Panama Researched via: Student Name: Martel Decoteau Date: 5/28/2010

Where is Panama located? Panama, officially the Republic of Panama is the southernmost country of both Central America and, in turn, North America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south.

Flag, Motto, Anthem: Panama currently has music featured on Music Choice as well as on MTV2 and MTVU’s The Freshman. Panama has displayed his talent for BET Rap City and many other media outlets. His focus and drive flow into his other interests, as well. Not only a hip hop artist, Panama teamed up with the founder of Bmore Creative, a burgeoning fashion line that has been seen on artists such as Method Man, Lupe Fiasco, and fellow cast members Omar and Bubbles from HBO’s The Wire. Panama is definitely a mogul in the making and anything less than that will be disrespectful to this true talent.“Its about being a profound artist, not a profane rapper. Siempre palante como el elefante y nunca pa tras como el cangreo,” smoothly says Panama, as his bilingual household curated a young man that did well in school regardless of the hardships he faced. Not allowing anyone nor anything to control his destiny, Panama prepares to release a mix album Ring Side Seats: The Weigh In that he calls to be a timeless piece of art. With current acting projects on the table and future endeavors in the music industry Panama assures his supporters and fans that he will make history. His main goal has always been to represent for those that helped him along the way…live well, love life and laugh often.

Sports: Panama has always taken immense interest in football and has always kept their performance bar very high in American sporting sphere. The Panama football teams with their dedicated endeavors have made their mark in the field of national and international sports. Golf is one of the major pastimes among the people in Panama. Panama golf has drawn the limelight for housing some of the best championship golf courses in Central America. Panama Tennis is administered by Federation Panamanian de Tennis or the Panama Tennis Federation. Panama has not yet qualified for the rugby world cup. Panama's first international match was in 2005, against Costa Rica, which they lost 60-0.

Government and Politics: Panama's politics take place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Panama is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. For all people national elections are universal and mandatory for all citizens 18 years and older. National elections for the executive and legislative branches take place every five years. Members of the judicial branch are appointed by the head of state. Panama's National Assembly is elected by proportional representation in fixed electoral districts, so many smaller parties are represented. Presidential elections do not require a simple majority, and Panama's last three presidents were elected with the support of only 30–40% of voters. Since the U.S. invasion and the end of the 21-year military dictatorship, Panama has successfully completed four peaceful transfers of power to opposing political factions. The political landscape is dominated by two major parties and many smaller parties, many of which are driven by individual leaders more than ideologies. Former President Martin Torrijosis the son of former military dictator Omar Torrijos. He succeeded Mireya Moscoso, the widow of Arnulfo Arias. Panama's most recent national elections occurred on May 3, 2009 with Ricardo Martinelli being elected. He was sworn for a five-year term in Panama City on July 1, 2009.Mireya Moscoso

Famous people/role model: Mariano Rivera ---> baseball player in the NY yankee Mariano Rivera (born November 29, 1969) is a Panamanian professional baseball player who has spent his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo", the right- handed Rivera has served as a relief pitcher for most of his career. His presence in the late innings of games to record the final outs has played an instrumental role in the Yankees' success, particularly the team's late 1990s dynasty. He has won five World Series championships as a Yankee.

What do you like the most about Panama? Upon arrival in Panama City, you will be met not just at the airport but at the gate for a VIP reception. After breakfast, you will depart for a tour of the major sights of Panama City. Panama is well known for the Canal and many would like to see more than just the locks. This Morning you embark on an elegant train adventure along the Panama Canal, traveling across the isthmus to Colon City. he protected area of "Pipeline Road" boasts outstanding biodiversity and is a major part of the Panama Canal watershed. n the morning you'll explore Old Gamboa Road looking for Spectacled Owls, Fasciated Antshrike and Blue-crowned Motmot. The islands of the San Blas Archipelago are strung out along the Caribbean coast of Panama from the Golfo de San Blas nearly all the way to the Colombian border.