This are some Facts that would help you when you visit Panama.
Where is Panama located?
The Isthmus of Panama is located to the South East of Costa Rica and North West of Colombia. It is bordered by both the Caribbean sea to the north and Pacific ocean to the south. Panama is a transcontinental country and connects both North America and South America.
What the word Panama means?
Panama means abundant butterflies and fish.
What is Panama Population?
Just fewer than 3,453,898 million people (2009) and the members of Panama are called Panamanians.
What’s the size of Panama?
The nation is S-shaped and runs from east to west a length of 772 kilometers (480 miles) and a width that varies from 60 to 177 kilometers (37 to 110 miles). Panama has an area of 77,381 square kilometers (29,762 square miles) which makes it slightly smaller than South Carolina of the U.S.
What is the population in Panama City?
There are about one million people living in the Panama City area.
What is the calling code of Panama?
The calling code is +507
What kind of government does Panama have?
Panama’s government is a Constitutional Democracy. A presidential term is 5 years.
Does Panama suffer from Natural Disasters?
No. Panama does not have hurricanes (the hurricane belt starts around 12degrees, Panama sits just above 8degrees of the equator). Earthquakes are sometimes felt and usually the epicenter is near the Costa Rican boarder.
Who is the President of Panama?
In May 2009, Panama elected President Ricardo Martinelli, with a landslide 60% vote! Martinelli is a successful businessman owning and operating Super99 grocery stores throughout Panama. President Martinelli pledged to make Panama the best country in Latin America and the best country in the world to do business. To make this happen he and his congressional majority are taking many immediate measures to end corruption, de-bureaucraticize the government and improve security.
How many provinces does Panama have?
Panama is divided into 9 provinces: Bocas del Toro; Chiriqui; Cocle; Colon; Darien; Herrera; Los Santos; Panama; Veraguas; Also, there are five Comarcas (literally: "Shires") populated by a variety of indigenous groups:
Emberá
Kuna Yala
Ngobe-Buglé
Kuna de madugandí
Kuna de Wargandí
What is the size of Panama coastline?
The 80-kilometers (50 mile) Panama Canal cuts the nation in half and joins the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. The combined coastlines of panama are 2,857 kilometers (1,786 miles).
Does Panama have a military?
No. Panama constitutionally abolished its military on 10 February 1990.
How close in Panama to Miami? To Houston?
Panama is a mere 2.5 hour flight to Miami, and a 3 hour 50 min. flight to Houston.
What time zone is Panama located in?
UTC-5 (Standard Eastern Time)
What is Panama’s climate like?
Panama is tropical and the country averages 255 inches of rain per year. Temperatures range from 77 to 90 degrees year round and Panama experiences two seasons: the dry season from December through April and the rainy season from May through November with October and November being Panama’s wettest months. Along the Pacific coast from Punta Chame to about Playa Blanca Panama has what is called ‘The Dry Arc’ where there is approx. 100 inches less rain per year.
What is the official language in Panama?
Spanish. However, many bankers and lawyers speak English.
What is the official currency in Panama?
The Panamanian currency is officially the balboa, fixed at parity with the United States dollar. In practice, however, the country is dollarized; Panama has its own coinage but uses U.S. dollars for all its paper currency.
The balboa has been tied to the United States dollar (which is legal tender in Panama) at an exchange rate of 1:1 since its introduction and has always circulated alongside dollars.
Can Traveler's Cheques be used in Panama?
No, Panama does not recognize Traveler's Cheques as currency. Fortunately ATM machines are plentiful in Panama and accept both Visa and Mastercard.
How much does a beer cost in Panama?
Beer is available for as low as 50 cents per bottle, or 35 cents a can.
What does a full-time live-in maid cost in Panama?
A full-time live-in maid will cost about $250 per month, for 8 hours a day, 5 and a half days per week. This includes cleaning, cooking and laundry.
What is the minimum wage salary in Panama?
Panama’s minimum wage is: $310 per month. Paychecks are issued twice per month (every 15 days) and payday is referred to as quincena.
How much does a taxi cost in Panama?
Around Panama City you should expect to pay anywhere between $1.50 and $4.50.
How much should I tip my waiter or waitress in Panama?
10% is the customary amount for just about everything unless it was less than satisfactory service. Check your bill when dining in Panama City as many restaurants have started adding a 10% tip to the check.
What about the electrical outlets in Panama?
Panama uses the same electrical outlets and plugs as the USA and Canada. So leave those converters at home.
Is the water safe to drink in Panama?
Yes, you will not have any problems drinking the water in most areas around Panama. However, this will vary depending on where you are in the interior (mountain) provinces.
What is the common greeting in Panama?
Men and women greet each other with a kiss on the right cheek. Men greet each other by shaking hands and repeating when leaving. It is not uncommon to see men greet each other with hugs, repeating the same when leaving.
What is the Panama Canal Zone and who are the “Zonians”?
American Canal employees occupied the former United States territory called the Panama Canal Zone from 1914 to the end of 1999. The term “Zonian” refers to this group of Americans who were born and raised in the “Zone” area. They speak English, attended American schools, and many typically hold dual-citizenships with both Panama and the USA.
How is the economy in Panama?
According to the CIA World Fact book, Panama has an unemployment rate of 7%. A food surplus was registered in August 2008. On the Human Development Index Panama was ranked at number 60 (2008). In recent years, Panama's economy has experienced an economic boom, with growth in real gross domestic product (GDP) averaging over 10.4% from 2006–2008. The Panamanian economy has been among the fastest growing and best managed in Latin America. Latin Business Chronicle has predicted that Panama will be the fastest growing economy in Latin America in the five-year period 2010–14, matching Brazil's 10% rate.
Like most countries in the region, Panama is feeling the impact of the global financial crisis, which threatens to undermine the social gains made in the past few years.
The expansion project of the Panama Canal, combined with the conclusion of a free trade agreement with the United States, is expected to boost and extend economic expansion for some time. This presents a historic opportunity to make further progress in reducing persistent poverty and income inequality.
How is the traffic in Panama?
Panama has a right-hand traffic, and usually the traffic is heavier in the city than in the rest of Panama. During the morning traffic starts at 7:00am until approx. 9:00am, also in the main roads you can find much traffic at lunch hour (12:00pm until 2:00pm). In the afternoon ‘rush hour’ traffic starts at 4:30pm until approx. 7:30pm.
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