Panama facts – Discovering the Wonders of the Land Bridge

Panama is home to one of the world’s most famous engineering feats, the Panama Canal.

Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific Ocean and set on the Atlantic Ocean.

Panama City, the capital of Panama, is considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Central America.

Panama is known for its rich biodiversity, with over 10,000 species of plants and 900 species of birds.

Panama is the only place where you can find the endangered golden frog, a national symbol of the country.

The Panama Hat is not actually from Panama, but from Ecuador. The misnomer comes from the hats being exported through Panama during the gold rush.

Panama is the only place in the world where you can swim in two different oceans in one day.

Panama is said to have more banks than churches, earning it the nickname the Switzerland of Central America.

The indigenous Kuna people have their own autonomous territory in Panama called the San Blas Islands.

Panama is considered one of the top retirement destinations in the world, thanks to its affordable cost of living and tropical climate.

The Panamanian currency is the balboa, which is pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 exchange rate.

Panama’s national dish is sancocho, a hearty chicken soup made with various root vegetables.

The famous Guna Yala molas, colorful textile panels made by the indigenous Guna women, are a popular souvenir in Panama.

Panama facts – Discovering the Wonders of the Land Bridge part 2

Panama has a tropical rainforest climate, with a wet and dry season rather than four distinct seasons.

Panama is home to over 5,600 plant species, making it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.

The Darien Gap, a dense and dangerous jungle, separates Panama from Colombia and is considered one of the most challenging stretches of the Pan-American Highway.

Panama has the second-largest duty-free zone in the world, known as Colón Free Zone.

The Pearl Islands in Panama were the filming location for the reality TV show Survivor.

Panama has a strong coffee culture and produces high-quality coffee beans, famed for their smooth flavor.

Panama is home to Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the world.

The waters surrounding Panama are inhabited by numerous species of dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.

Panama is known for its vibrant carnival celebrations, featuring colorful parades, music, and traditional costumes.

The Panama City skyline is dominated by modern skyscrapers, earning it the nickname Dubai of the Americas.

The annual Jazz Festival in Panama attracts renowned international musicians and jazz enthusiasts from around the world.

Panama is one of the few countries where you can witness both a Pacific and Atlantic sunset in the same day.

Panama’s flag features two blue stripes representing the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean, and a red stripe symbolizing the bloodshed during independence from Spain.

Panama is a popular destination for eco-tourism, offering activities like zip-lining, bird-watching, and hiking through tropical rainforests.

The San Blas Islands in Panama are known for their pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Panama has a unique cultural blend, influenced by indigenous tribes, Spanish colonizers, Afro-Caribbean communities, and immigrants from around the world.

The Amador Causeway, a popular tourist spot in Panama, connects the mainland to four small islands and offers stunning views of the Panama City skyline.

Panama has several world-class surfing spots, attracting surfers from around the world to its Pacific and Caribbean coastlines.

The Golden Altar in Panama City’s San Jose Church is made of wood painted with gold leaf and is considered one of the finest examples of colonial religious art in the Americas.

Panama’s Carnival celebrations are second only to Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival in terms of size and extravagance.

Panama is a popular destination for sport fishing, with opportunities to catch marlin, sailfish, and tuna in its pristine waters.

The Emberá people, one of Panama’s indigenous tribes, are known for their vibrant traditional dress and intricate woven baskets.

Panama has a low crime rate compared to other countries in Central America, making it a relatively safe destination for tourists.

The Panama Jazz Festival, founded by Panamanian jazz pianist Danilo Pérez, attracts world-renowned musicians and jazz enthusiasts from around the globe.

The Panama Canal, an engineering marvel, allows ships to cross from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, saving thousands of miles of travel.

The Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs.

Panama’s colonial district, Casco Viejo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its colorful buildings and historic landmarks.

The Panama City skyline features impressive skyscrapers, earning it the nickname Dubai of Central America.

Panama is a popular retirement destination for retirees from the United States due to its favorable climate, affordable cost of living, and modern infrastructure.

Panama City’s Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market) is a must-visit for fresh seafood lovers, offering a wide variety of seafood dishes.

The indigenous Guna people of Panama are known for their matriarchal society and vibrant traditional clothing, including intricately designed molas.

Panama’s diverse geography, ranging from tropical rainforests to stunning coastlines, offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.