The Panama State, officially known as the Federal State of Panama[1] from 1855 to 1863, and as the Sovereign State of Panama[2] from 1863 until 1886 when it was dissolved,[3] was established as one of the states of the Republic of Gran Colombia established in 1821 after independence from the Spanish Empire and was later part of the Republic of New Granada, the Granadine Confederation, and the United States of Colombia.

[4] The state was established on 27 February 1855 and lasted until 1886 when it was replaced by the Department of Panama.

[5] In 1903, the territory of the Panama State achieved independence as the Republic of Panama.

It was the first state to form within the Granadine Confederation of 1858, due to desires for autonomy, particularly by the Istmo Province.

During the administration of Justo Arosemena (1856), the State was divided into 7 departments:[7] Later, during the administration of José Leonardo Calancha (1864), reduced the number of departments to 6:[7]