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If you know anything at all about Panama, you’re
likely aware that it’s tropical, has amazing beaches and cool mountain
locations, and is a great place to take up a second residence. Here are
some lesser known facts that show why this popular expat destination is
worth a second look, whether merely for a visit or as a potential place
to start the next chapter of your life.
Panama contains the only place in the world where you can see the sun
rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic…from the same spot! At the
country’s narrowest point, only 80 kilometers separates the Atlantic
from the Pacific Ocean.
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Panama City, the nation’s capital and largest city, is the only capital
city in the world that has a rain forest within its city limits.
The total population of Panama is around 3.6 million with 1.5 million of
those living in Panama city.
The official language of Panama is Spanish, but English is widely
spoken. More so in the urban vs. the rural areas.
Panama celebrates two independence days, the first from Spain in 1821
and the second from Colombia 82 years later in 1903.
Panama was the very first Latin American country to adopt the U.S.
dollar as its official currency.
Major driver’s of Panama’s economy include cargo ships, the exportation
of refined petroleum, and tourism.
The Panama Canal was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between
1904 and 1914. It’s considered one of the seven modern World Wonders.
More than 12,000 people died in the construction of the Panama Railroad.
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Panama is located south of the hurricane alley, so it is rarely affected
by tropical storms or hurricanes.
Panama is home to 10,000 different plants species, including 1,400
varieties of orchids, 678 ferns, and more than 1,500 varieties of trees.
There are two basic seasons in Panama: the dry season from December to
April and the rainy season from May to November.
Panama has more than 976 bird species, which is more than the United
States and Canada combined.
All vessels going through Panama Canal have to pay a toll. The toll is
based on the type of vessel, its size, and its cargo. The highest toll
ever paid was $376,000 by the Norwegian Pearl cruise ship in 2010.
Panama grows some of the world’s finest coffee, which can be tasted at
Starbucks and other coffee houses worldwide.
At 11,397 feet, the highest elevation in Panama is Volcán Barú, which is
located near Boquete.
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Panama has the second-largest duty-free zone in the world, the Colon
Free Zone, second in size only to Hong Kong.
For a relatively small country, Panama boasts many miles of pristine
beaches, with more than 1,500 miles (2,490 kilometers) of shoreline.
The Panamanian constitution gives foreigners and citizens the same right
to own property.
The Panama Hat actually originated in Ecuador.
Senator John McCain was born in Panama, in the Canal Zone which was at
that time considered U.S. Territory.
Panama has a 100% tropical climate with temperatures ranging between
80-90 degrees.
Want to learn more about Panama? You should check this incredible
destination out for yourself!
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