Panama

Republic of Panama

  • General Facts 

    • Population: 4,04, 599 people
    • Capital: Panama City; 880,691 people
    • Area: 29,157 square miles
    • Language: Spanish
    • Religion: Roman Catholic
    • Currency: Balboa, US dollar widely used
    • Life Expectancy: 77 years old
    • GDP per Capita: U$D $12,530 per year
    • Literacy Rate: 96 percent

    Other Fun Facts:

    • Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic.
    • The Panama Canal generates fully one-third of Panama's entire economy.
    • Panama was the first Latin American country to adopt the U.S. currency as its own.
    • Panama City is the only capital city in the world that has a rain forest within its city limits.
    • There are two basic seasons in Panama: the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to November.
    • At 11,397 feet, the highest elevation in Panama is Volcán Barú, which is located near Boquete.
    • There are almost 500 rivers in Panama. Three hundred of them empty into the Pacific Ocean and the rest empty into the Caribbean Ocean.

    Our Suggestions

    • Boquette Panama is a great place to get away from the Panamanian heat.  Has a large expat community here as well.  Check out Topas Hostel. Axel the owner has a huge foreign motorcycle collection!
    • Coiba Panama is a great place to scuba dive.  Want to dive with Humpback wales, whale sharks, and manta rays?  This is the place.  Also more eels than you shake a stick at!
    • The Panama Canal is a must.  Go to the Mira Flores lock where there is a 3d movie, museum and amazing observation deck.  We spent hours there!
    • El Trapiche Restaurant in El Cangrejo is hands down the best showcase for Panamanian food.  Awesome!
    • We don't recommend staying in Casco Viejo, but it's a great place to visit.  Architectural marvel, amazing murals/graffiti, and cobblestone streets make it a charming getaway.
    • San Blas Islands are great for snorkeling, scuba diving or just hanging out in the Caribbean.  

Blog Posts About Panama