Discover the fascinating history, vibrant culture, and unparalleled biodiversity of Panama. As the youngest landmass in the Americas, this unique isthmus serves as a vital bridge between continents and oceans, offering travelers a blend of modern urban life, lush rainforests, and rich indigenous heritage.
From the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal to the pristine archipelagos and diverse ecosystems, this guide provides essential information to help you navigate and enjoy everything this tropical crossroads has to offer for your next vacation.
General Information
- Official Name: República de Panamá
- President: Laurentio Cortizo
- Land area: 75,990 sq km
- Population: 4.3 million
- Language: Spanish (official language), English 14% (most Panamanians are bilingual)
- Life expectancy: 73 years (men) and 80 years (women).
- The Currency: The Balboa which is the equivalent of 1 US dollar. Balboa coins are used but Panama does not print notes and instead used the US dollar as legal currency.
Geography
The Republic of Panamá, which connects North and South America, has a relatively recent geologic history. Approximately three million years ago, tectonic movements and volcanic activity created the emergence of one narrow strip of land from the ocean floor. The resulting isthmus of Panama extends 480 miles (772 km) from east to west. This S-shaped band of land separated the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and united the continental masses of North and South America. The isthmus initiated a massive interchange of flora and fauna between the continents, acting as a bridge that included the passage of humans who would later populate South America. Panama’s landscape consists of three major physical regions: mountains, coastal lowlands, and archipelagos. The dominant feature of the country's landform is the central spine of mountains and hills that extend almost the entire length of Panama, known as the Cordillera Central. The highest point in the country is the Barú Volcano, with a summit of 11,401 feet (3,475 meters) above sea level. Nearly 500 rivers flow across the length of Panama’s rugged landscape. Panama’s extensive coastal lowlands make up more than 85 percent of Panama’s total land area. Several archipelagos line the coast, including the Archipiélago of Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands. There are more than 1,500 islands forming several archipelagos in the Pacific and Caribbean territorial Waters of Panama. The Archipiélago de las Perlas (Pearl Islands) includes a well-known resort island, Isla Contadora. Isla de Coiba (Coiba Island) is the largest island in Central America.
Nature
Despite its small size, Panama is incredibly rich in biodiversity. This biodiversity is a direct result of the country’s history as a land bridge that linked North and South America. While the country is quickly developing, the government is working to protect the natural landscapes and one-third of the country has been given protected status. Panama is home to 218 mammal species including elusive cats like jaguars and pumas as well as more common monkey species. With two coastlines, Panama hosts a vast array of marine life, including Leatherback Sea Turtles, Humpback whales, and bottle-nosed dolphins. Panama is perhaps most famous for being a haven for birdwatchers, with approximately 940 bird species found in the country. The Harpy Eagle is the national bird of Panama. Some of the best places for birdwatching in Panama are Cana in Darien National Park and Soberanía National Park. Approximately 22% of Panama’s land is protected through fourteen national parks.
History
The isthmus of Panama was settled by an estimated 500,000 indigenous people belonging to different tribes. Three indigenous tribes, the Kuna, the Chocó, and the Guaymí, constituted the largest groups. The indigenous people of Panama were skillful potters, stonecutters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths. Rodrigo de Bastidas was the first European to encounter the Isthmus of Panama in 1501, followed by Christopher Columbus a year later. In 1513, Vasco Núñez de Balboa led an expedition across the Isthmus and became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean. Spanish leaders soon realized that Panama was a valuable conduit to the Pacific Ocean. In 1519 the capital was moved to a fishing village on the Pacific coast that the natives called Panama. Panama remained part of the Spanish empire for 300 years, until an independence movement led to the defeat of the Spanish in 1819. Panama declared its independence from Spain in 1821 and became part of the newly independent Republic of Gran Colombia.
Economy
Panama has built its economy more on business, banking, and commerce than on tourism. The tourist industry accounts for about 9% of the GDP and has undoubtedly contributed to Panama’s economic boom. Panama is the most advanced nation in the region, the hub of the Americas, and one of the world’s biggest trading zones, thanks to geography and the Canal. It’s been 14 years since the Americans left and handed over control and management of the Panama Canal to the Panamanians. There is no doubt that the Panama Canal continues to contribute a great deal to Panama’s economic progress.
Culture
Panama is a true melting pot of ethnic diversity. Mestizos (mixed Spanish and Indian) are the largest ethnic group in Panama, comprising 70 percent of the population. Panama’s black population is the second largest ethnic group, with ancestors arriving with Spanish conquistadors or to build the Panama Canal. Today, three major Indian groups still remain in Panama: the Guaymi, the Guna, and the Embera. These remaining indigenous people represent Panama’s heritage, and the constitution protects their ethnic identity and language.
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