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 The Republic of Panama
with an area of approximately 29,700 sq. Miles (76,900 sq.
km.), located between Costa Rica and Colombia, forms the
narrowest and lowest portion of the Isthmus that links North
and South America.
Shaped like an elongated letter "S", which extends
west to east some 420 miles (676 km.), the country has a
width that varies between 31 and 115 miles (50 and 185 km,)
and has a coastline of 490 miles (788 km.) on the Atlantic
Ocean and 870 miles (1,400 kin.) on the Pacific Ocean. The
Canal, which joins the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans,
is about 50 miles (80 km.) long. Because of the lateral
nature of its extension and its curved contour, directions
are often surprising. A transit of the Canal from the Pacific
to the Atlantic involves traveling not to the East but to
the North-West; in Panama City the sun is seen to rise out
of the Pacific.
 Panama City is the country's
capital and the principal commercial center. It lies on
the Gulf of Panama in the Pacific Ocean. Colon, the country's
second largest city, is located on the Caribbean Coast.
Its economy is dependent on traffic through the Panama Canal
and on business activity in the Colon Free Trade Zone, the
largest duty-free zone in the Americas.
The diversity that is Panama extends to its picture-perfect
beaches. Bordering the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean,
along the 2857 kilometers (1,786 miles) of coastline, are
myriads of lagoons, bays and countless islands from which
to choose. Whatever your preference there is a beach for
you! From smart resorts to Robinson Crusoe islands where
the only footprints will be your own; from calm palm-fringed
bays to surfers’ paradise; coral islands and atolls where
indigenous people sustain a very different culture; beaches
bordered by lush mangroves or hidden beaches where the rainforest
meets the sea. The choice is yours.
 Panama is the ultimate
location for adventurers and nature lovers. Jungle and rainforest
are just a few minutes from Panama City. Panama's rainforests
are home to about 10,000 different plants and more than
1,000 species of birds.
The unique geographical location of Panama as a land bridge
between two continents has contributed to one of the most
complex ecosystems on earth. Panama is making an effort
to protect its natural resources with 30% of land set aside
for conservation, 25% of this land is designated as national
parks, i.e. approximately 5 million acres. Of the 29 national
parks, forest reserves and wild life refuges, five parks
are within two hours drive of Panama City, and one is within
the metropolitan area itself.
Background
With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and
promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction
of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land on either
side of the structure (the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama
Canal was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers between
1904 and 1914. On 7 September 1977, an agreement was signed
for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama
by the end of 1999. Certain portions of the Zone and increasing
responsibility over the Canal were turned over in the intervening
years. With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA was deposed
in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the
Canal, and remaining US military bases were turned over
to Panama by or on 31 December 1999.
Panama
at a Glance
Language: Although the official language
in Panama is Spanish, English is widely spoken and
understood in the major cities.
Government: Constitutional democracy
Capital: Panama City
Size: 78,200 sq km, 2,490 km of coastline
Location: Central America, bordering both
the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between
Colombia and Costa Rica
Climate: Tropical climate with an average
daytime temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with
cooling in the evenings. The average humidity is
70%. The rainy season goes from May to December.
Throughout the dry season, trade winds keep the
air continuously cool. In the mountains, the average
temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Electricity: The current is 110w - 60hz and
220w.
Currency: balboa (PAB); US dollar (USD)
Driving: The minimum age for driving is 18
years, and foreign licenses are valid for 90 days.
Rentals: Most car-rental companies are represented
in Panama. Minimum age for renting a car is 23 years
old. |
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Rates
& Services Listed are Subject to Change
© 2005 Caribbean Travelweb
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