There is much more to Panama than just the famed Panama Canal. With an idyllic setting, from swaying palms and clear-blue ocean to tropical rainforests and beautiful mountain ranges, its natural beauty is unsurpassed.
Panama is the natural land bridge connecting North and South America. However, despite its global significance, Panama is often over-looked by tourists. While Panama is more expensive than many other Central American countries (due in part to the use of the US Dollar as the official currency) its endless activities and unmatched beauty make for the perfect, out-of-this-world escape. [click to read more…]
Considering a move to Panama? You will be pleased to learn that there is still a large amount of real estate for sale in Panama, and at affordable prices. From luxury apartments in Panama City to lush mountain properties in Boquete and beautiful beachfront lots along the Pacific Coast, Panama offers it all.
Panama is regularly hailed for providing “First-World luxuries and Third-World costs.” Many properties you will find in Panama will be much more affordable than most comparable places elsewhere in the world.
Panama City offers a modern metropolis, equipped with all of the amenities and luxuries one desires. Areas such as Boquete, offer lush properties in the heart of Panama mountains. The Panamanian coastlines (yes, both of them) offer beautiful beach properties for very affordable prices. Much of the Pacific Coastline of Panama sits untouched, thus offering even more property, even more reasonably priced. Stunning properties are all over Panama that you may not be able to find, or afford, anywhere else.
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Culture Name: Panamanian
Alternative Name: Panameño (Spanish)
Panama became an independent nation because of its function as a shipping route — the “path between the seas.” It gained independence in 1903 as part of an American-sponsored revolt against Colombia that led to the signing of a treaty granting the United States the right to build the Panama Canal.
People of Panama:
The Republic of Panama is a former Spanish colony with a mixed ethnic population. Creoles, mestizos (someone of mixed European and Amerindian ancestry in Latin America), European immigrants, Africans, and indigenous Indians make up the majority of the Panamanian population.
Symbol of the Nation:
The female national dress in Panama is the pollera, characterized by a flowing skirt, abundance of handwork, and ornate jewelry. The pollera is marked as one of the most beautiful costumes in the world. Girls and women in Panama traditionally will own two polleras in their lifetime: one before age 16 and one in adulthood. The pollera is very well-respected and recognized in Panama as a national, cultural symbol. [click to read more…]
Official Country Name: Republic of Panama
GEOGRAPHY
Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica.
Area: Total: 78,200 sq km
Land: 75,990 sq km
Water: 2,210 sq km
Area - Comparative: Slightly smaller than South Carolina.
Climate: Tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy.
Natural resources: Copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower.
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Surrounded by green mountains, tropical rainforest, access to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans within mere hours of each other and plenty of outdoor adventure, Panama is emerging as one of Latin America’s hottest destinations, right alongside Costa Rica.
Panama and Costa Rica have many similarities. Both countries have mountains, oceans, volcanoes, tropical rainforests, zip line tours, hot springs and exotic wildlife. Both countries have a high percentage of residents who speak English (generally, more than any other language in the bigger cities.) Both countries have similar temperate climates and both are quite beautiful. There really isn’t anything about Costa Rica that you can’t find the equivalent to, if not better, in Panama. [click to read more…]
Panama is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the Western hemisphere. Home to gorgeous scenery, from mountain ranges to tropical islands, some of the world’s most diverse plant and wildlife and a vibrant culture, Panama is sure to turn in to your perfect home, or home-away-from-home.
Although, more than just the beautiful setting will make you want to move to Panama. Many business, tax, real estate and other related benefits make living in this Central American paradise worthwhile.
1. Affordable Living – The cost of living in Panama is lower than the United States, Canada and Western Europe. The price of restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores and entertainment is reasonable in Panama and these amenities are never hard to find. Tourism is on the rise in Panama, so some locations and popular tourist spots may have somewhat inflated prices. However, locals and those re-locating in Panama quickly learn tourist areas to avoid and where the best deals are.
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“Feliz Navidad!” This means Merry or Happy Christmas, and is the official Christmas greeting used in most Spanish speaking countries, including Panama.
The holidays start for Panamanians on December 8th – with the celebration of the Immaculate Conception. This is also known as Mother’s Day in Panama. Little girls dress as Angels with wings attached to their dresses to celebrate this blessed day!
This marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Panama. To kick-off the season there is a parade, La Parada de Navidad, featuring floats, local bands and the celebration of the “Christmas Spirit.” Every year the floats are decorated in traditional Panamanian styles and people in the parade dress in polleras (the typical women’s dress and style) and montunos (traditional men’s style.) Drummers keep the crowds of families that gather from all over the country entertained, and those who can’t make it in person can watch the parade live on TV each year. [click to read more…]
When asked the question, “what would you do if you won the lottery?” majority of people respond, “move to a tropical island.”
Warm weather, cooperative climate, nature and leisure time are known to improve quality of life. Given this information, it is no surprise why most American retirees resort to Southern California, Arizona or Florida. Unfortunately, these locations are getting more and more expensive, and not to mention elusive to find, as more and more people seek a life away from crowds, traffic, smog and harsh weather.
Latin America has become a popular destination for many people seeking such a lifestyle. In fact, 750,000 people visit Costa Rica, located in Central America, each year. And approximately 40,000 Americans currently live in Costa Rica as retirees.
Looking for a more secluded, luxurious location that incorporates all of the metropolitan amenities, nature and safety you desire? Look no further south than Panama. [click to read more…]
There is definitely more to Panama than just a canal, especially when it comes to reasons for investing in this Central American country. Although, the canal is a great contributor to the rising economy and increasing investment opportunities that do exist in the country that serves as the connector between North and South America, many other factors contribute to why you should invest in Panama.
Why Invest in Panama?
Many reasons currently exist, and many developments are taking place, that will contribute to the reasons for investing in the country of Panama. Banking, tourism, shipping and agriculture are among many of the industries on the rise in this bustling trade zone. Advice: it’s better to invest now than to regret it later.
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A guide to the world’s most unique swimming pools – the largest, most expensive, most famous, most luxurious, and some of the most interesting pools in the world!
Largest Outdoor Swimming Pools
The world record-holder for the largest outdoor swimming pool in The Guinness World Records is a man-made saltwater lagoon at San Alfonso del Mar Resort at Algarrabo on Chile’s Southern Coast. The Crystal Lagoons Corporation engineered this pool that spans more than 1,000 yards in length, covers 20 acres of land, is over 115 feet deep at its deepest point and holds 66 million gallons of water!
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