In the 16th century, Spaniards stepped foot on what is now Panama. At the time of the Spaniards arrival, the land was occupied by the Cuna, Guaymí, Chocó, and other Indian groups. The mixed population of Spanish and Indian descent were titled Mestizos. During the colonial period, African slaves were brought to Panama, because of this, Africans were integrated into the society. During the 19th century, the Panama City-Colón railroad was constructed, hence, new groups arriving. These groups included North Americans, French, and Chinese peoples. Many West Indians came to Panama as workers to assist with the construction of the Panama Canal. U.S nationals, Spaniards, Italians, and Greeks also arrived. Indians are scattered in a few areas, the majority being in rainforests and rough terrain. The largest Indian group is the Guaymí, this group inhabits the western provinces of Chiriquí, Bocas del Toro, and Veraguas. Many of the Guaymí work on the banana plantations of Panama. The next largest group is the Kuna, that are most commonly found in San Blas Archipelago and on the coast nearby. The Chocó is another Indian group that is mainly found in the province of Darién. Many of the Chocó have a keen interest in subsistence agriculture, fishing, and hunting. Some of the Chocó are also traders, sailors, and mechanics. Mestizos are the largest population in Panama at 65% of Panama's people. The majority of Mestizos make up the Savannas, to the west of the canal and in the central provinces of Panama and Colón. In that area, they have intermarried with people of West Indian and African ancestry. Many people of African descent are scattered throughout Panama. These places include the hot lowlands of the Chagres River basin, the eastern province of Darién, and the Caribbean lowlands. People of the British West Indies are recent arrivals and happen to be a minority. They mainly live in Panama City and in Bocas del Toro province. While the U.S citizens live in the canal area or Panama City. Significant minority groups in Panama include the Chinese, East Indians, and Middle Easterners. All of these groups play an important role in commerce and industry. There is a sizable Jewish community in Panama. This community was developed by Jews seeking refuge during the Inquisition from Portugal and Spain. When they first came, they were forced to practice their religion in confidentiality. The Jewish population was increased by immigrants from the West Indies in the mid 19th century. Panama had the Western hemisphere's first Jewish president in the 1980s, Eric Arturo Delvalle. Because of Panama's geographical location they have developed a rich and diverse population.