Important information about Panama

Important information about Panama

The following is important information about Panama:

Capital: Panama City

Limits: Panama´s limits to the north with the Caribbean sea, to the south with the Pacific Ocean, to the east with the Republic of Colombia and to the west with the Republic of Costa Rica.

Borders: There are 555 km in total distance in the borders, there are 225 km in the border with Colombia and 330 km in the border with Costa Rica.

Coasts: There are 2,490 km of coastal region.

Climate in Panama: Humid tropical climate year round.

Temperatures:

32°C (90°F) in the day

21°C (70°F) at night

Sun and Rain all year long and a humidity of about 80%

Oficial language: Spanish. However, most Panamanians speak very good english.

Geographic distribution: 9 provinces (Bocas del Toro, Coclé, Colón, Chiriquí, Darién, Herrera, Los Santos, Panamá y Veraguas) y 5 indigenous regions (Kuna Yala, Emberá Wounan, Kuna de Madungandí, Kuna de Wargandí y Gnobe Buglé).

Currency: The Balboa Balboa; 1 balboa is the exact equivalent to one American Dollar.

Typical clothing (Used in traditional celebrations): The Pollera (Femenine) and the Montuno (Masculine).

National Symbol: The flower of the Holy Spirit

Main economic activities: Commerce, banking, finance, tourism, agriculture, fishing and shipping.

Taxes: All shopping includes a 7% tax called the ITBMS. This excludes medicine, food and school supplies.

Tipping: Tipping in restaurants and bars is usually between 10% and 15% depending on the service received. Tips are generally not included in the bill.

Government: Panama enjoys a constitutional democracy.

Religion: There is abundant religious freedom in Panama. The mayority of Panamanians are Roman Catholics. However, due to the vas diversity, there are numerous religions, temples and churches.

Commerce: Generally most shops and commercial operations open between 8 and 9 AM and close around 6 PM in the afternoon. Most open mondays to saturdays. Entertainment venues are usually open until later times and most restaurants open on Sundays.

Drivers license: Visitors may drive with international licenses for 90 days during their visit.

Electricity: 110 volts; 60 cycles.

Dress: It is recommended wearing very light dresses due to the tropical climate. Business in Panama is very formal and most business men wear suits but tourists and citizens usually wear very comfortable shorts, short sleeve shirts and similar.