Panama

Quick Facts

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Capital

Panama City

Population

2,961,000

Government

Constitutional Democracy

Religions

Christianity (Catholic, Protestant)

Languages

Spanish, English

Calling Code

+507

Nationality

Panamanian

Local name

Panamá

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Introduction

Bocas del Toro (8)

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It was Vasco Nuñez de Balboa who became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean in 1513. And it was the thin stretch of land we know as Panama that he crossed to reach it. Panama's geographic location and shape have been strategic elements in its development as a nation: its narrowness prompted the U.S. to build the Panama Canal, allowing passage between the Caribbean and Pacific. Today, the Canal is Panama's best-known attraction, though the land has much more to offer. Few, for example, are aware of its fifteen hundred islands; nor of the lovely alpine town of Boquete, near Volcán Barú. And with its thriving modern capital, Panama City, only a stone's throw away from the ancient ruins at Panamá Viejo, Panama promises visitors a wonderfully varied travel experience.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

Administratively, Panama is divided into nine provinces and three provincial-level indigenous territories (comarcas indígenas).

Provinces

• Bocas del Toro
• Coclé
• Colón
• Chiriquí
• Darién
• Herrera
• Los Santos
• Panamá
• Veraguas

Indigenous Territories

• Emberá
• Kuna Yala
• Ngöbe-Buglé

Cities

• Panama City
• Colón
• Balboa
• Boquete
• Clayton
• Yaviza
• Vacamonte
• El Porvenir
• David
• Bocas Del Toro

Sights and Activities

Although its neighbour Costa Rica might be world famous as a popular eco destination, Panama is just as impressive, if not more. On top of that it has some fine beaches and islands which are amongst the most beautiful in the world.

Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro (8)

© All Rights Reserved dontrobus

This is probably the most popular destination in the country. The Bocas del Toro are a chain of islands off the Caribbean coastline in the northwest of the country and are easily reached by one of the many boats between the islands and the mainland. Relaxing, swimming, beachlife, nightlife and snorkelling and diving are the most popular activities here and many people visiting Costa Rica come here for a few days as well, as it is very close to the border and easily reached in half a day or so. Dolphins and reef sharks join you in the water and encountering one is just great. You can also rent bikes and explore some of the islands.

Boquete and surroudings

Boquette is located in the northwest of the country, in a moutainous area. It is located on an elevtion of about 1000 meters above sea level and as a result its climate is cooler than the lowlands in Panama. It has become more and more popular as an escape from the heat but its surroundings are just as impressive and nice among eco tourists. The nearby Volcan Baru is a popular destinations and Boquete is famous for one of the best coffee in the world, so it is said.

Darien Gap

The Darien Gap is one big undeveloped area forming a natural bridge between Central and South America and is notorious for drug traffic as well. Still, the Darien National Park contains an extremely rich biodiversity with varieties of habitats, like beaches, rocky coasts, mangroves, swamps, and lowland and upland tropical forests containing remarkable wildlife. On top of that, indigenous tribes (mainly Indians) live here as well. As a result it is on the Unesco World Heritage List. Although much of the Darien is impassable and dangerous, there are some parts that can be visited, although travelling by yourself limits your opportunities to get the most out of your trip. Try and go for one of the organised tours which mostly leave from Panama City and include flights.

Other sights and activities

San Blas islands

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• Panama Canal - the most famous canal in the world
• Pear Islands - just south of the capital
• San Blas Islands - tribes and beaches

Events and Festivals

Weather

Panama has a tropical climate with the temperature varying between 27 °C and 33 °C. Typical to tropical climates, Panama has two seasons, a dry one and a wet one. The dry season, considered summertime, lasts from January to March and the wet season is from April through December, with the wettest months being October and November where average rainfall is above 23cm. Typically the other wet months see an average rainfall of between 8 and 15cm with April and December falling on the low end. During the wet season there is not necessarily non stop rain for days on end, but it usually rains at least once a day.

Getting there

Plane

Copa Airlines is the national carrier of Panama with its base at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) near the capital Panama City. It operates services to most major cities in Central and South America, including a few in the United States. Other destinations to and from Panama are Toronto, Montreal, Madrid and from March 2008 a direct flight from Amsterdam with KLM. Air Caraibes flies to Guadeloupe and Martinique. From Enrique Malek International Airport in David, there are international flights to and from San José in Costa Rica.

By Train

There are no international rail links with Panama.

By Car

Although Panama borders both Costa Rica and Colombia, only the first can be reached by car along relatively good roads. Paso Canoas along the Panamerican highway is the most used crossing. Others include border crossings at Guabito-Sixaola near the Caribbean coast and Río Sereno at the terminus of the La Concepción Vacán road.

By Bus

International bus connections are only possible to and from Costa Rica. Check Ticabus for options between Panama City and San José, Costa Rica.

By Boat

The most popular boat connections travellers take is between Colon and Cartagena in Colombia. Although there is no regular scheduled boat services, cargo ships and yachts might take you or you can go on an organised trip, which usually stop in the San Blas Islands as well.

Getting around

Plane

Aero Perlas offers flights to about 15 domestic destinations, including Bocas del Toro and David. Air Panama offers about the same, but focuses on the San Blas Islands as well.

By Train

Panamá Canal Railway Company has a scenic train route between Panama City and Colon.

By Car

Roads are generally in a good conditions and both the Panamericana from west to east as the The Trans-Isthman Highway between Panama City and Colon are well paved. Other roads are mainly paved but some have potholes. Renting a car is a good option, especially in the central and western parts of the country. You have to be at least 23 years of age to rent a car, which are mostly available at the airport, Panama City and David.

By Bus

There are buses to most places in Panama, linking Panama City to Colon, David, Boquette and the western edge of the Darien Gap. Other routes are travelled less frequent and some buses are slow and unrelibable.

By Boat

Several islands off the coast are reachable by boat, including the Pearl Islands south of Panama City and the Bocas del Toro in the northwest of the country. At the San Blas coast, there are boats carying passengers between Colón and Puerto Obaldía.

Red Tape

Money

See also: Money Matters

Officially Panama uses the Balboa and the US Dollar as its currencies at 1:1 rate. In reality the Balboas only exist as coins that and there no 1, 5, 10, 20, or 100 Balboa bills, only US Dollar bills are used.
The US Dollars, or "greenback" may be called Balboas as well, but the US Dollar has been the official currency since 1904.

One dollar consists of 100 cents. Frequently used coins are the penny (1¢), nickel (5¢), dime (10¢) and quarter (25¢). 50¢ and $1 coins also exist, but are rarely used. Frequently used banknotes are the $1, $5, $10 and $20 notes. $2, $50 and $100 notes can also be found, but are rarely used.

Work

Study

Language

Related article: Spanish: Grammar, pronunciation and useful phrases

Spanish is the official language of Panama.

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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