PANAMA

Panama borders the Republic of Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the east, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south.  

The territory covers 75,536 square km.

The population counts more than three million people. The inhabitants per square km. are almost forty.

Panama City. The city has Spanish origins and apart from being the most ancient site of the country, it is the economic and political centre of Panama.

Panama City and Colon.

Tocumen International Airport - Panama City.

At the beginning the inhabitants of Panama were the chibchas, the chocoes and the caribe. Afterwards, around the sixteenth century, when the country was first discovered by Christopher Columbus and then colonized by the Spaniards, the ethnic groups in Panama were the Cuevas and the Coclè. Panama's Pacific coast became the springboard of the Spaniards to reach Peru and to carry their precious goods. The transport of wealth attracted pirates, and passing near Panama became more and more dangerous. The colonizers decided to reach Peru via Cape Horn thus starting the decline of Panama. The decline caused discomfort among the people and the desire for independence began to grow. The real first riots occurred in 1819 when a group of patriots started to fight for freedom. The independence was obtained only some years later. In 1821, under the control of the colonel Josè Fàbrega, Panama declared its independence from Spain and became part of the Republic of Colombia ruled by Simòn Bolivar. Afterwards, being that the Colombian Senate refused to sign the "Treaty Hay-Herrán", which was considered to be dangerous for the Colombian supremacy, Panama with the support of the United States declared its autonomy from Colombia on the 3rd of November 1903 becoming an Independent Republic. The same Treaty was afterwards signed and the United States obtained the right to build and manage the Canal of Panama which was opened in 1914. The treaty started, anyway, to provoke diplomatic frictions between the two countries. Such contrasts reached their peak in 1964, bringing along disorders and sever accidents and causing a temporary breaking off of the diplomatic relations with the United States. The issues were resolved only in 1977; in this year Panama and the United States signed the Torrijos - Carter Treaties. The first is known as the "Neutrality Treaty" and gave to the United States the permanent right to defend the canal from any threat that might interfere with its continued neutral service to ships of all nations; the second is titled the " Panama Canal Treaty" and provided that as from the first January 2000 Panama would assume full control of canal operations and become primarily responsible for its defence.

The country political instability covered the period from 1945 to 1960 when ten different presidents took control and the Constitution was modified several times. In 1968 with a coup General Omar Torrijos became the country leader, and maintained his position of power until his death in an airplane accident in 1981. After a period spent under the dictatorship of Manuel Noriega, Panama declared Guillermo Endara its new President in 1989. Today Panama is a Presidential Democratic Republic where the Republic President is both Head of State and of Government.

The 3rd of November, Independence Day (1903).

Presidential Republic.

The country official language is Spanish. English is also widespread.

The Roman Catholic religion is the most professed with more than 85% believers. The remaining part is formed by Protestants and Evangelists.

Six hours behind Italy; seven hours behind when in Italy the Daylight Saving Time is in use.

Italian citizens visiting Panama only need to hold a valid passport and a round-trip ticket. No visa is required but on the airplane tourists will be given a form to be filled in and handed down to the customs at the airport of arrival.

The country's monetary unit is the Panamanian Balboa, the PAB (considering that life in Panama is not expensive, with the current exchange rate a holiday in Panama for Italian tourists is definitely cheap).

CHECK THE CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE

The main international credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

No vaccination is required to visit Panama. Before leaving it is advisable to draw an insurance contract covering illnesses and accidents.

Thanks to its geographical position Panama has a tropical warm/humid climate. The average temperatures during the year range between 20 and 27°C. In the hinterland, and more precisely in the country mountain region, they could even be lower. The rain period usually starts in May and ends in December. 
 
CHECK THE WEATHER FORECASTS IN REAL TIME

The voltage is 110V or 220v. It is advisable to bring an adaptor with you as the sockets are American-style ones.

