v20_1616 - RÉPUBLIQUE DE PANAMA 100 balboas or, 500e anniversaire de la naissance de Balboa 1975 Franklin Mint

REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

(since 1903)

Christopher Columbus was in Panama in 1502 but the region was explored by Vasco Nunez de Balboa in 1513. The country freed itself from Spanish colonization in 1821 and joined Gran Colombia. In 1903, the country proclaimed its independence and became a sovereign republic. Resources come mainly from the Canal and international trade. There are also exports of bananas, oil, shrimp and sugar. The Republic of Panama has approximately 2.5 million inhabitants.