Military dictatorship in Panama
Republic of Panama República de Panamá | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968–1989 | |||||||||
Panama within Central America | |||||||||
| Capital | Panama City | ||||||||
| Official languages | Spanish | ||||||||
| Government | Military dictatorship | ||||||||
| Military leader | |||||||||
• 1968-1981 | Omar Torrijos | ||||||||
• 1981-1982 | Florencio Flores | ||||||||
• 1982-1983 | Rubén Darío Paredes | ||||||||
• 1983–1989 | Manuel Noriega | ||||||||
| History | |||||||||
| 11 October 1968 | |||||||||
| 20 December 1989 | |||||||||
| Area | |||||||||
| 1980 | 75,417 km2 (29,119 sq mi) | ||||||||
| Population | |||||||||
• 1980 | 1,831,399 | ||||||||
| Currency | Panamanian balboa | ||||||||
| ISO 3166 code | PA | ||||||||
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| History of Panama |
|---|
| Chronology |
| By type |
| Panama portal |
The Republic of Panama experienced an authoritarian military dictatorship during the late 20th century, beginning with a coup d'état in 1968 that installed Omar Torrijos as military leader. This was the beginning of a 21-year long regime under different military leaders that lasted until the 1989 United States invasion of Panama.
A new constitution was created under the Torrijos administration intended to grant him more power. Torrijos eventually died after 13 years in office, and Manuel Noriega officially became leader in 1983. Under his government, corruption and human rights abuses like the killing of Hugo Spadafora became more prevalent. Political opposition to Noriega grew quickly, and led to worsening relations with the United States.
Despite the repression, political and technological advances took place during the regime, such as progress in color television, computing, and policies like the transfer of the Panama Canal back to the country, as well as improvements in the economy and health and educational systems.