Overview,
stats, getting around, political,
geography, natural history, social history,
specialty, people
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10,000 years of history, exotic sites of mystery, hills of incredible green;
a land with soft winds in your face and the seven seas at your feet,
a land with the magic of a special place, touched by the golden tropic sun,
. . . this is your Panama
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Overview of Panama' A magical country of many lands and opportunities. No where else will you find the diversity of wildlife, environments, experiences, people and adventure in such an accessible package.
Here you will find everything from Amazonian type Rainforests to Costa Rican style highlands to Bahamian beaches, along with hundreds of other special places within minutes or short hours of each other, not days.
The international Ecological and Scientific community recognizes Panama and its unique natural treasures. Panama hosts the most important biological corridors and preserves in the World. From mountain to mangrove, 12-lifezones are easily found.
Almost 30% of the country is a sanctuary, 10- million acres in an area the size of South Carolina! Because of its unparalleled diversity of flora and fauna, the Smithsonian, the World Wildlife Foundation, the Audubon and many others all have a great presence here. Research sites are abundant in this naturalist's paradise, with good reason. Glitzy but destructive "eco-tourism" has not been introduced here.
Panama has managed to enjoy modern Development with Environment. State of the art communication and transportation facilities are standard, as are world class medical practices and modern health/sanitation technology. The drinking water throughout Panama is considered among the purest in the world, thanks in part to Nature and the negligible impact of light industry. "Tropical diseases" are not a concern in Panama as in other countries. Standard health inoculations apply. Pharmacies are common and offer both US and European products.
* Education is wide-spread. Although Spanish is the official language, English is somewhat commonly understood throughout the country. English newspapers, magazines and books are easily found and US satellite-TV is the norm. Many US products are marketed in Panama.
* Electrical power is standard US, 110 volt. You can use regular plugs without concern.
* Telephones are plentiful and allow direct dial international long distance. Sprint, AT&T, MCI and others are accessible. Modems and Fax's are usable. There are internet servers available for email access.
* Postal service as well as couriers (UPS, FED EX. etc) provide regular and overnight delivery.
* The US dollar is the common currency in Panama, with coins of standard denominations being interchangeable (1c, 5c, 10c, 25c, 50c). Equal exchange between Panama and USA.
* Bank wire transfers and American Express transfers as well as VISA, MasterCard, Diners, Carte Blanche are widely accepted in commercial districts. ATM's (auto teller machines) are
also common in the cities.
* Transportation is safe and abundant. Aircraft follow FAA guidelines. Taxi's are licensed, and very reasonable. Public busses are on schedules. Roads are generally well maintained and regularly patrolled by Police.
Panama is a quiet but fortunate democratic republic. Though successful, it has not called public attention to itself. It does not make the headlines in these days of mayhem and insecurities. Panama has not had the strife and hardships that normally accompany the level of development you find in this country. The "biggest" disturbance, the US intervention almost 10 years ago, was a localized, quick action...over almost as soon as it began, with the cooperation of the country's people and government. This security and freedom is also why it is a celebrated business center and international crossroads of commerce, a firm beacon of democracy and social-economic stability in troubled times.
Panama's beauty, peace and tranquility are but some of the reasons why so many visitors have come to love this country and the truly happy, friendly people here. They remember their time in Panama fondly, even decades later, just as you will.
Panama'
a Natural History
The geographical location, topography and climates have created a most favorable environment for neotropical diversity of flora and fauna. Here you can still find isolated ecologies that protect precious bio-genetic rarities that have been lost or endangered in other locations.
Geographically, Panama is an oddity. Unlike the other countries of Central America above it, Panama's isthmus runs east and west not north and south. For years, European map makers were confused by the returning surveys of this land. Balboas discovery of the sea to the South just did not make sense to them. A look at a map will clear up a local popular saying; in Panama, the sun rises in the Pacific and sets in the Atlantic!
Panama is a country of mountains and valleys. They carve the landscape into diverse, free standing, eco-systems, creating the many lifezones so critical for the complex species found here.
The western half of the continental divide begin on the border of Costa Rica at Cerro Totuma and run eastward across the province of Chiriqui, sloping to Cerro Cabeza de Toro and dropping into the plateau of the Rio Cocle. The tallest mountain of the country, at 11,450 ft, Volcan Baru, is found in the eastern Chiriqui province.
The eastern divide is formed just outside Panama city at Cerro Gaital, and heads toward Colombia. Five smaller mountain ranges run along the coast to meet the Colombian border ranges.
Panama's position makes it the most important piece of land in the hemisphere. This land bridge was formed by the action of tectonic plates colliding about three million years ago and created a corridor for the migration of animal species between the continents as well as Man himself.
Tree Canopy
Jungle Rivers
Trek
Wildlife
