BALBOA

Pacific terminal port in central Panama, at the southern end of the Panama Canal. It lies between the canal docks and Ancn Hill, which separates it from Panama City. Founded in 1914 and named for Vasco Nez de Balboa, European discoverer of the Pacific, it has extensive harbour installations, drydocks, marine and railroad repair shops, warehouses, and a coaling plant. Balboa is noted for its orchid gardens, with more than 400 orchid varieties. The former Canal Zone (q.v.) was administered from Balboa Heights, on a hill overlooking the town of Balboa. Pop. (1990) 1,179.