Panama

Whale sanctuary rejected
People gather in Panama in demand for a South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary
Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez
Mohamed Salah -- seen right in a 2011 match against Panama -- stunned the crowd with a late winner
Guillermo Rigondeaux (L) lands a punch against Ricardo Cordoba in 2010
A Florida-based P-3 detected the two vessels on April 20  off the east coast of Panama
The "Isla Morada" boat, which belonged to the famous US mafioso Al Capone, prepares to weigh anchor
Tourists enjoy the ride on board the "Islamorada" boat
Leaders from across the Americas failed to agree on Cuba's inclusion at future summits
Leaders from across the Americas failed to agree on Cuba's inclusion at future summits
L to R: Juan Manuel Santos, Porfirio Lobo, Sebastian Pinera, Felipe Calderon, Barack Obama and Ricardo Martinelli
L to R: Juan Manuel Santos, Porfirio Lobo, Sebastian Pinera, Felipe Calderon, Barack Obama and Ricardo Martinelli
Supporters of Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa burn copies of El Universo newspaper
Mitt Romney stormed towards a likely victory in Florida
Romney stormed towards a likely Tuesday victory in Florida
The polls were divided on whether Romeny would beat Obama
After a feisty debate performance on Thursday, Mitt Romney is in the ascendancy in Florida
After a feisty debate performance on Thursday, Mitt Romney is in the ascendancy in Florida
Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney greets audience members at a campaign rally in Panama City
A shipyard worker holds a placard in support of Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney

Klinsmann faces "must win" in 2014 W.Cup qualifier

US coach Jurgen Klinsmann dubbed Friday's World Cup 2014 home qualifying match against Costa Rica a "must-win" a term which might apply to his future as coach as well as to the team's hopes of qualifying.
 

Klinsmann says US WCup qualifier a 'must-win'

US coach Jurgen Klinsmann dubbed Friday's World Cup 2014 home qualifying match against Costa Rica a "must-win" a term which might apply to his future as coach as well as to the team's hopes of qualifying.
 

Dutch treat for World Baseball Classic

It has been all or nothing for the underdog Netherlands national team at the World Baseball Classic.
 

French star lawyer found dead near private island

A French star lawyer whose clients ranged from Panama's ex-dictator Manuel Noriega to former prime minister Dominique de Villepin has been found dead near his private island in Brittany.
 

French star lawyer found dead near his private island

A French star lawyer whose clients ranged from Panama's ex-dictator Manuel Noriega to former prime minister Dominique de Villepin was Sunday found dead near his private island in Brittany, sources and officials said.
 

French star lawyer found dead near private island-home

A French star lawyer whose clients ranged from Panama's ex-dictator Manuel Noriega to former prime minister Dominique de Villepin was Sunday found dead near his private island-home in Brittany, sources and officials said.
 

Interpol deal with drug firms to fight fake medicines

Interpol on Tuesday announced a deal with the world's top pharmaceutical companies to fight fake drugs which threaten the health of millions, especially in poor countries.
 

Taiwan, US wrap first trade talks since 2007

Taiwan and the United States agreed to further strengthen economic ties on Sunday as they concluded their stalled trade talks -- the first since 2007 -- in Taipei.
 

Taiwan, US reopen stalled trade talks

Taiwan and the United States resumed trade talks on Sunday after a hiatus of more than five years as the politically isolated island seeks to join regional trade blocs.
 

Protests over planned dam turn violent in Panama

Police in Panama clashed with farmers and indigenous people for a second day Saturday over a planned dam that locals fear will wipe out their way of life.
 

Argentine ex-president Menem convicted arms smuggling

Former Argentine president Carlos Menem has been convicted of orchestrating arms smuggling while in office.
 

Teixiera will miss 8-10 weeks for Yankees

New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira will miss eight to 10 weeks with a right wrist strain suffered with the US World Baseball Classic team, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Wednesday.
 

Chavez in chemotherapy but in 'good spirits': VP

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is in "good spirits" as he undergoes chemotherapy in a Caracas military hospital, the vice president said, revealing new details about the leftist leader's treatment.
 

Venezuela VP slams media 'lies' about Chavez

Venezuela's vice president accused "fascist" foreign media Friday of "lying" about the health of President Hugo Chavez as part of a campaign to destabilize the nation.
 

In Venezuela, Twitter spreads official line, rumors

Addressing Venezuelans on state television, Vice President Nicolas Maduro pressed his thumb in the air as if typing on a smartphone, mocking the opposition for "saying absurdities" on Twitter.
 

Colombia president threatens to end peace talks with FARC

President Juan Manuel Santos, frustrated over a lack of progress in peace negotiations with leftist FARC rebels, threatened Saturday to abandon bilateral talks to end their nearly 50-year old conflict.
 

Mourinho an 'aggressive coach' - Del Bosque

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has described Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho's management style as 'aggressive' and far different to his own.
 

Dissident blogger allowed to leave Cuba on tour

Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez, who has been denied permission to travel abroad for many years, was allowed to embark on a three-month trip to Latin America, Europe and the United States.
 

Dissident blogger allowed to leave Cuba on tour

Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez, who has been denied permission to travel abroad for many years, was allowed to embark Sunday on a three-month trip to Latin America, Europe and the United States.
 

Canada, Cuba look to more economic cooperation

Canada and Cuba have plenty of room for growth in the areas of bilateral trade and cooperation, their top diplomats agreed Saturday, according to Cuban state media.
 

Facts from the Wikipedia page:

Republic of Panama
República de Panamá  (Spanish)
FlagCoat of arms
Motto"Pro Mundi Beneficio"  (Latin)
"For the Benefit of the World"
AnthemHimno Nacional de Panamá  (Spanish)
Capital
(and largest city)
Panama City
8°58′N 79°32′W / 8.967°N 79.533°W / 8.967; -79.533
Official languagesSpanish
Ethnic groups 58.1% Mestizo
14% Black and Mulatto
6.7% Amerindian
8.6% White
5.5% Asian
7.1% other (2000) [1]
DemonymPanamanian
GovernmentConstitutional Democracy
 - PresidentRicardo Martinelli
 - Vice PresidentJuan Carlos Varela
Independence
 - from Spain28 November 1821 
 - from Colombia3 November 1903 
Area
 - Total75,517 km2 (118th)
29,157 sq mi 
 - Water (%)2.9
Population
 - July 2008 estimate3,220,000 (133rd)
 - May 2001 census2,839,178 
 - Density43/km2 (156th)
111/sq mi
GDP (PPP)2008 estimate
 - Total$38.667 billion[2] 
 - Per capita$11,361[2] 
GDP (nominal)2008 estimate
 - Total$23.088 billion[2] 
 - Per capita$6,784[2] 
Gini (2002)46.5 
HDI (2007) 0.840 (high) (58th)
CurrencyBalboa, U.S. dollar (PAB, USD)
Time zone(UTC-5)
Internet TLD.pa
Calling code+507