Panama
Here you will find useful information about the country.
Here you will find useful information about the country.
USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Europe and most Latin American citizens may enter Panama for up to 180 days as a visitor, this will be at the discretion of the Panamanian immigration Officer upon arrival and must hold a passport valid for the next 6 months.
If arriving by sea (except via cruise ship), there is a US$110 charge per person for passengers and crew members. If travelling overland, get an exit visa and a Panama entry visa stamped on your passport. Difficulties can arise further down the line when leaving Panama if the stamps are absent.
Driver’s license: Visitors may drive with international licenses for up to 90 days during their visit.
Some Latin American (Cuba, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and Peru) most Asian, African and Eastern European countries need an authorized visa, which should be requested at the Panamanian consulate in their countries.
Upon arrival you must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Panama and documents required for next destination.
Panama owns a cultural diversity that makes it unique in the region. One of the biggest contributors to the richness of its culture is the constant presence of visitors from all parts of the world. The origin of this singular cultural mix is, without a doubt, the “crossroads” nature of the country. In addition, the intense connection Panama has with the sea makes it very similar to an island in the Caribbean.
As a point of contact and a crossing site, this small strip of land is considered a true melting pot of races. With 4 million inhabitants, its population is composed of 67% mestizos (Amerindian and European) and mulatos (white and black), 14% blacks, 10% whites, 6% Amerindian (indigenous people) and 3% from varied ethnic origins. This mixture is particularly rich because, although it comes from a wide array of cultural origins and very diverse traditions, it has been stimulated by the atmosphere of tolerance and harmony that has always reigned in the territory.
Although freedom of religion is respected, most of the population is Catholic and this religion is deeply bound to the traditions and cultural expressions of the country. In the interior of the country, for example, the greatest celebrations are related to several saints.
One of these celebrations relating to cultural and catholic beliefs is the “Carnavales of Panama”. The “Carnavales” are a country-wide celebration during the four days preceding the Cuaresma. (Lent)
“La Pollera” is the name used in Latin America and Spain for a type of skirt and dress that is known for its elaborated decorations. The skirts are made of different materials, such as cotton or wool, and are often colorfully decorated using various techniques, among which embroidery and lacing with floral designs are commonly employed.
It is believed that the “pollera” skirt is derived from a Spanish dress from the 16th or 17th century. It was passed down to women in the middle and lower classes as a simpler and easier version in which to carry out their daily chores or attend their regional celebrations. In many Latin American countries it is currently used as a folk costume. While in some countries the name refers to just the skirt part, in Panama the entire dress is called a “pollera”.
Music is very predominant in Panama. Folk music is linked to poetry and folk dances, this has been, in many cases, the source of inspiration of classical music.
In folk music we distinguish vocal music, as “saloma”, the “tamborito”, “tuna” and “mejorana”, and instrumental music, such as “mejorana”, “punto”, “cumbia” and others.
Panama has institutions dedicated to spread the Panamanian music and everything related to folklore; among them we can mention the National Institute of Culture, which each year is responsible for preparing shows including, for example, poetry readings, art exhibitions, dance shows, musical ensembles and concerts by the National Symphony Orchestra and others. Among the great values of music in Panama can be mentioned the following figures: Roque Cordero, James Ingram, Eduardo Chanpertier son, Damian Carles and Priscilla Filos, Gonzalo Brenes, Alberto and Ricardo Fabrega Galimany. And as for typical Panamanian singers may be mentioned the following: Osvaldo Ayala, Samy and Sandra Sandoval, Nina Campines, Dorindo Cardenas, Ulpiano Vergara, Victorio Vergara, Lucho Azcarraga, Yin Carrizo, Colaquito Cortez, Manuel de Jesus Abrego, Toby Muñoz, Cristian Nieto, Inocente Sanjur, Lucho Silks, Edwin Zeballos, among others.
There are also many other Panamanian artists from different musical genres well known nationally and internationally; among the best are:
With his salsa style, he has won four Grammys, with eight gold records. He has very famous songs like: Pedro Navaja, Patria, Buscando Guayaba, Maestra Vida, La Rosa de los Vientos, Decisiones, Desapariciones, Todos Vuelven, among others. Today Ruben Blades is the Minister of Tourism of Panama.
