General Information of Panama
The official name of the country is the Republic of Panama and it is located at the southern tip of Central America. It shares borders with the sister republics of Costa Rica and Colombia, covering an area of 75,517 km² of land and 2,490 km² of coastline on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It has a tropical climate and the temperature is uniform throughout the year, with an average temperature of 27ºC.
Its territory is divided into nine provinces and five indigenous regions. The capital, located in the Province of Panama, is Panama City. It is the main departure point for any other destination in and out of the country. It is currently the most modern city in Central America. It has a population of more than 3.9 million inhabitants and the official language is Spanish. However, English has become an indispensable requirement for professional competitiveness and is understood and spoken by a large part of the population.
The Catholic religion is the most widely accepted, although we are proud that tolerance towards different religions, races and ethnicities has historically distinguished us. In Panama there are mainly Hispanic and Afro-Antillean descendants, but there are very prosperous and beloved colonies of Hebrews, Hindus, Arabs, Greeks, Italians and of course, Spaniards whose majority are descendants of the areas of Oruense, Pontevedra and Carballiño, Autonomous Community of Galicia.
The country has a democratic governmental system in which its rulers are elected by popular vote every five years. The Balboa is the country’s monetary unit; it has parity with the U.S. dollar. The Panamanian economy has been fully dollarized since 1904. The dollar, in all its denominations, and the balboa, in its only denominations as currency, circulate freely in all transactions within the country.
Its territory is divided into nine provinces and five indigenous regions. The capital, located in the Province of Panama, is Panama City. It is the main departure point for any other destination in and out of the country. It is currently the most modern city in Central America. It has a population of more than 3.9 million inhabitants and the official language is Spanish. However, English has become an indispensable requirement for professional competitiveness and is understood and spoken by a large part of the population.
The Catholic religion is the most widely accepted, although we are proud that tolerance towards different religions, races and ethnicities has historically distinguished us. In Panama there are mainly Hispanic and Afro-Antillean descendants, but there are very prosperous and beloved colonies of Hebrews, Hindus, Arabs, Greeks, Italians and of course, Spaniards whose majority are descendants of the areas of Oruense, Pontevedra and Carballiño, Autonomous Community of Galicia.
The country has a democratic governmental system in which its rulers are elected by popular vote every five years. The Balboa is the country’s monetary unit; it has parity with the U.S. dollar. The Panamanian economy has been fully dollarized since 1904. The dollar, in all its denominations, and the balboa, in its only denominations as currency, circulate freely in all transactions within the country.
Most important days of the year for panamanians:
- 1 of January (New year )
- 9 of January (Martyrs Day)
- Carnival and Holy Week (variable dates)
- 1 of May (Labor day)
- 15 of August (Foundation of the city of Panama La Vieja)
- 3 of November (Separation of Colombia)
- 4 of November (Flag day)
- 5 of November (Colon Province)
- 10 of November (First Cry of Independence of the Villa de los Santos)
- 28 of November (Independency of Spain)
- 8 of December (Mother´s Day)
- 25 of December (Christmas)
- 31 of December (Farewell to old Year).
Discover plans to do in Panama
Panama lies not only between North and South America, but also between cosmopolitan life and traditional cultures; modernity and history; between sunny land and mysterious rainforest; science and nature, serenity and dynamism. It is a unique country that rewards exploration and brings together countless attractions and sensations. All this in 77,000 square kilometers, an area about the size of South Carolina. Panama will offer you the perfect immersive adventure.
A metropolis in the middle of the tropic
Experience the big city experience in Panama City, where skyscrapers reign supreme and cut the striking skyline along the waters of the Pacific. As the nation’s capital, Panama City has the modern infrastructure one would expect from any world-class city. Adding further complexity is the modern city’s proximity to historic sites such as Panama Viejo and the cobblestone streets of Casco Antiguo.
On top of all this, Panama City is the only capital city in the world with a tropical rainforest within its perimeter. Nature-filled experiences and national parks are just minutes from downtown. You can admire contemporary architecture one minute, and the next, hop in a cab and arrive, quickly, to greenery that will leave you speechless.
In Panama City, the gastronomic scene offers five-star restaurants and international cuisine. In the city you will find some of the region’s top-rated chefs preparing excellent dishes. In Panama, declared a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, you can dine on terraces overlooking the panoramic view of the city or choose the perfect table to watch wonderful sunsets.
