Panamá
The Republic of Panama is located in Central America and it is bordered in the North with the Caribbean Sea, south with the Pacific Ocean, east with the Republic of Colombia and west with the Republic of Costa Rica.
- GEOGRAPHY
Panama is a great isthmian strip that has an area of 75.517 km2 and 2210 km2 of territorial waters, with a total area of 76200 km2. Most of the Panamanian territory is formed by lowlands, where the majority of the population lives. Some of the highest points in the country such as the Valú Barú and the Cordillera Central should be pointed out.
- POLITICAL DIVISION
The Republic of Panama is divided into 10 provinces and 5 indigenous regions: Guna Yala, Embera Wounaan, Ngobe Bugle, Madugandñí and Wargandi.
- GOVERNMENT
The Republic of Panama is an independent and sovereign state. People are respected, individual and social rights are ensured, and the will of the majority is represented by the free right to vote.
- DEMOGRAPHICS
The Republic of Panama has a population of 3, 405, 813* of mostly mestizo origins, descendants of indigenous, Africans and Spaniards, forming a large ethnic diversity. *(July 2010 est . )
- CLIMATE
Panama has a tropical climate with relatively high temperatures and with little variation throughout the year. In Panama City, the temperature ranges from 24ºC (75. 2ºF) to 35ºC (95ºF), in the highlands the temperature is lower and more constant around 23ºC (73. 4ºF) and in the beaches the average temperature is 31 ° C (87. 8 ° F).
Panama is characterized by a long rainy season that lasts from May to November and a dry season from December to April. The rains are copious but generally of short duration, allowing beaches to be enjoyed and outdoor life practically every day of the year .
- CUL TURE
The culture of Panama is the result of the encounter between different ethnic groups and races that have settled in the country during its history: Spaniards, Amerindians, Africans, West Indians, Colombians, Mexicans, Americans, Chinese, etc. This combination is shown in its music, gastronomy and art.
- RELIGION
In Panama all religious beliefs are respected, however most of the population is catholic and they are deeply connected to the traditions and culture of the Panamanian town.
- PATRIOTIC SYMBOLS
The patriotic symbols are the: Hymn, the flag and the Coat of Arms. The Harpy Eagle (El Águiila Harpía) was named as the National Bird of the Republic of Panama and the flower of the Holy Spirit (Peristeria elata) belonging to the family of orchids, is the National Flower.
- FOLKLORE
Panamanian Folklore is very rich and varied in which indigenous, Hispanic and black raced elements are distinguished.
- MUSIC
Vocal music such as a folk dance (the tamborito), la tuna and los congos, and instrumental such as el punto, la cumbia and others.
Typical Costume: The Pollera stands out amongst the typical clothes in the world as one of the most sparkling and unique. They are prepared using different materials such as cotton or wool and normally are decorated with colors which are commonly embroidered and fitted with floral designs. With the gala pollera, a lot gold jewelry is worn as well as pearls, corals and beautiful stones which make this typical costume one of the most expensive ones.
Dances: The most popular typical dances are el punto, la mejorana, el atravesao and el bullerengue. There are other dances such as the diablicos sucios, los congos, el torito, la pajarilla, the dance of the Cuenecué and indigenous dances.
- ECONOMY
The economy of Panama is one of the most stable economies in America. The main activities include finance, tourism and logistics which represent 75% of the GDP.
Taxes: In Panama a rate of 7% is charged for the Property Transfer Tax, Furniture and Services which includes when invoicing the featured price. Importation, the sale of alcoholic beverages, jewelry, weapons and hospitality and accommodation pay a rate of 10% on Property Transfer Tax, Furniture and Services. Tobacco derivatives pay 15% of the Property Transfer Tax, Furniture and Services.
Bank System: Panama has over 1.150 automatic cash machines in which most of them are located in the metropolitan area. The banks which have the highest amount of ATM´s are: Banco General, Banco Nacional, Banistmo, Global Bank, Citi, Scotiabank, BAC, St. Georges Bank, Banco Aliado and Banco Panamá.
Currency exchange: In most shopping centers there are currency exchanges. You can also change currencies at local banks.
- TOURISM
Travelling to Panama. All tourists should have a valid Passport which is dated at least 3 months before the expiry date, as well as a return ticket. Should you require a visa or tourist card to visit Panama, then this can be requested in external Panamanian consulates.
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TIME. The time in the Republic of Panama coincides with the official time in the East of the United States (GMT- 5).
VOLTAGE. El voltaje is 110/120 volts.
COUNTRY TELEPHONE CODE. +507
Panama City
The city of Panama is the capital and the biggest city in the Republic of Panama. It has a population of 880.691 people and is located on the Pacific Ocena, entering the Panama Canal, in the province of Panama. The city is the political and administrative centre of the country and a commercial and tourist point of interest. elling to Panama. All tourists should have a valid Passport which is dated at least 3 months before the expiry date, as well as a return ticket. Should you require a visa or tourist card to visit Panama, then this can be requested in external Panamanian consulates.