They are a rock, punk / alternative band, originally from the City of Chitré (Herrera Province). On July 22, 2003 their album "Money Pa 'Qué" was nominated for a Latin Grammy in the categories of Best Rock Album by a Duo or Group and Best Engineered Album. This excellent Panamanian rock group has five albums so far; among their favorite songs are: La Pastilla del Amor, Everybody, Bam Bam, Money, My Commanding Wife, Perfidia, de Colores, Por qué te fuiste Benito, among others.
The Sandoval brothers come from a small town in the Province of Herrera called Monagrillo. They play "pindin" which is a typical Panamanian rhythm. They have been very successful in Panama, launching ten musical albums. Among their most popular songs are: Descarada, Mentiroso, Gallina Fina, Búscate Otra, Mejor Sola, Hasta que el Cuerpo Aguante, among others.
In this genre, the best known artists are: Principal, Mr. Fox, Danger Man, Jimmy Bad Boy, Comando Tiburon, Joe Montana, The Rookie, Jr. Ranks, Kafu Banton, and Japanese.
Every year on the four days leading up to Ash Wednesday, the Panama Carnival takes place. Though not an official holiday, it is the most celebrated Panamanian festival, and if you have the chance to experience it, you'll take away a lifetime of memories. The Panama Carnival has been celebrated since the early part of the 1900's, and though it officially runs the course of four days, festivities are known to start before that. While Panama City is one of the best places to experience this fun-filled holiday, there are many towns in the interior of the country to enjoy this festival. Las Tablas is one of the best places to experience the Panamanian Carnival, due largely in part to the inter-town rivalry. The "High Street"(Calle Arriba) and "Low Street"(Calle Abajo) factions here compete with each other to see whose floats and costumes are best, and as such, witnesses are treated to some of the most creative entries found anywhere. Each group offers up their own Carnival Queen, besides arranging their own parades and side activities. You can experience live concerts, food booths, games and fireworks. It's common to get soaked during the Panamanian Carnival, as large trucks are known to hit the streets spraying refreshingly clean water on all they pass. "Culecos", which are outdoor dance parties, typically involve getting sprayed quite a bit. The Panama Carnival is all about fun, and so you might as well grab on and go with it. Besides the water trucks that spray party-goers, people are known to also get drenched by water balloons and buckets, so you might keep an eye out, or at least arm yourself!
During November we celebrate a month of national festivities. Throughout the month and all around the country, the flag and patriotic symbols are on display. There are three days of great historical importance for Panama in November: the 3rd, 10th and 28th of November. The celebrations these days are due to the separation of Panama from Colombia, the first "cry" of independence and the independence from Spain, respectively. On the 3rd of November, 1903, Panama was founded as a Republic after its separation from Colombia. Panamanians call this day the day of "separation" instead of Independence Day. November 10th marks the first "cry" of independence, which announced the independence of Panama as a Republic, in the town of La Villa de Los Santos. On November 28th, 1821, Panama, as part of Colombia, won its independence from Spain. This date is celebrated as Independence Day. Exhibiting the colors of the flag, Panama celebrates these festivities with several events and parades throughout the country.
The Pollera National Festival was created in the 1960's with the purpose of highlighting and promoting knowledge about the correct use of the “Pollera”, the Panamanian national costume, and to give recognition to the skill and work of the artisans involved in its manufacture. It takes place in the city of Las Tablas, capital of the province of Los Santos, during the festivities honoring its patron saint (Santa Librada) in the month of July. There are five categories in the competition for the best “pollera”: cross stitch, embroidery, chalk, shadow, regional gala and montuna. The winners receive jewelry made by local artisans and at the end of the contest the crowned queen and all participants take part in a float parade with music and dancing, putting an end to the festival.
Bocas Del Toro’s Feria del Mar, or Fair of the Sea, began as a festival to celebrate the fishermen, boatmen and the sea. Over the last 50 years the “Feria” has evolved into a four day event that draws thousands of people to the archipelago each September. With the perfect mix of sun, sand, thrill rides, sports and local arts and crafts, people from all around Panama join thousands of tourists from neighboring countries to enjoy this incredible event. A vacation to Bocas during the fair will never be forgotten!
The Panamanian flag is a rectangle divided into four tables: the first superior, stuck to the flagpole, is white with a blue star in the center. The second upper, side, is red. The bottom third, stuck to the flagpole, is blue; and the fourth, at its side, is white with a red star in the center. The red and blue colors represent the political parties: Liberal and Conservative, and the combination of these colors symbolize peace, harmony and the unity of these parties. The blue star is the purity and honesty that guide the life of the country. The red star represents the authority and the law that must impose the mandate of these virtues.
