This narrow strip of land - only 30 miles (48 km) wide at its narrowest point, and rarely wider than 75 miles (121 km) at any spot - contains one of the world's great engineering marvels: the Panama Canal, known to the world as "the path between the seas." Fees paid by the ships that pass through the canal make up a large part of Panama's economy. Panama's government has historically been democratic, holding fair elections for leaders, although corruption by government officials has been an ongoing problem. In recent years the Panamanian people have pressed for laws that will provide greater transparency. Despite this, the Republic of Panama remains one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Central America. There's a lot to discover about Panama!