Panama Facts
Capital: Panama City
Nationality: Panamanian
Population: 3,200,000
Language: The official language is Spanish
Weather: The average temperature is (80F)
Currency: US Dollar
Government: Constitutional Democracy
Time Zone: The time is EST
Religion: Most Panamanians are Catholic
Panama is more than its famous & extremely important Canal. This international crossroad is an amazing place to live. Panama is a country where the concept of exotic begins with its name, which means "abundance of fish and butterflies".
Besides the near perfect weather, stable government, inexpensive real estate, low cost of living, low crime rate, clean air, tranquil pace of living as well as abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation (river rafting, golf, diving, surfing, deep sea fishing and tennis ) and a modern infrastructure gives Panama the edge over traditional places like Costa Rica and Mexico. Panama also has excellent telephone, satellite, and international cable services. High-quality medical care, with sophisticated and modern hospitals is available in the metropolitan areas, and the cost of prescription drugs is amazingly low. Panama has amazing weather, modern urban centers, white sandy beaches, jungles, lakes, mountains, rivers, crystal clear waters, rainforests, diverse culture and cuisine, amazing shopping and incredible investment opportunities. The exotic flora, fauna and international trade make Panama an exceptional, and truly unique destination, for tourism, living, investment and retirement.
The weather is perfect in Panama. During the dry season it is not common to see any rain at all for several months. During the rainy season, it is typically sunny during the mornings and early afternoons with fairly short intermittent rain falls. Panama’s beautiful tropical climate has an average temperature of about (80°F) with only a few degrees variation between seasons. Overall, Panama has a year round mild and very spring-like climate. The higher elevation mountainous regions have a mild average temperature of about (66°F). Panama has essentially two seasons, wet and dry. The rainy season runs from May through November, this is considered Panama’s winter. The dry season, which is considered Panama’s summertime, runs from December through April. Panama does not experience destructive hurricanes or earthquakes as do Panama’s Central American neighbors.
The PeopleThe people of Panama are proud, tolerant and eager to please. They are not only friendly, they are welcoming. Though Spanish is the official language, many in the service industry speak English. As well, English is taught in school. Panama is an ethnic melting pot and cultural crossroad where civilizations and races have blended to create a charming local culture. One can find the food and traditions of almost any country. Throughout Panama native-born Americans, Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Caribbean, Arabs, Jews, Hindus, etc live and work side by side. Additionally, seven indigenous groups still follow the same traditions they have preserved for thousands of years. Among those are the Ngoebe-Buglé villages in Bocas and the 48 Kuna Yala villages on the San Blas Island region.
Water and WildlifePanama has the highest ratio of coastline compared to land area of any Latin American country. Besides a stable, predictable climate, Panama’s geographic location is responsible for its great diversity of life. The country offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wonders of nature, and to find the perfect spot to kick back and relax while being soothed by a pleasant trade wind or witness to a dynamic sunset. Panama is paradise for those who love water and the wildlife. Its beautiful beaches, secluded islands and crystal clear waterways offer a rich variety of safe and exciting opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, surfing, scuba diving sea kayaking, windsurfing, river rafting and deep-sea fishing. Panama has 14 national parks, over a dozen forest reserves, 10 wildlife refuges, hundreds of islands and miles of protected coral reefs. About 29 percent of Panama’s land area is protected.
Ecosystems Panama boasts unique ecosystems nurture unparalleled flora and fauna with natural and environmental riches found nowhere else in the world. Panama has coasts on two oceans, the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea, and is located between two continents. More species of birds live in Panama than in all of North America and Canada combined. Panama is host to almost 1,000 species of birds, 220 mammals and 354 reptiles and amphibians.
On the easternmost side of the Pacific coast, shrimp, other crustaceans spend the initial stages of their development in the shelter of Gulf of Panama mangroves. The American alligator and the leatherback turtle, the largest living turtle species, which can grow up to 2 meters (6 ft) in length and weigh over 630 kilograms (1,400 lbs), swim offshore. Diverse marine species and corals inhabit the Atlantic coast as well. An outstanding example is the massive Bocas del Toro archipelago at the entrance to Chiriquí Lagoon on the Caribbean Sea, where many species of marine and terrestrial life, such as sea turtle and manatee, are protected in the clear blue waters, coral reefs and beaches. The archipelago has nine islands, 51 keys and over 200 islets and is a popular place for scuba diving, snorkeling, and ecotourism.