The Panamanian Coat of Arms rests on a green field that symbolizes the vegetation and is divided into three parts.
The center of the shield shows the Isthmus with its seas and sky, where the moon begins to rise over the waves and the sun begins to hide behind the mountain, marking the solemn hour of the separation from Colombia.
The top is divided into two frames. On the right, a gleaming sword and rifle which means the alertness in defense of our sovereignty. On the left, on a red field, a pick and shovel, as symbols of work.
The bottom of the shield is divided into two frames. The one on the right, shows a cornucopia, symbol of wealth. The one on the left, shows a winged wheel, symbol of progress.
Over the shield and covering it with its wings spread, there is the eagle, emblem of sovereignty, with head turned to the left and with a silver ribbon at the beak whose edges hang right and left with the following printed motto: "Pro Mundi Beneficio". (For the world’s benefit).
The stars forming an arch over the eagle represent the provinces that the Republic has.
It is hard to find a similar anthem in any other country, because for years, Panamanian citizens turned a school song into their Anthem, providing it with the required dose of patriotism.
The Panamanian Anthem, written by Jerónimo de la Ossa and music by Mr. Santos Jorge, was made on the occasion of Mr. Willian J. Buchanm’s presentation of his letters of credence as Ambassador of the United States of America and later remained as such until a new version arose of what is today the National Anthem of the Republic of Panama.
Panama has a tropical climate. Temperatures are relatively high and vary little throughout the year. The temperatures are usually lower on the Pacific than on the Caribbean coast.
Panama City: Temperatures range from 24° C (75.2° F) to 35° C (95° F).
Highlands: Temperatures are usually lower and more stable, hovering around 23° C (73.4° F).
Beaches: Temperatures are high, averaging 31° C (87.8°).
Panama’s official currency is the “Balboa” and the US Dollar. Balboas will only be found in coins of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50; that’s why USD are more used. Most establishments will accept payment in US dollars and major credit cards.
When needing to exchange money, it is always advised to do it at exchange houses at airports, hotels and banks. Never in the street.
There is no problem or restriction on the importation or exportation of national or international currencies but if you come or leave Panama with more than $ 10,000 you must declare it.
The Yellow Fever vaccine is mandatory if you are coming from a South American country. Further care must be taken against diarrheal diseases, intestinal parasites and dengue.
Medication and prescription drugs can be obtained without restriction in pharmacies. It’s always recommended to buy a travel insurance that provides international medical and emergency hospital care coverage.
Panama in general is safe, however take security precautions. Don’t carry large sums of cash or valuables in public. Use a hotel safe wherever possible. Be vigilant when using ATMs installed in public places.
Panama’s electrical system is 120 V. Frequency is 60 Hz. Three hole grounded plugs are very uncommon, so if you have equipment that needs this type of plug, be sure to bring an adapter or buy one at a hardware store.
DHL, Fedex, and other carriers are available in major cities of Panama. Never send cash or anything valuable by regular mail.
In Panama there are multinational operators offering their services. You may either use the phone at your hotel room to make local or international phone calls or you may also purchase a very inexpensive cell phone or sim card for your own mobile if you pretend to stay longer.
In general, for a tropical climate, avoid dark colors. Wear light cotton clothing to stay comfortable and try to dress well, Panamanians appreciate the well-dressed people. The highlands can be chilly, so bring a sweater or light jacket. If you plan to do hiking, bring mosquito repellent, long pants, hiking boots and a hat. It's also a good idea to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and binoculars.
Panama’s biodiversity is stunning – the country is home to 218 mammal species, 226 species of reptiles, 164 amphibian species and 125 animal species found nowhere else in the world. Panama also boasts 940 avian species, which is the largest number in Central America.
This is a big animal that has a fish-shaped appearance with a rounded spatula-shaped end flap. Their skin is finely wrinkled, with five centimeters thick, generally covered by algae and small mollusks. The head widens and joins the rest of the body without neck or shoulders. Manatees have flexible forelegs or fins, which are used to help them move, scratch, touch and even to embrace other manatees, as well as to feed themselves and facilitate mouth cleaning.
