Panama

pan-a-ma', a republic of Central America. It was formerly a department of the republic of Colombia. A treaty for a canal across the isthmus having been rejected by the Colombian Senate, the province of Panama asserted its independence November 3, 1903. A provisional government set up by the people was at once recognized by the United States, and notice was issued that Colombian troops would not be permitted to land or to interfere with the new government. The European powers, recognizing that the building of a canal was in the interests of civilization, recognized the new republic promptly. Panama is about 480 miles long. The breadth varies from thirty-seven to 110 miles. The total area is 31,570 square miles. The population numbers 340,000, comprising Spanish, Indian, and negro elements, with a few temporary occupants from the United States, Germany, France, and other European countries. Panama, on the Pacific coast, is the chief city. It has a population of about 30,000 and has been made the capital. The corresponding port on the Atlantic side is Colon, or Aspinwall, with a population of 3,000. A railroad crosses the Isthmus from Colon to Panama. The soil of the new republic is unusually fertile. The rainfall is heavy. The forest growth is luxuriant. About half of the country is occupied. A very small proportion indeed is under proper cultivation. Bananas are the most important product. One company, composed of Americans, exports 2,500,000 bunches annually. About 130 tons of caoutchouc is collected on the mountains each year and brought to market by the Indians. There are rubber plantations near the coast also. Coffee, cocoa, Brazil nuts, mahogany, sarsaparilla, and ipecac are exported. Cattle, horses, pigs, and goats are raised on the uplands. There are pearl fisheries in the Gulf of Panama. Mother of pearl to the value of $75,000 a year is obtained. Turtle shell, much used in the manufacture of combs, is abundant.