Calling Italy from Panama is rather simple: dial 0039, then the Italian area code - including zero for fixed net numbers - and the number you wish to call (for example: to call a fixed net telephone number in Milan just dial 0039 02 48 .... ; to call a mobile phone number just dial 0039 348 59...).
To call Panama from Italy, dial the international code 00507, followed by the number you wish to call. The GSM network is active but it is advisable to get informed about coverage and costs before departure.

As for Internet checking or sending e-mails will be possible in the cyber cafès.

There are no restrictions to take pictures or make amateur videos for private use. As in any other country, it is advisable to politely ask local people for their permission before taking pictures of them.

Panama offers a lot of shopping occasions. The best places where to buy souvenirs or local handicrafts are the local markets, the small shops in the tourist sites, the shopping malls and the "duty free" area at the airport. As the Panamanian art has been influenced by different cultures, finding particular and pretty objects will be quite simple. 

The Panamanian gastronomy is based on meat, pork, chicken and fish. One of the typical dishes is roasted pork served with beans and rice. In the seaside regions fish is served in many different ways, fried or grilled. Fruit lovers have too much to choose from.

By nature Panama citizens love entertaining. Their passion for fun is already evident during an evening spent in a restaurant. They are happy people always ready to enjoy the night. Nightlife is particularly lively in the big urban centres and in the tourist areas, where you will have several and different opportunities to amuse your after-dinner.

The most felt happenings are those linked to religion. If you are in Panama during the Easter period, you will be able to see some traditional and involving events. Also Christmas is celebrated with great solemnity. Another episode not to be missed is that linked to the religious feast of the Black Christ, which attracts people from all over the country.

Panama is a tax heaven? It might seem incredible but it is one of the most important bank centres all over the world. As for trading it comes only after Hong Kong. The city of Colon is a "free zone" and is in no way inferior to others.

1) The Old City of Panama - Panama City
2) The Museum of Old Panama - Panama City
3) The Canal of Panama - Panama City
4) The rain tropical forest of the Parque Nacional Sobreranía - Panama City
5) The Metropolitan Church - Panama City
6) The Bolivar Square - Panama City
7) The Presidential Palace - Panama City
8) The History Museum - Panama City
9) The island of Taboga - Island of Taboga
10) The city of Colon - Colon

1) The coasts of the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean- This is the ideal holiday location for kitesurf, windsurf, fishing and diving lovers.
2) The island of Coiba - It suggests some points where to practice water sports such as sailing and snorkelling. Those who want to experience something unforgettable can dive in the famous canal.
3) The Peninsula de Azzero - It is well known as the peninsula of the surfers. It is the paradise of people who dream to ride waves even higher than six meters.
4) The Bay of Pinas - It is the ideal place for deep-sea fishing.
5) The Island of Taboga - It is perfect for surf, windsurf and snorkelling.

- Food and water - Even though tap water is potable, it is advisable to drink water from sealed bottles or cans.
- Not to forget - A sweater may be useful especially during windy evenings and a k-way in case of sudden rainfalls. Do not forget a cap, your sunglasses and high-protection solar creams.
- Tips - Tips are not compulsory but beyond being highly appreciated, tipping the waiter is quite a common habit.

- Drugs - The use of drugs is prohibited and the laws are very strict. A penalty up to 15 years is possible.

- Safety - Panama is not a dangerous country, except for the region bordering Colombia. It is anyway advisable to take precautions and not to wear precious objects while visiting the cities by night and alone.

IPAT (The Panama Tourist Bureau)
The Republic of Panama
Phone: 0050 7 226 7000
Fax:: 0050 7 2263 483/ 2266 856
www.ipat.gob.pa

viale Regina Margherita, 239 - Rome (Italy)
Phone: 0039 06 4425 2173/4426 5443
Fax: 0039 06 4425 2237

Avenida Balboa - Torre BBVA - Piso 25 - PANAMA
Phone : 0050 7 2258 948
Fax: 0050 7 2274 906
ambpana.mail@esteri.it 
www.ambpanama.esteri.it