Panama is in Central America. The Isthmus of Panama is a strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two large areas of land bordered by Costa Rica and Colombia.

The narrowest of all the Central American countries, Panama is 37 miles wide at its narrowest point and 110 miles at its widest.  Many people don’t know the significance of its strategic location and dedication to progress and diversity.

The narrowest section of Central America prompted the building of the Panama Canal back in 1881.

The canal is 48 miles long from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. Its construction saves ships days from having to go down and around the tip of South America. 

As Panama came into its own, full control of the Panama Canal was given to Panama on the last day of 1999. 

Panama has the perfect climate, stretching from East to West getting the benefits of the trade winds coming onshore.

The dry season starts off the new year in January and lasts until mid-May. Average day time temperatures range from 90F to 95F with night temperatures dipping to 75F.

The rainy season usually starts off in mid-May. The rainiest month is November but by mid-December the rain is completely gone.

In 1501, Rodrigo de Bastidas of Spain landed on the Caribbean side, discovering the Americas.   18 years later, Spanish settlers established the oldest European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas, called Panama Viejo.

In 1671, the pirate Henry Morgan burned down original Panama City.  In 1821, Panama gained independence from Spain only to join Colombia.  In 1903, Panama declared independence.  Colombia relinquished, and Panama declared itself a separate nation in 1921. 

Panama’s economy continues to grow, outdoing its neighboring countries. Between 2004 and 2013 its average GDP was 8.4%. 
The stability of the government, location for shipping, world banking, and a prosperous outlook makes Panama one of the best places to live and do business.  Not surprisingly, interest from foreign investments continues to grow every year and the population reflects this global diversity.

The question should be, what isn’t there to do in Panama. Depending on your interests, you can find lots to keep busy. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Panama is a perfect fit.  Hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, river rafting, horseback riding, biking, golf, tennis, zip lining, are just a few of the activities offered in Panama.  There is plenty for ocean lovers, too, they can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, deep sea fish, surf, or enjoy lazy afternoons on tropical white-sand beach islands. 

Although Panama can be considered a small country, roughly the size of South Carolina, Panama has a very diverse culture.

Officially a Catholic country, Panama has a long-established tradition of religious and ethnic tolerance with large communities from all over the globe including China, Korea, Israel, Lebanon, India, Colombia, and Venezuela to name a few.  This makes Panama one of the most Multicultural countries in the World.

Panamanian culture is a hybrid of African, Native Panamanian, and European culture - specifically Spanish.

Panama is home to thousands of people of African descent, whose ancestors came from places like Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago to help build the canal… or were slaves brought over during colonial times.  Although they live all around the capital, Afro-Caribbeans have predominantly settled in the provinces of Bocas del Toro and Colón.

Today, international residents, visitors, businesses, and culture continue to influence Panamanian life.  Local infrastructure remains excellent and with Panama's cosmopolitan vibe its all too easy to forget you’re in Central America.

Land in Panama City and you’ll see a scintillating skyline of chrome and steel towers. Along the Cinta Costera, or coastal belt, a wide avenue lined with greenery, walkways, bicycle paths, recreation areas, and more, lies the busy International Banking District, where Panamanians go to mingle and exercise with friends and family.

What to Wear: a tropical region, bring sunscreen and bug repellent.
Vaccines Not necessary.
Currency: the U.S. dollar is the official currency.  It is locally referred to as the Balboa. 
Financial: Major businesses in Panama accept credit cards (many places do not accept American Express).  Please have cash for taxis/Ubers, souvenir kiosks, and the like. Language: Spanish is the official language, and most Panamanians are fully bilingual.  Religion: Christianity is the dominant religion in Panama. 
Passport: Need valid passport to enter Panama.

https://visitpanama.com/information/travel-guidelines/