These low-lying areas are typically characterized by mangrove swamps and rainforests on the Caribbean side, whereas the Pacific coastal plains are drier and interspersed with savannahs and deciduous forests.

In contrast to the coastal plains, Panama's central mountains form a rugged spine running through the country's heart. This region encompasses two main ranges, the Cordillera Central and the Serranía de Tabasará, both of which rise to an elevation of over 11,000 feet (3,475 meters) at their highest point, Volcán Barú. This is the tallest peak in the country at 11,398 feet high (3,474) and an active stratovolcano.

The eastern lowlands, also known as the Darien region, is a sparsely populated and mostly undeveloped region that forms a natural border with Colombia. It includes the Darien Gap, a large swath of dense rainforest and swampy terrain that acts as a natural barrier to overland travel between Central and South America.

The country is home to many major bodies of water and rivers, the most significant of which is the Panama Canal. This human-made waterway cuts through the country, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and plays a critical role in global shipping and commerce.

Several significant rivers crisscross Panama. The Tuira River is the longest, flowing approximately 106 miles (170 kilometers) primarily through the Darien Province. The Chagres River, another key waterway, is integral to the operation of the Panama Canal. Its waters feed the canal and control the flow through the use of a series of dams and locks.

In terms of natural lakes, the largest is Lake Gatun, which also plays a vital role in the operation of the Panama Canal. Formed by the damming of the Chagres River, the lake allows for the passage of ships through the canal system.

The northern coastline is ringed by the hundreds of small islands that form the Bocas del Torro and San Blas Archipelagos. Significant islands along the southern coastlines include the Pearl Islands (of Survivor fame), Taboga, Cebaco and Coiba.