Panama is the only country in North America that shares a land border with South America. Its southeastern boundary meets Colombia in the Darién region, where the two continents connect through a largely roadless rainforest.
The international boundary is about 339 kilometres long and runs through the Darién Gap. This remote area contains dense jungle, mountains, wetlands, and rivers, making it one of the most difficult overland routes in the world. The Pan-American Highway also ends at this break in the road network rather than continuing through the forest.
Panama is geographically part of North America because Central America is generally considered its southern region. Colombia, by contrast, is in South America. Nicaragua and Costa Rica border Panama but do not reach South America; Colombia is Panama’s only South American land neighbour. The border was formalized after Panama separated from Colombia in 1903, with the modern boundary later confirmed by treaty.