Panama civics quiz: questions and answers
All 15 general civics quiz questions about Panama with answers and explanations, grouped by topic. This is a learning quiz, not an official exam. Select a question to see the answer.
Government and law 5 questions
Panama's 1972 Constitution, the National Assembly, the national symbols and the rules on nationality.
Practise only: Government and law →
What is the capital of Panama?
Panama City
Panama City, on the Pacific side of the Canal, is the capital and largest city.
What is the name of Panama’s legislature?
The National Assembly
The Constitution says the Legislative Branch is a single body called the National Assembly.
In which year was Panama’s current Constitution originally adopted?
1972
The current Constitution dates from 1972 and has been reformed several times since, including in 2004.
Which three symbols does the Constitution name as the symbols of the Republic?
The anthem, the flag and the coat of arms
Article 6 says the symbols of the Republic are the anthem, the flag and the coat of arms adopted by Law 34 of 1949.
How does Panama’s Constitution describe its government?
Unitary, republican, democratic and representative
Article 1 says Panama's government is unitary, republican, democratic and representative.
History 5 questions
Independence from Spain in 1821, separation from Colombia in 1903, and the history of the Panama Canal.
From which country did Panama separate on 3 November 1903?
Colombia
Panama separated from Colombia on 3 November 1903, the date celebrated as Separation Day.
In which year did Panama become independent from Spain?
1821
Panama declared independence from Spain on 28 November 1821 and then joined Gran Colombia.
In which year did the Panama Canal open?
1914
The Panama Canal opened to shipping on 15 August 1914, after about ten years of construction by the United States.
On what date did Panama take full control of the Canal?
31 December 1999
Under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977, the Canal was handed over to Panama on 31 December 1999.
Which Spanish explorer crossed the isthmus and reached the Pacific Ocean in 1513?
Vasco Núñez de Balboa
Vasco Núñez de Balboa crossed the isthmus of Panama in 1513 and became the first European to see the Pacific from the Americas.
Geography, culture and symbols 5 questions
The Canal, Volcán Barú, the balboa, Spanish language and the quartered flag with two stars.
Practise only: Geography, culture and symbols →
What is the official language of Panama?
Spanish
Article 7 of the Constitution says Spanish is the official language of the Republic.
Which two oceans does the Panama Canal connect?
The Atlantic and the Pacific
The Canal links the Caribbean Sea, part of the Atlantic, with the Pacific Ocean across the isthmus.
What appears in the two white quarters of Panama’s flag?
A blue star and a red star
The flag is divided into four quarters: two white quarters with a blue star and a red star, one plain red and one plain blue.
Which currency is issued by Panama and used alongside the US dollar?
The balboa
Panama's currency is the balboa, named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa, and the US dollar is also legal tender.
What is the highest mountain in Panama?
Volcán Barú
Volcán Barú, in Chiriquí province, is Panama's highest point. On clear days both oceans can be seen from its summit.
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