To discover
Discover Panama, a tropical pearl of Central America where white sand beaches meet rich biodiversity. Between the gleaming skyscrapers of Panama City and the picturesque villages of the interior, this country offers a perfect balance between modernity and wilderness. Explore the canals of the famous Panama Canal, dive into the crystal clear waters of the San Blas Archipelago, or explore the mystical remains of ancient civilizations. With its vibrant culture, exquisite gastronomy and warm welcome, Panama promises an unforgettable adventure around every corner.
Panama
Panama, a jewel of Central America, is much more than a popular tourist destination. It is a place where good living takes on its full meaning, offering an ideal setting for those looking for a fulfilling and enriching life. Whether you're looking for exotic adventures, a year-round sunny tropical climate, or promising economic opportunities, Panama has it all.
Natural beauty
Imagine yourself surrounded by pristine beaches, lush rainforests and majestic mountains. This is the daily reality for those who choose to live in Panama. Whether you prefer to relax on the heavenly beaches of Bocas del Toro, explore the hiking trails in the Boquete Mountains or go on a jungle adventure in Darién National Park, Panama's natural diversity will amaze you at every turn.
Sunny Climate
Panama enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round, with pleasant temperatures and sunny days that invite you to fully enjoy outdoor life. Whether you like to lounge in the sun on a deserted beach or sip a refreshing cocktail on a shaded terrace, Panama offers an ideal setting to savor every moment.
Economic Opportunity
In addition to its spectacular natural setting, Panama also offers many economic opportunities for those considering moving there. With a booming economy, strong financial sector and business-friendly tax regime, Panama attracts entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. Whether you're looking to start a business, invest in real estate, or work in a growing sector, Panama offers fertile ground to realize your ambitions.
Culture and Conviviality
Panama's cultural richness is reflected in its ethnic diversity, historical heritage and vibrant arts scene. From colorful festivals to fascinating museums to delicious local cuisine, Panama offers a rich and varied cultural experience to those who choose to settle there. Additionally, the friendliness and hospitality of Panamanians make this country a warm and welcoming place where it is easy to feel at home.
In conclusion, Panama truly embodies good living, offering a perfect balance between nature, economy, culture and conviviality. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retirement, an exciting adventure or a new life opportunity, Panama awaits you with open arms to offer you an unforgettable experience.
What do you need to know...
The culture
Although Spanish is the official language, the influence of the United States and the international nature of the canal place English right behind, but English is used very little.
Some key phrases :
Hello: Holà!
Goodbye: Adios!
S'il vous plaît: Por favor
Merci: Gracias
You're welcome: De nada
I (do) understand (not): (No) entiendo
I would like a return ticket: Quisiera un billete de ida y vuelta
I want to go to...: Quiero ir a...
I'm looking for...: Estoy buscando...
My hotel: mi hotel
The castle: el castillo
The cathedral: la catedral
The church: la iglesia
The main square: la plaza mayor
I would like today's menu: Quisiera el menu del dia
Lifestyles
In the opulent districts of Panamá city, elegant skyscrapers and sophisticated restaurants bear witness to a luxurious lifestyle. However, it's important to recognize that despite this apparent prosperity, 23% of the country's population still lives in poverty. While this may seem discouraging, it actually represents an improvement on ten years ago, when a third of the population lived below the poverty line.
Panama is gradually evolving, but perhaps not fast enough to meet the needs of its inhabitants. Indigenous populations account for a growing proportion of those affected by poverty, while migration from rural areas has enabled other groups to benefit from higher incomes by moving into urban areas. Today, almost 67% of the population lives in cities. Less populated regions, such as Darién, Bocas del Toro, Veraguas, Los Santos and Colón, are often home to the most economically vulnerable populations.
The Emberá and Wounaan, who live in the Darién, have perpetuated their traditional way of life for centuries. Their villages, made up of 30 to 40 bohíos (thatched dwellings on stilts), subsist on agriculture, hunting, fishing and subsistence stockbreeding. Living conditions in these border communities can be extremely difficult, with life expectancy 10 years lower than the national average and limited access to drinking water and basic sanitation.
Economic disparities are also visible between different social classes. While a minimum-wage office worker earns an average of US$2.85 an hour, the lives of peasants are often marked by incomes well below the national average, with rudimentary housing conditions and a heavy reliance on subsistence farming.
By contrast, the middle and upper classes, mainly concentrated around Panamá city, enjoy a standard of living similar to that of their European and North American counterparts. They enjoy comfortable housing, domestic staff, vehicles and other amenities, and frequently travel abroad for their vacations.
Panama's population is also ethnically diverse. Around 65% of the population are mestizos, while significant groups include African, European and indigenous descendants. Indigenous peoples, despite representing a significant proportion of the population, often face socio-economic challenges, such as limited access to education and healthcare.
Despite these challenges, indigenous communities such as the Ngöbe-Buglé and the Guna continue to preserve their cultural identity and political autonomy. Their efforts to protect their lands and traditional way of life are remarkable and deserve recognition.
As a tourist destination, Panama offers visitors the opportunity to discover this unique cultural and ethnic diversity. From isolated indigenous villages in the jungle to the modern districts of Panamá city, each region of the country tells a fascinating story of tradition and progress.
Geography
The Isthmus of Panama, located between Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east, is both the narrowest and southernmost point of Central America. With a total surface area of 78,056 km², the country has 1,160 km of coastline on the Caribbean Sea to the north and 1,690 km on the Pacific Ocean to the south.
At its narrowest point, only 50 km separate the two great oceans. The famous Panama Canal, almost 80 km long, divides the country into western and eastern regions, crossed by two mountain ranges. Volcán Barú, the country's only volcano, rises as its highest point.
Like other Central American nations, Panama is characterized by its vast coastal plains, home to immense banana plantations. The country boasts some 480 rivers and 1,518 islands along its coastline. The most important archipelagos.