A Panama Guide

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An almost “live” view of the Miraflores Lock of the Panama Canal.  Picture refreshes in approximately every 15 seconds.

► Official Name: Republic of Panama

► Location: Relatively in the center of the Western Hemisphere, as a natural bridge between North America and South America at the following coordinates: The 7º12’07″ and 9º38’46″ of North Latitude and the 77º09’24″ and 83º03’07″ of West Longitude. The country is bordered to the North by the Atlantic Ocean/ Caribbean Sea, to east by the Republic of Colombia, to south by the Pacific Ocean and to the west by the Republic of Costa Rica.

► Capital: Panama City

► Nationality: Panamanian

► Population: 3,191, 319 (est.)

► Distribution by Age: 0-14 years 37.0%

15-59 years 56.3%, 60+ years 6.7%

► Area: 75,517 Km2

► Divisions: 9 provinces and 5 comarcas

► Government: Constitutional Democracy

► Legal System: Based on Civil Law, judicial review of legislative acts by a Supreme Court of Justice, with acceptance of jurisdiction of international courts with certain reserved rights.

► Language: Spanish, while English is widely spoken in Panama City, Colon and Bocas del Toro.

► Literacy: 90%

► Climate: Tropical with an annual temperature of 27 C.

► Religion: Free Religion. The majority of the country’s population is Christian. The breakdown is approximately 80% Roman Catholic, 10% Evangelical and the remaining 10% divided between Jews, Muslims, Buddhist, Hindus, Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons.

► Time Zone: GMT -5

► Currency: American Dollar, with Panamanian Balboa coins with the same equivalent as American coins.

► Commerce: Open between the hours of 8 to 10 AM in the morning and close 6 to 8 in the evening.

► Tips: Normally 10% of the bill

► Driver’s License: Visitors are allowed to drive up to 90 days with a foreign license

► Electricity: 110 volts – 60 cycles

► Dress: Based on climate. It is recommend the use f light articles of clothing. For business attire is formal, a light suit for men and a pant suit for women.

► Airlines: The national airline is Copa Airlines with flights to both North and South America. Other airlines include – Taca Airlines, Continental Airlines, American Airlines, Iberia and KLM.