THE World Cup is heating up as England is set to meet Panama today – but where is Panama and what is the country famous for?
England face their second World Cup 2018 match today after beating Tunisia 2-1. The Three Lions will now take on Panama for the first time in competition. Panama were beat by Belgium 3-0, but it still doesn’t mean Gareth Southgate’s team can relax. England were ranked 13 by FIFA ahead of the tournament, with Panama in the number 55 spot. But as we know anything can happen in this World Cup.
GETTY PANAMA: The iconic landscape of Panama City
Where is Panama? Panama is located in Central America, and is a country which borders to Costa Rica and Colombia. It is the most southern country in the region, and is a former Spanish colony. More specifically, it is located on the Isthmus of Panama, a narrow bridge of land which connects North and South America. Because of this position it is known as the "Crossroads of the Americas”. The country became independent in 1903 after gaining sovereignty from Spain.
GOOGLE GATEWAY: Panama is often called the Crossroads of the Americas
“Money is now being moved into our banks. Money that used to go to American banks” Frank de Lima – Former finance minister What is Panama famous for? Panama has a rich culture and history, and there is no end of places to explore. The largest city, Panama City, is filled to the brim of attractions and sights. The modern city is full of skyscrapers, hotels, shopping and restaurants. It is known for its natural beauty, diverse plant and animal life and vibrant music and culture.
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The most famous landmark which comes to mind is undoubtedly the Panama Canal. This massive structure is an artificial waterway which connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Spanning 48 miles, it was first opened in 1914. Making it not only easy for transport, it is also excellent for whitewater rafting and snorkelling tours. The important engineering feat drastically reduces the time it takes for ships to travel between the oceans.
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When thinking about Panama, one of the first things that may spring to mind is the Panama hat. However, it may surprise you to hear Panama hats are in fact from Ecuador. Ecuador exported many of its hats to Panama, being a major centre for trade and transport. Panama is also a country with expanding economic growth. Frank de Lima, former finance minister, said in 2011: “Money is now being moved into our banks. Money that used to go to American banks.”
GETTY CANAL: Panama is famous for its artificial waterway connecting two oceans
GETTY This is Panama's first time in the World Cup
It is the first time in history that Panama have qualified for the World Cup, following 10 unsuccessful campaigns. Qualifying for the Group Stages with a late stage goal from Roman Torres, Panama beat Costa Rica and knocked the USA out of the tournament. Their first match in the Group Stages against Belgium saw the team receive five yellow cards, the most ever yellow cards received in a World Cup tied with the 2010 final. Given their loss against Belgium, Panama will be hoping to pull back some points against England.
Odds on England to win stand at 1/5, for draw 4/1 and for underdogs Panama to achieve victory 12/1. Where is Panama? Panama is located on the isthmus (narrow strip of land) which links Central and Southern America. They are bordered by Costa Rica to the west and Columbia to the southeast, as well as having the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south.
The largest city is the capital, Panama City, which is home to nearly 2 million people, the whole population of Panama around 4 million. The Central American country also features lush jungles, which are home to rare species of plants and animals some found nowhere else on Earth. Panama was originally the home to indigenous tribes, before Spanish colonists made their mark in the 16th century. Breaking away from Spain in 1821, Panama became a part of the Republic of Columbia, with Spanish their central language.
BING Panama sits on a narrow strip of land between Central and Southern America
What is the Panama Canal? The Panama Canal cuts directly through the centre of the country, and is a famous engineering feat. The Canal links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, creating a vital shipping channel along its 82km waterway. The canal began to take shape in 1881, begun by France, but was finally completed in 1914 by the United States.
GETTY The Panama Canal is a feat of engineering that changed the shipping industry
THE small country of the Republic of Panama has found itself on the world stage as it has reached the finals of the World Cup for the very first time.
For most people it will be known for the Panama Canal that crosses the country and connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. But where is it? Here's the lowdown...
Getty - Contributor The skyline of Panama City, the country's capital
Where is Panama?
Panama is in Central America and is bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the south-east.
The Caribbean Sea is to the north of the country and the Pacific Ocean is to the south.
Around 40 percent of the country is jungle.
What's the country's population?
The country's population is currently estimated to be just over four million people, with Panama City as its capital.
The last official census taken in 2010 had the population at 3.4million.
Around half of the population live in the capital metropolitan area.
Getty - Contributor Around 40 percent of the country is jungle
What language do they speak?
The official language of Panama is Spanish.
Spain colonised the country in the 16th century but it broke away in 1821.
It joined a union of Nueva Granada, Ecuador and Venezuela named the Republic of Gran Colombia but this dissolved in 1831 with Panama and Nuvea Granada remaining joined and becoming the Republic of Colombia.
Panama seceded from Columbia in 1903, with the backing of the US, which allowed for the building of the canal between 1904 and 1914.
Corbis - Getty The country's national side has made it to the World Cup for the very first time
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What is the national flag?
Getty - Contributor Panama's flag reflects the country's politics
The Bandera de Panama was made by Maria de la Ossa de Amador and adopted in 1925.
The country's flag day is November 4, one day after its independence from Columbia day.
The stars and quarters on the flag represent the rival political factions - blue the colour of the conservatives and red for the liberals - and white for the peace in which they operate.
The Panamanian flag, which we’ve been seeing a bit of at the World Cup (Picture: Getty)
Panama may not be the best at international football but the country has a fascinating history.
Hordes of fans from Roman Torres’ home country have been flocking to Russia to see the national team take on England this week.
The blue, white and red flag, featuring two stars, has stood out in the stands, but the team don’t seem to be doing too well.
So what do you call someone from Panama, where is the country and what language do they speak?
Roman Torres is Panama’s team captain (Picture: Getty)
Someone from Panama is called Panamanian. There are an estimated 4 to 4.5 million of them in Panama.
Panamanians are a multi-ethnic nation, home to people from many different origins.
The main part of Panamanian culture is influenced by original Spanish settlers, the indigenous people, and Europeans arriving later such as Italians.
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West African culture is another important component.
A landscape shot of Portobelo in Colon, Panama (Picture: Getty)
The narrow country is located in Central America, and it connects Colombia to Costa Rica, essentially forming a bridge between them.
The capital, Panama City, is coastal and lies on the south side of the country.
No set theory exists as to why the country is called Panama, but many think it comes from a species of tree (Sterculia apetala, the Panama tree).
Panama’s capital is Panama City (Picture: Getty)
Others believe that the first settlers arrived in Panama in August, when butterflies abound, and that the name means ‘many butterflies’ in an indigenous language.
There’s a third theory that it was named after a fishing beach called Panamá in the 1500s, and the name of this beach meant ‘an abundance of fish’.
The language spoken in Panama is Spanish, the same language spoken by its two neighbours.
A Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum) chomps on berries in Panama (Picture: Getty)
Around 75 to 85 percent of the population identifies itself as Roman Catholic and 15 to 25 percent as evangelical Christian.
This is the first year that Panama has qualified for the main football World Cup tournament, and they didn’t even take an interest in entering until 1978.
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