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Panama

Panama

Continent

North America

Best States to Visit

  • Bocas del toro
  • Chiriqui
  • Cocle
  • Colon
  • Darien

Best Cities to Visit

  • Herrera
  • Kuna yala
  • Los Santos
  • Veraguas
  • David

Size

75,517 KM2

Population

4,280,000

GDP

$12

Spending Budget

$65 - $70

Famous For

  • Panama canal
  • Natural attractions

Best Time to Visit

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April

History

The area that became Panama was part of Colombia until the Panamanians revolted, with U.S. support, in 1903. In 1904, the United States and Panama signed a treaty that allowed the United States to build and operate a canal that traversed Panama. The treaty also gave the United States the right to govern a ten-mile wide Canal Zone that encompassed the waterway, which was completed in 1914. In 1979, the United States transferred control of the Canal Zone to Panama, and in 1999 transferred control and responsibility for the Canal to Panama.The United States recognized Panama on November 6, 1903, after Panama declared its independence from Colombia. On November 3, 1903, Panamanians had revolted against the Colombian government, declared an independent Republic of Panama, and established a provisional government junta.

Present Day

Panama, country of Central America located on the Isthmus of Panama, the narrow bridge of land that connects North and South America. Embracing the isthmus and more than 1,600 islands off its Atlantic and Pacific coasts, the tropical nation is renowned as the site of the Panama Canal, which cuts through its midsection. It is equally well known for its natural beauty, for its diverse plant and animal life, including hundreds of bird and tree species, and for its vibrant music and culture.Panama enjoys a lively mix of cultural influences, expressed in the country’s cuisine, artwork, music, and literature. Its capital, Panama City, is located on the Pacific coast just east of the canal. A cosmopolitan city where skyscrapers tower above whitewashed bungalows, it enjoys a handsome setting and a growing importance as a commercial and financial services centre for the region. However, its economic progress has been hampered periodically by environmental problems and political turmoil.

Future

Panama has been one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America over the past decade, with real GDP expanding an average of 8.4% between 2004 and 2013. Moreover, Panama performed relatively well during the global financial crisis, including 4.0% growth in 2009 when many other countries in the region suffered a contraction. The Panamanian economy accelerated in the following years, reaching double-digit growth rates in 2010 and 2011.Panama is projected to have a strong rebound in 2021 helped by increased mining output, and new public investments such as the extension of metro Line 2 and construction of Line 3. The rebound, coupled with support to vulnerable segments of the population through mitigation policies, is expected to reduce poverty in the post-pandemic period.Despite a wealth of natural resources - from copper to wood and shrimp - Panama’s U.S. dollar-based economy is largely service-driven, primarily from activities around the Panama Canal and the Colon Free Trade Zone for manufacturing. Scarce regulation on tax-exempt offshore banking has attracted large amounts of foreign investment and beautiful landscapes bring tourists.
Must Visit Places ------------

Panama canal

This location is one of the most visited in Panama City. It’s a 48-mile artificial waterway used to connect two big oceans—the Atlantic and the Pacific. Its recent expansion doubled the capacity of the Canal.

Casco Viejo

This neighborhood is another famous part of Panama City. It used to be an area infested by infamous gangs in the days of yore. Now, it’s considered a protected district by UNESCO. Casco Viejo is a neighborhood with some renovated colonial houses.

Biomuseo

This tourist attraction is the most famous museum in Panama City. It’s designed by the world-famous architect, Frank Gehry. It’s located in Amador, and it has eight galleries that showcase the Panamanian isthmus’s origins.

Panama viejo

This location is a historical site since it’s the remains of the old Panama City. Pedro Arias de Avila, one of the Spanish Conquistadors in 1519, founded the now ancient tourist hotspot. The ruins are some of the oldest monuments you’ll ever visit in Panama City, making it a UNESCO heritage site.

El tornillo

El Tornillo’s English translation is “the screw”. Its other name is the F

Soberania national park

This national park is close to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, near the border of the Colon Province. It’s around 15.5 miles away from Panama City, which means you’ll need to have a quick road trip.

