3.2 million (July 2006 est.)

 

Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica; strategically located on the eastern end of the isthmus forming a land bridge connecting North and South America; controls the Panama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean.

 

Slightly smaller than the US state of South Carolina.

 

Although the official language in Panama is Spanish, English is widely spoken and understood in the major cities.

 

Most Panamanians are Roman Catholic. However, due to the great diversity in the country, there are numerous churches, temples and synagogues all over the country. There is freedom of religion in Panama.

 

Since 1904, the United States dollar has been the legal currency in Panama. The Balboa, the Panamanian monetary unit, is par valued with the dollar. Prices can be expressed in Balboas (B/.) or in Dollars ($). Traveler checks and credit cards are widely accepted. The International departure duty is US$20.00, payable in the airport. The hotel tax is 10%. The added tax value to products and services, with the exception of food and medicines is 5%.

 

Depending on your nationality, you may be required to have a valid passport and a visa or a $5.00 tourist card. Tourist cards may be bought at the airline counter at the time of departure or on your arrival in Panama. A tourist card gives you an automatic 30-day stay, and is extendable for another 60 days. Contact an embassy or consulate for current details.

 

Panama has a developing economy. The capital is Panama City. Outside the Panama City area, which has many first-class hotels and restaurants, tourist facilities vary in quality. U.S. currency is valid in Panama and is exchangeable on a one-to-one basis with the Panamanian Balboa. On December 31, 1999, all former U.S. military facilities in Panama were transferred to Panamanian control.

 

Constitutional democratic republic with 9 provinces and 3 territories* (comarcas); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, Veraguas, and Comarca Kuna Yala*, Comarca Ngabe-Bugle*, Comarca Embera-Woonan*

 

Banking, construction, petroleum refining, brewing, tourism, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling, shipping, ecommerce and agriculture.

 

The country enjoys an agreeable tropical climate and an average daytime temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with cooling in the evenings. The average humidity is 70%. The rainy season goes from May to December. Throughout the dry season, trade winds keep the air continuously cool. In the mountains, the average temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Panama time is the same as the United States Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5).

 

The current is 110v - 60hz and 220v. Telephone and international cable services in Panama are excellent. We have a direct-dial system to locations inland and all over the world. Our country code is 507.

 

Taxis work with a tariff system and most car-rental companies are represented in Panama. The minimum age for driving is 18 years, and foreign licenses are valid for 90 days.

 

Panama is a very Safe country, but as with any foreign destination, it is not advisable to walk around the streets flashing your money or valuable belongings. Reports of people being pick pocketing in Panama are rare, but it's best to assume that pickpockets are around. Just use common sense and your intuition to protect yourself. Remember that the less attention you draw to yourself, the less likely you are to have an unpleasant experience.

 

No vaccines or pills are necessary prior to visiting our country. Remember, the tropical sun can be strong; so it's wise to take protective sunglasses and sunscreen with you. Although Panama is indeed a tropical country, mosquito control is effective. Exceptions would include hiking and over-nighting in the jungle, in which case you should use protective insect repellant. Panama is the only country in Latin America where you can drink water straight from the tap.

 

Although Panama City has some very good hospitals and clinics, medical facilities outside of the capital are limited.

 

We recommend you consult with your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

 

New Year's Day	-	1 January
Martyrs' Day	-	9 January
Carnival		(early February 3 days)
Labor Day	-	1 May
National Revolution Day	-	11 October
National Anthem Day	-	1 November
All Souls' Day	-	2 November
Indep.from Colombia	-	3 November
Flag Day	-	4 November
Independence Day (Colón only)	-	5 November
First Call of Independence	-	10 November
Independence from Spain	-	28 November
Mother's Day	-	8 December
Christmas	-	25 December.

 

 

 

Panama is a proud, beatiful and prosperous nation that honors its seven indigenous tribes, respects and tolerates all religions and races without prejudice. Panama is unique in Central America, with its dollar based economy and stable political situation, sustained by its Free Trade Zone, and international banking.

 

Many Fortune 500 companies are based in the Republic of Panama. All these factors together with the initiative in the tourism sector are encouraging all types of investment in Panama.

 

The capital, Panama city, is full of contrasts, both big and small. It is a thriving modern metropolis with high safety and low crime rates. It surprises first-time visitors with its downtown area of high-rise towers of offices and luxury condos.

 

The city extends for 6 miles along the Pacific Coast and encompasses the ruins of Panama Viejo, the first establishment of Spaniards in the region, Casco Viejo, the colonial area built after Panama Viejo was destroyed, and the modern city center with its financial district, residential areas, and commercial and entertainment districts.

 

Panama City is one of the mot diverse and cosmopolitan Central American cities. With a wide array of entertainment options and a variety of views including that of the bay of Panama, the Canal, the Bridge of the Americas, and surrounding mountain-side, Panama City offers a unique environment with much to see and enjoy.

 

Central Panama City's financial district is home to well over 100 national and international banks.This, the most modern area of the city, features high-rise buildings and venues for sophisticated entertainment.

 

Panama City, as a major business center, boasts numerous luxury hotels designed with the business person and upscale tourist in mind as well as middle range and budget hotels and hostels.