1901-1968: US control.
1903: Split from Colombia.
1914: Panama Canal opens.
1930s-40s: Some concessions.
1952-68: Oligarchic government.
1958-1964: Campaign for equal status. Clashes with US troops.
1968: Torrijos coup.
1968-86: The populace benefits.
1977: Canal treaties.
1981: Torrijos killed.
1983: Manuel Noriega commander of armed forces.
1984: US/Noriega election fraud.
1985: Noriega falls from US favour.
1986-1989: Power struggles. US interferes and finally invades to install its chosen government.
1991: Reforms and privatisation.
1992: US sentences Noriega.
1999: Panama takes control of canal.
2004: Torrijos president.