Cathedral of Santa Maria la Antigua of Panama

Simply known by the locals as “La Catedral,” this is one of the best churches you should visit. If you’re visiting Casco Viejo, don’t forget to drop by this Catholic church. It’s an ideal place for silent prayers and religious contemplation if you’re into those.

Iglesia del Carmen

Also known as the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmen, this Gothic icon is at the very heart of Panama City. Most people agree that the Iglesia del Carmen is one of the most majestic buildings in the country. It’s built in the 20th century, but its architectural design is straight out of the Medieval period.

Bocas del toro

One of the Caribbean’s main beach destinations, Bocas del Toro is a set of low-lying islands. It isn’t far from the Costa Rican border, but it’s famous for its excellent, soft-sand beaches. The best part is that you’ll get to gaze on its clear, azure waters

Sunset coast

The west coast of the Azuero Peninsula is known also as Panama’s Sunset Coast and is one of the few places in Panama that lets you watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. It’s generally undiscovered, so you’ll mostly encounter small towns. If you want to stay away from the general tourist destinations, you can enjoy your time basking on its wide, open beaches.

Boquete

This wonderful mountain town has a great climate. If you want to get away from the tyrannical heat of Panama’s coastal and lower regions, Boquete is the place to go. It’s relaxed and safe since it caters to expats and tourists alike.

San blas islands

A trip to the San Blas Islands will give you the taste of a true adventure. These islands are picture-perfect. It has white sand beaches lapped by clear waters, making it the ideal place for a postcard.

Santa Catalina

Surfers are in luck since Santa Catalina is one of the top destinations on the Pacific Coast. This small town’s relaxing ambiance is something all surfers can appreciate. It has small hotels and guesthouses that keep you at a relaxed pace.

Los cangilones

This location is near Boquete, so make sure to visit it as well. It’s the best place to take a break from the chilly climate of the mountain town. Los Cangilones has a warmer climate, and you’ll find that its hot days are surprisingly enjoyable

Punta chame

Most travelers’ itineraries won’t mention this place. Despite this, Punta Chame is the best location for kiteboarding in Panama. It’s located on a peninsula facing the Pacific Ocean, making it an endless stretch of beach.

Playa Coronado

A perfect spot for relaxation, Playa Coronado has miles of beach. The sand in this place has this interesting mixture of black and gold sand that sparkles under the sun. It has a lot of beachfront hotels, but most of the accommodations come from private houses or condominiums.

Santa Fe

The turnoff for Santa Fe and San Francisco is a few hours away east of Panama City. It takes you far from the coastal regions and into the mountains. The end of this path is at the Santa Fe National Park.

Ciudad del saber

Its translation in English is “City of Knowledge”. The Ciudad del Saber is a neighborhood sponsored by the Panamanian government. It’s a place where academic institutions, NGOs, and tech companies make their home.

Puente de las Americas

Known as the Bridge of the Americas, this road bridge connects Panama City to other inland regions on the Pacific Coast, and links North to South America. It spans over the Panama Canal’s entrance, with a Mirador (point of view) at one end.

Lost and found hotel

It’s rare for a hostel to become a top tourist attraction in Panama. But the Lost

El Valle de Anton

This location is the only inhabited volcanic crater in the world. El Valle has a lot of mountains and forests, making it a hiker’s ideal destination. You’ll find a lot of hiking trails to explore, as well as waterfalls to admire.

Embers indians village

You can reach this area by a dugout canoe, traveling up the Chagres River. On your way, you’ll see some thatch houses and the jungle. Upon your arrival, you’ll have some good activities in place.

Portobello

The forts that ended the infamous English buccaneer Sir Francis Drake withstood the test of time, becoming a historical tourist attraction.Aside from pirate history, Portobello is also a religious location. It has the church of San Felipe, which houses the statue of the Black Christ

Fish Market

The fish market in Panama City is open every day, from 6 A.M. to 5 P.M. Also known as Mercado de Mariscos, It’s a great place whether you’re looking to eat or buy freshly-caught seafood from the local fishermen. For the latter, we suggest getting a ceviche since it’s one of the best dishes in this location.

Cerro Ancon

If you’re looking to take a break from the highly-urbanized areas, this place is your best bet. It’s one of the best natural locations in the metropolis, with the Panamanian flag soaring at its pinnacle.