Situated on the thin isthmus that connects North and South America but divides the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Panama has long been a vital crossroad for trade and travel. Under Spanish control for more than 300 years, Panama finally broke with Spain to join a newly independent Colombia as the Spanish empire faltered. Today, in addition to celebrating that Independence Day, the country observes another. When did Panama separate from Colombia, gaining a second independence—and another holiday? Discuss (http://forum.thefreedictionary.com/postst31318_Panama-Gains-Independence-from-Spain--1821-.aspx)
Free Dictionary Encyclopedia