A wonderful country...full of life, EXCELLENT FRESH FOOD and some things you won't see anywhere else in the world. A young country, Panama declared independence from Colombia (with US backing) November 3, 1903. Rich in culture, the Panamanians are very aware that their place in the world is tied to the Panama Canal. President Jimmy Carter initiated the treaty which eventually turned over control of the Canal to the Panamanians on December 31, 1999. Many remnants of the US remain however - from Mountain Dew to the Hard Rock Cafe to Chevrolets.