When the sun goes down, get ready for a spectacular nightlife. In Panama City, you can choose terraced bars in the Casco Viejo area, sophisticated open-air establishments in the banking area or lively bars on the Calzada de Amador.
Your days in the city can also be filled with shopping. There are dozens of exclusive shopping malls where you will find everything from major department stores to luxury brands and local boutiques.
On top of all this, Panama City is the only capital city in the world with a tropical rainforest within its perimeter. Nature-filled experiences and national parks are just minutes from downtown. You can admire contemporary architecture one minute, and the next, hop in a cab and arrive, quickly, to greenery that will leave you speechless.
In Panama City, the gastronomic scene offers five-star restaurants and international cuisine. In the city you will find some of the region’s top-rated chefs preparing excellent dishes. In Panama, declared a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, you can dine on terraces overlooking the panoramic view of the city or choose the perfect table to watch wonderful sunsets.
When the sun goes down, get ready for a spectacular nightlife. In Panama City, you can choose terraced bars in the Casco Viejo area, sophisticated open-air establishments in the banking area or lively bars on the Calzada de Amador.
Your days in the city can also be filled with shopping. There are dozens of exclusive shopping malls where you will find everything from major department stores to luxury brands and local boutiques.
Adventure, nature and wild life
Panama has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. It is home to the most studied rainforest on the planet, miles of pristine beaches, cloud forests in mountainous regions and countless marine life and coral reefs. Thirty percent of Panama’s territory is made up of national parks and nature reserves, so possibilities abound for you to explore the great outdoors.
The natural areas away from Panama City will leave you open-mouthed if you are looking for adventure. The country will surprise you with its accessibility and the possibility of experiencing nature and wildlife up close. All this without the crowds, like nowhere else. In Panama you can do it all. You can choose fishing, hiking, bird watching, biking, kayaking, surfing, deep sea fishing or even snorkeling and Panama will have the perfect destination for you. Or if you are adventurous, you can also discover Panama on its trails and uninhabited beaches. These peaceful destinations will offer you excellent opportunities to feel good, from yoga retreats to spas and hot springs.
The natural areas away from Panama City will leave you open-mouthed if you are looking for adventure. The country will surprise you with its accessibility and the possibility of experiencing nature and wildlife up close. All this without the crowds, like nowhere else. In Panama you can do it all. You can choose fishing, hiking, bird watching, biking, kayaking, surfing, deep sea fishing or even snorkeling and Panama will have the perfect destination for you. Or if you are adventurous, you can also discover Panama on its trails and uninhabited beaches. These peaceful destinations will offer you excellent opportunities to feel good, from yoga retreats to spas and hot springs.
History and culture in Panama
Panamanian culture is unique in that it celebrates a mixture of people and races that coexist and make Panama a mosaic of cultures like no other country. Throughout history, Panama has always chosen its own traditions and has welcomed new cultures with open arms. Museums around the country reflect the history of all the cultures that make up Panama and its folklore. UNESCO declared the country a World Heritage Site for two cultural sites and three natural sites. Also, as a Creative City and Intangible Cultural Heritage.
In Panama, there are archaeological ruins, worth exploring if you are interested in cultures that have disappeared over time. You can also visit the famous Panama Canal, the eighth wonder of the modern world. Panama’s most important contribution to the world. No trip to Panama is complete without seeing its main attraction.
You can also discover the 7 indigenous communities of Panama. They generously invite visitors to learn about their customs, traditions, worldview and daily life. This is an exceptional opportunity to get closer to nature through the culture of those who know and respect it best.
In Panama, there are archaeological ruins, worth exploring if you are interested in cultures that have disappeared over time. You can also visit the famous Panama Canal, the eighth wonder of the modern world. Panama’s most important contribution to the world. No trip to Panama is complete without seeing its main attraction.
You can also discover the 7 indigenous communities of Panama. They generously invite visitors to learn about their customs, traditions, worldview and daily life. This is an exceptional opportunity to get closer to nature through the culture of those who know and respect it best.
¿What are you waiting for?
From modern, fast-paced Panama City to tropical islands with turquoise beaches, Panama is a travel destination like no other. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
