Santiago

Santiago, city, western Panama. It is located in the Pacific lowlands north of Puerto Mutis, its port on the estuary of the San Pedro River (emptying into the Gulf of Montijo). One of the oldest settlements in Panama, the city flourished in the colonial era, and many fine old buildings remain. It is a marketing centre for the rice, coffee, corn (maize), livestock, and other products from the hinterland. Gold deposits occur in the vicinity. Santiago lies on the Inter-American (Pan-American) Highway, and it has a small airport. Pop. (2000) 32,480; (2010) 31,065.