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