Panama declares independence from Spain and joins Gran Colombia

Background. Gran Colombia was proclaimed through the Fundamental Law of the Republic of Colombia during the Congress of Angostura in 1819. However, the state did not formally come into being until the Congress of Cúcuta promulgated the Constitution of Cúcuta in 1821. This constitution established the republic's capital in Bogotá and united territories including the former Royal Audiencia of Panama.

Accession to Gran Colombia. Panama voluntarily became part of Gran Colombia in 1821. The secession from Spain was formalized on November 28, 1821, leading to Panama's simultaneous joining of the confederation through the Independence Act of Panama. This integration occurred while other provinces, such as Quito, were still under Spanish rule or in the process of liberation.

Administrative Status. Following independence from Spain, Panama remained a department of the Republic of Colombia. The political struggle between federalists and centralists resulted in a shifting administrative and jurisdictional status for Panama. The region was tenuously connected to the government in Bogotá due to its remoteness and lack of practical overland connections.