The History of Panama

Panama's strategic location has historically positioned it as a pivotal crossroads for trade and power struggles. The country has experienced various dominations, starting as a Spanish colony, then a Colombian province, and later a U.S. quasi-territory. The U.S. invasion in 1989 to remove dictator Manuel Noriega marked a significant turning point, leading to Panama regaining control of the Panama Canal by 1999. Since then, it has evolved into a resilient, albeit contentious, democracy, reflecting its complex and tumultuous history.