PANAMA

LOCATION/GEOGRAPHY

• Panama is the southernmost country in South America
• Its capitol is Panama City
• It is one of the few countries that borders the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
• It is home to the Panama Canal, a well known waterway
• Most of Panama consists of lowlands

MONEY

• The currency of Panama is the Panamanian balboa
• The United States dollar is also commonly used
• The two are equal in value

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

• Panama Canal
• Sports like surfing and boxing
• The Panama Viejo Visitor Center, which houses artifacts and info
• Many trails out of the city and into nature
• There are also many theaters to see plays and other shows

FOOD

• Panama has many food such as empanadas (pastries) and fried Yuca root
• Panama has deserts like cocades (a biscuit-like food with cocunut, eggs & sugar)
• Panama has lesser known fruits/vegetables like uchavas and guanabana
• Food common in other countries (banana, apple, etc.) is also present
• Drinks in Panama include Batidos (smoothies) and soft drinks like chicheme

CUSTOMS

• There is a wide variety of dances in Panama
• One dance is the "Gran Diablo" ("Great Devil")
• Many legends are told in inner towns
• Legends include "La Virgen Guerrera" ("the Fighting Virgin") and others
• The biggest festive days are dedicated to Patron Saints

TRAVEL DO'S AND DON'TS

• DO bring US dollars
• DO learn at least some Spanish
• DO be careful where you get your drinking water
• DON'T harm or bother Panamanian wildlife
• DON'T venture off marked trails

TRAVEL DO'S AND DON'TS (CONTINUED)

• DON'T show signs of wealth in urban areas
• If you look like you have expensive items, you could be robbed!
• If you are robbed, DON'T resist

SPANISH SURVIVAL PHRASES

• ¿Dónde está el cuarto de baño? (Where's the bathroom?)
• ¿Dónde está el restaurante más cercano? (Where's the nearest restaurant?)
• ¿Me puede decir dónde está el hotel más cercano es? (Where's a hotel?)
• ¿Es esta ruta segura? (Is this trail safe?)
• ¿Cuánto cuesta este? (How much is this?)

CULTURE

• Panama is similar culturally to a Caribbean island
• 67% of Panamanians are mestizos (only 10% are white)
• The majority of Panamanians practice Catholicism
• Other religions such as other Christian faiths and Baha'i are also practiced
• Due to being the connector of S. America and Central America, Panama is very diverse

ACTIVITIES/FUN

• Swimming in the Atlantic/Pacific Ocean
• Visiting the Panama Canal
• Touring Panama City
• Try the food in Panama City (ranked as some of the best in Latin America)
• Play golf near the jungle, or gamble at a casino

Link to Famous PANAMANIAN person.

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