Puma is a carnivorous mammal of the Felidae family native from Americas. This big cat lives in more places than any other wild terrestrial mammal on the continent, extending from Yukon in Canada to the southern Patagonian Andes in South America. The puma is adaptable and generalist, so it is in the major biomes in Americas. It is the second largest cat in the New World after the jaguar, and the fourth largest in the world, along with leopard and after the tiger, lion and jaguar. Its size is larger than the snow leopard, but is more akin to small cats, because unlike the big cats of the genus Panthera that roar, the puma purrs like minor felines.
Saguinus geoffroyi, also known as the Panamanian tamarin, is a black and white fur tamarin with reddish neck. Long in the body; head achieves 22 to 25 cm, tail 31 to 40 cm and weight is 300-560g. It feeds on fruits and invertebrates supplementing its diet with flowers, buds and sap.
The golden frog of Panama (Atelopus zeteki) is a small species of anuran amphibian from Bufonidae family (typical toads), which is endemic to Panama, specifically Valle de Anton, Cocle province.
The adult male measures 35 to 40 mm, weighing 3 to 5 grams (0.18 oz). The adult female is between 45 and 55 mm and 4 to 7 grams. They live in tropical and humid forests near mountains, especially associated with streams.
It has been considered a subspecies of Atelopus varius, but now is generally regarded as a separate species. While the IUCN still categorized it as critically endangered, it may have been extinct in the wild since 2007. Individuals of this species have been collected to breed in captivity in an attempt to preserve the species.
The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), also known as cayume or bighead, is a species of sea turtle that belongs to the Cheloniidae family. They Inhabit the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans and the Mediterranean. They spend most of their lifes in marine and estuarine habitats, and the female only goes briefly to the beach to lay their eggs. It has a low rate of reproduction; females have an average of four eggs clutches and then go through a period of quiescence in which they don’t lay eggs for two or three years. They reach their sexual maturity at 17-33 years and have a life span of 47-67 years.
Panama's history has been largely influenced by the strategic position of this narrow isthmus that connects North America with South America and separates the Pacific Ocean from the Atlantic Ocean. The “Cunas”, The “Chocos” and The “Guaymies” were some of the indigenous tribes who have occupied this region. Even when these civilizations were not as advanced as the Mayans or Incas, they may have been influenced by them. The explorer Rodrigo de Bastidas landed on this territory in 1501 and the following year, Christopher Columbus claimed Panama on behalf of Spain.
Panama was the base for the minerals, precious metals and treasures shipped from Peru and sent to Spain by an axis that crossed the country from one ocean to another, from Panama to the port of “Nombre de Dios” on the Atlantic.
Dependent on the Viceroyalty of Peru, Panama was integrated into New Granada in the early seventeenth century and remained under Spanish rule until 1821. The New Granada was then joined to the Republic of Gran Colombia, created under the discretion of Simon Bolivar. In 1826, Bolívar met the governors of five states of the Great Colombia in Panama, during the Pan-American Congress, to build with them the unity of the South American continent. However, he died in 1830 before having consolidated this unification.
Already in 1855, the Americans had finished the construction of a railroad that crossed Panama from one ocean to another. The Spaniards had had the idea of building a canal to link these two oceans, but it was a Frenchman named Ferdinand de Lesseps, who in 1880 finally made the first attempt with the Universal Interoceanic Canal Company. However, the work was interrupted nine years later, because of a serious political-financial scandal that rocked the French Republic III.
In 1903, Colombia denied the United States the right to finish the canal. In response, the United States incited Panama to revolt. On November 3rd of that same year, Colombia then consented the creation of the Republic of Panama. US troops were sent to support the new Panamanian government and since November 18th, the Canal rights were sold to the United States.
The canal was completed in 1914 and became a must for ships sailing between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, avoiding the long and often dangerous journey around “Cabo de Hornos” at the tip of South America. The United States controlled the canal, and most management positions were entrusted to US citizens. Since independence, acquired in 1903, Panama's political life has had surprises, often strained relations with the American neighbor country.
In 1968, following a series of contested elections and constitutional crisis, General Omar Torrijos, commander of the National Guard, seized power.
A Torrijos's death in 1981, his defense minister, General Manuel Antonio Noriega became increasingly influential. In 1988, Eric Arturo Delvalle who had become president in 1985, tried to oust Noriega, who then dismissed Delvalle. Noriega ruled as head of the National Assembly and declared a state of siege.
