Republic of Panama
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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.