¡Hola! Welcome to the bridge of the Americas—Panama, the narrow S-shaped isthmus that connects North and South America. There are around 5 million people living here, and the capital is Panama City, a glittering metropolis where modern glass skyscrapers stand right next to a historic colonial quarter. The official language is Spanish, though English is very common in business and tourism.
Panama covers about 75,417 square kilometers (29,119 square miles). The country is roughly the same size as the state of South Carolina in the U.S., or about the same size as the Czech Republic. Because of its unique shape, it is one of the few places in the world where you can see the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean and set over the Atlantic Ocean from the same spot.
The most popular sports are Baseball and Boxing, though Football has surged in popularity recently. Their national animal is the Harpy Eagle, one of the most powerful birds of prey in the world, and their national flower is the delicate Holy Ghost Orchid.
The flag consists of four quarters—two white, one blue, and one red—with a blue star and a red star, where the blue represents the Conservative Party, the red represents the Liberal Party, the white stands for peace between them, and the stars symbolize the new life of the nation.
The food is a tropical fusion of Spanish, African, and Native American flavors. You must try Sancocho, a hearty chicken and yam soup that is considered the national dish. Another favorite is Ropa Vieja, shredded beef slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce. For a snack, try Hojaldras (Panamanian fry bread) or Carimañolas (yuca fritters stuffed with meat).
Panama is home to the Panama Canal, one of the greatest engineering marvels of the 20th century, which allows ships to pass between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The country features the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala), an archipelago of 365 islands managed by the indigenous Guna people, where you can find some of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean. You can also visit Casco Viejo, the historic heart of Panama City, filled with cobblestone streets and vibrant nightlife. For nature lovers, the Volcán Barú is the highest point in the country and offers a challenging hike with views of both oceans on a clear day. Interestingly, Panama is the only place in the world where the Panama Hat isn’t actually from—they originated in Ecuador, but gained their name because they were sold to workers building the canal!
From the lush coffee highlands of Boquete to the rhythmic beats of the Congo dance in Portobelo, Panama is a land of global connection and natural wonder. ¡Gracias! That means “Thank you!”