Noriega's regime became increasingly repressive and corrupt. Relations with the United States deteriorated, US President George Bush called in May 1989 the army and the people of Panama to oust Noriega. In October 1989, an attempted coup against Noriega failed, and on December 20th the same year the United States sent troops to Panama ("Operation Just Cause"). Noriega took refuge in the Vatican nunciature but was extradited to the United States; in 1990, the Americans installed in power Guillermo Endara. Then, convicted of drug trafficking, Noriega was sentenced in 1992 to serve a prison sentence of 40 years in the United States.
Panama's cuisine is the result of historical influence in the country by the American Indian, Hispanic, African, and Afro-Caribbean cultures. It is characterized by high consumption of rice in different forms and preparations, as well as soups, being the most popular the “sancocho”. Other inputs and ingredients are corn, bananas, chicken, meat, fish and seafood, with which various dishes and fried foods are prepared. Roots and tubers have preponderance in the diet of Panamanians, highlighting cassava, yams, ñampí, the otoe and potatoes.
Here are some sample dishes you will probably find during your Panama visit:
The pigeon pea is nothing but beans. This dish of Panamanian origin is one of the garnishes most used in the country. Usually served with stewed meats and salads, resulting in a good combination.
The “sancocho” is a highlight of the Panamanian cuisine. This is a soup and its main accompaniment is white rice. It is served as invigorating at lunch, after hard work or large binges. It usually has yam and is flavored with onion, garlic, salt, peppercorns, coriander and oregano. When you add beef, it is simply called "meat soup."
The “carimañola” or cassava cake is a typical Panamanian food, stuffed with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and shredded chicken or other filler. It is consumed at breakfast, along with other foods, as well as starter or snack at lunch.
The “ropa vieja” is a preparation of shredded meat traditional in Panama. There are many ways to prepare the dish. It is served with white rice, rice with pineapple, fried banana or beans, or if you want with other vegetables such as sliced fresh tomato, carrot, peas, potatoes and boiled egg.
They are popular in the province of Chiriquí, and there is a popular International Festival held in this province for this dish in the months of January or February where thousands of people are involved throughout the five days of activities during the festival. Almojábanas are made of cooked corn and cheese kneaded in cylinders that are shaped as "S" and fried in hot oil.
This is a cut of beef firewood-smoked and finally roasted or fried. It accompanied by fried foods consumed at breakfast or with rice and side dishes at lunch. It is widely consumed in all provinces of Panama.
Panama is a country rich in diversity where forests, wildlife and valuable wetlands belong to a national park conservation system consisting of 17 in total, which cover an area of approximately 1,440,829 hectares.
pHere are the Panamanian national park that you may visit:
Name: Panama.
Location: Central America, between the Caribbean Sea (North), the Pacific Ocean (South), Colombia (East) and Costa Rica (West).
Capital City: Panama City.
Area: 75.517 squared km.
Population: 3 864 000 (as of 2013).
Ethnic divisions: Mestizo 65%, White 13%, Black 9,2 %, Indigenous 6% and Mulattoes 6,8%.
Religions: The majority of Panamanians are Christian; most are Roman Catholics as a result centuries of Spanish colonial influence. Other faiths exist in Panama by the country's tolerance and freedom of religion, there are large Protestant, Jewish, Bahá'í, Muslim and Hindu religious groups in Panama.
Language: Many languages including seven indigenous languages are spoken in Panama, although Spanish is the official and dominant language. English is sometimes spoken by many professionals and those working in the business or governmental sectors of society.
Administrative division: Panama is divided into ten provinces and three provincial-level indigenous regions called “comarcas”.
Legal system: The Republic of Panama is a sovereign and independent State. Its government is centralized, republican, democratic and representative, composed by a President, two Vice presidents and twelve Ministers of State that comprise the Executive Power; the Legislative Assembly with 72 Legislators integrating the Legislative Power, and 9 Magistrates that head the Judicial Power. These three powers are the ones that govern the country.
Education: Includes basic education, junior high school, secondary school, vocational/technical and university education.
Economic main industries: Free market economy, based mainly on the services industry, heavily weighted toward banking, commerce, and tourism.
Panama has a diverse group of indigenous cultures that play an important role in the country’s cultural diversity. There are seven distinct indigenous cultures, which are further divided into four major Indian groups:
This is a distribution map of the indigenous groups located throughout the territory:
