Panama GEOGRAPHY
Size: Approximately 77,082 square kilometers.
Topography: Dominant feature of landform is central spine
of highlands forming continental divide. Highest elevations near
borders with Costa Rica and Colombia. Lowest elevations at waist of
country where it is crossed by Panama Canal. Most of population
concentrated on Pacific side of divide southwestward from Panama
City.
Climate: Tropical climate with high temperatures and
humidity year round; pleasanter conditions prevailing in highlands
and on Pacific side of continental divide. Seasons determined by
rainfall rather than by changes in temperature. Prolonged rainy
season between May and December; short dry season between December
and April in parts of Pacific slope and for shorter periods on
Atlantic slope of divide.
Data as of December 1987
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