19 Interesting Facts About Panama

• Location and Borders: Panama is located in Central America. It is bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, and it has coastlines along both the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The Panama Canal, a major artificial waterway, connects the two oceans through the country.
• Square: The country covers an area of approximately 75,417 square kilometers.
• National Currency: The currency of Panama is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), which is pegged to the US Dollar (USD). The US Dollar is also widely used in Panama.

Interesting Facts About Panama:

1. Spanish Attempts at Control: Spain attempted to control Panama starting in 1538, but fierce resistance from indigenous peoples prevented them from establishing dominance over the region.
2. Panama Canal Revenue: Approximately half of the country’s revenue comes from fees collected from ships passing through the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
3. Origin of the Name: The country’s name is derived from the “Panama hat,” which was worn by workers during the construction of the Panama Canal.
4. Population: Panama’s population does not exceed 3 million people.
5. Religious Demographics: The vast majority of Panamanians are Roman Catholic.
6. Tourism: Millions of tourists visit Panama each year, drawn primarily by its beautiful natural landscapes.
7. Retirement Destination: Panama is considered one of the best places for retirees due to its high quality of life and various opportunities for senior citizens.
8. Expensive Railway: The Panama Railroad is one of the most expensive railways in the world, with its construction costing $8 million and taking five years to complete.
9. Natural Hazards: Despite its natural beauty, Panama is considered one of the more dangerous tourist destinations due to frequent earthquakes.
10. Polluted Beaches: Some beaches in Panama are closed to swimming due to severe pollution from a high volume of boats.
11. Biodiversity: Panama boasts over 10,000 different plant species, including 1,200 types of orchids, 678 types of ferns, and over 1,500 species of trees.
12. Unique Wildlife: The country is home to unique predators such as the harpy eagle and the sacred quetzal, which nests in the hills.
13. Explorer: Spanish explorer Rodrigo de Bastidas was the first European to step on Panamanian soil in 1501.
14. Historical Figure: Vasco Núñez de Balboa sailed with settlers to Panama and is known for his exploration of the region.
15. Trade Hub: Panama is a vital trading hub connecting North and South America and is a crucial center for international commerce.
16. Crime: While most tourists have a good experience, street crime in the capital, Panama City, can be significant. Visitors are advised to avoid carrying large amounts of money and expensive jewelry.
17. World Cup History: On October 10, 2017, Panama qualified for its first FIFA World Cup, held in 2018.
18. Exports: Besides coffee, which is served at Starbucks, Panama exports pineapples, watermelons, and shrimp.
19. Birth Rate: The birth rate in Panama is 2.4 children per woman, increasing by 60,000 annually.