Panama

Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa claimed the land of Panama for their King, Ferdinand, and initiated the colonization of the area with the riches looted from the Incas.

Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa becomes the first European to see the Pacific Ocean after crossing the Panama Isthmus.

Sir Francis Drake conducted a raid on Panama, leading to the Spanish forming an alliance with the English to maintain control. The Spanish offered military support in return for guaranteed freedom.

Welsh pirate Henry Morgan captures Panama City from its Spanish defenders.

On November 10, 1821, residents of the Azuero region declared their separation from the Spanish Empire in an event known as Grito de La Villa de Los Santos. This marked a significant step towards independence for Panama.

Panama declared its independence from Spain on November 28, 1821.

The Congress of Panama took place in June 1826 and was attended by four American states - Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Peru. The treaty drawn up at the congress aimed to bind all parties to mutual defense and peaceful dispute resolution.

In September 1830, Panama separated from the Republic of Colombia under the guidance of General José Domingo Espinar. This separation was due to political tensions and Espinar's rebellion against the central government.

In 1846, the US and New Granada signed the Bidlack Mallarino Treaty, granting the US right of way across the Isthmus and the power to intervene militarily.

In 1878, France was granted the right to build a canal through Panama but faced challenges such as bankruptcy and diseases, leading to the project's failure.

The Republic of Panama declares its independence from Colombia, marking a significant turning point in the history of the region and paving the way for the construction of the Panama Canal.

Panama officially separated from Colombia on November 3, 1903, not to be confused with Panama's independence from Spain in 1821. This event is known as 'Separation Day' in Panama's history.

President Roosevelt officially acknowledged the new Panamanian junta as the legitimate government on November 6, 1903.

The de jure recognition of the new Panamanian junta as the official government took place on November 13, 1903.

The Isthmian Canal Convention was signed by Philippe Bunau-Varilla, representing Panama, and Secretary of State John Hay in Washington, D.C. on November 18, 1903.

Panama celebrates its independence from Spain on November 28, 1821. This event marked Panama's freedom from Spanish colonial rule.

The United States Senate approved the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty on February 23, 1904, granting extensive rights to the US for the construction and operation of the Panama Canal.

The construction of the Panama Canal was finalized, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and revolutionizing global trade and transportation.

A coup d'état took place on January 2, 1931, leading to the forced resignation of President Florencio Arosemena in Panama.

On November 13, 1968, the United States informed the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the decision to resume diplomatic relations. This decision followed consultations with OAS member states and assurances from the new Panamanian government regarding its future conduct.

The Torrijos-Carter Treaties were signed on September 7, 1977, between Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos and US President Jimmy Carter. These treaties outlined the complete transfer of the Panama Canal and US military bases to Panama by 1999, while granting the US a perpetual right of military intervention.

After 75 years, the United States handed over the Canal Zone to Panama, marking the end of its control over the territory.

Panama officially took control of the Canal Area, formerly known as the Canal Zone, asserting its sovereignty over the region.

Omar Torrijos, the Panamanian head of state and principal power in Panamanian political life, died in a mysterious plane crash on July 31, 1981. His death raised suspicions of assassination and marked a significant shift in Panama's political landscape.

The United States completed the formal transfer of the Canal Zone to Panama, solidifying Panama's full control over the territory.

On February 4, 1988, Panamanian General Manuel Noriega was formally charged by a US federal grand jury for drug trafficking and racketeering.

Nearly 26,000 US combat troops were deployed, attacking two dozen targets throughout the country using various tactical operations. The invasion resulted in the deaths of 23 U.S. soldiers, three U.S. civilians, approximately 150 Panamanian Defense Forces soldiers, and an estimated 500-700 Panamanian civilians, causing significant devastation to Panama.

After Manuel Noriega sought refuge in the Vatican nunciature in Panama City, the United States invaded Panama as part of Operation Just Cause. Noriega surrendered after 10 days.

On January 3, 1990, Panama's leader General Manuel Noriega surrendered to US authorities.

On April 9, 1992, a US Federal court found Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega guilty of 8 out of 10 drug and racketeering charges.

On May 2, 1999, Mireya Moscoso, widow of former President Arnulfo Arias Madrid, won the presidential election in Panama, defeating PRD candidate Martín Torrijos. Her administration focused on social programs, education, and free trade initiatives, successfully handling the Panama Canal transfer.

On December 31, 1999, complete control of the Panama Canal passed from the Panama Canal Commission to Panama, with administration now under the Panama Canal Authority.

In May 2004, Martin Torrijos emerged victorious in the elections and assumed the presidency of Panama.

In 2009, conservative supermarket magnate Ricardo Martinelli won a landslide victory in the presidential election in Panama. He succeeded President Martín Torrijos.

In 2011, several iconic towers including Tower Financial Center, F&F Tower, Yacht Club Tower, Megapolis Tower, The Point, and JW Marriott Panama were constructed in Panama City.

In 2012, two significant towers, Vitri Tower and Pearl Tower, were constructed in Panama City.

On April 11, 2015, Barack Obama and Raúl Castro had a significant meeting in Panama, marking the first encounter between US and Cuban heads of state since the Cuban Revolution.

The release of 11.5 million confidential documents from Mossack Fonseca revealed widespread illegal activities such as fraud, tax evasion, and violation of international sanctions by global elites.

Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson stepped down from his position following revelations of a conflict of interest exposed in the Panama Papers leak.

The inauguration of the third set of locks in the Panama Canal doubled its capacity, allowing for increased commercial traffic after an investment of $5.25 billion.

In July 2019, Laurentino 'Nito' Cortizo of the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) became the new President of Panama after winning the May 2019 presidential election.