Question 1

What is the population of Panama?

Accepted Answer

The population of Panama is approximately 4.4M.

Question 2

How do people greet each other in Panama?

Accepted Answer

Panamanians are gracious and polite, greeting with handshakes; two men always shake hands, women friends kiss on one cheek, and men and women sometimes kiss on the cheek. Small talk to learn about someone personally comes before any business discussion. Do: Shake hands when meeting (American handshake or palm-to-palm with thumb facing the person) Make personal small talk before discussing business Say por favor (please), gracias (thank you), and de nada (you're welcome) Ask permission to join a group by saying con permiso Don't: Don't start a business conversation before getting to know the other party personally Don't discuss personal possessions Don't bring up the building of the canal or U.S. intervention Don't discuss local politics or race in social settings Panamanians have two surnames: the father's first, then the mother's Favorite conversation topics are family, mutual friends, hobbies, interests, and sports To beckon someone, raise a hand with the palm facing them

Question 3

What are dining customs like in Panama?

Accepted Answer

Panamanians eat three hearty meals a day and serve rice with nearly every meal; the national dish is sancocho, a spicy chicken-and-vegetable stew. Families usually eat together with a big breakfast and the main meal at midday. Do: Eat everything on your plate as a sign of good manners Signal you've finished by placing your knife and fork vertically and parallel on the plate Try ceviche, tamales, sancocho, arroz con pollo, and sopa borracha The father sits at the head of the table; a guest of honor sits at the opposite end Tip servers about 15% of the bill Chicha (fresh fruit, water, sugar) is a popular drink, and coffee is usual at breakfast A panadería sells bread, a pastelería sells pastries, and a cantina is a drinking establishment

Question 4

What social etiquette should I know when visiting?

Accepted Answer

Guests follow specific customs at social gatherings, including introducing themselves and bringing a small gift for the host. Punctuality expectations vary by the size of the event. Do: Introduce yourself to other guests at large gatherings Bring a small gift for the host or hostess at any party Arrive within a half-hour at a small party Don't: Don't arrive later than a half-hour at a smaller party Arriving up to two hours late is acceptable at large gatherings In the interior, friends exchange modest gifts like food or seedlings, not expensive items

Question 5

How should I dress in Panama?

Accepted Answer

Panamanians are fairly conservative and formal in dress, and they frown on wearing shorts in public regardless of the heat. Many wear North American styles, though men may wear a loose guayabera shirt. Do: Dress conservatively; wear lightweight suits in professions like banking and law Abide by the local dress code even as a foreigner Don't: Don't wear shorts in public, especially women, for whom shorts or pants in public are considered inappropriate Traditional women's dress is the pollera with a peineta headpiece; men's is the montuno with a pintado straw hat and sandals Tourists are granted some leniency for wearing shorts, but locals prefer you follow their dress code

Question 6

What is family life like in Panama?

Accepted Answer

Family is essential to Panamanians and receives their ultimate loyalty, often with three generations living under one roof, especially in rural areas. Members support each other through life and love celebrating holidays together. Panamanians are often more loyal to parents and siblings than to spouses Godparents are chosen with great care and play an integral role in a child's life In Cuna society men dominate; women inherit land from their fathers and make molas Urban girls have more freedom than those in the interior, where dating is more restricted

Question 7

What do people do for fun in Panama?

Accepted Answer

Baseball is the most popular sport, learned from Americans who worked on the canal, and soccer is the national sport. The pleasant weather and rich wildlife make outdoor activities popular. Popular activities include swimming, diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving Other sports include volleyball, cycling, hiking, basketball, boxing, tennis, softball, and horse racing With over 940 bird species, bird watching is popular Sailing and mountain fitness activities are also enjoyed

Question 8

What is the capital of Panama?

Accepted Answer

Panama City is the capital and largest city of Panama, situated at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. Founded by Spanish colonizers in 1519, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited European settlements on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Today, Panama City serves as the country's political, financial, and cultural hub, and its skyline — a striking mix of colonial-era architecture and modern high-rises — reflects Panama's role as a major international banking and commerce center.

Question 9

Where is Panama located?

Accepted Answer

Panama is located in Central America, forming the southernmost part of the North American landmass. It occupies the narrow Isthmus of Panama, which connects Central and South America and separates the Caribbean Sea to the north from the Pacific Ocean to the south. This strategic geographic position, bridging two continents and two oceans, has defined Panama's history, economy, and international significance throughout the modern era.

Question 10

What countries border Panama?

Accepted Answer

Panama shares land borders with two countries: Colombia to the southeast and Costa Rica to the northwest. To the north, Panama fronts the Caribbean Sea, while its southern coastline runs along the Pacific Ocean. The border with Colombia cuts through the largely roadless and biodiverse Darién Gap, one of the most ecologically dense regions in the Western Hemisphere and notably the only break in the Pan-American Highway.

Question 11

What is the main religion practiced in Panama?

Accepted Answer

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Panama, practiced by approximately 85 percent of the population. Protestant denominations account for roughly 15 percent of believers, a proportion that has grown steadily in recent decades largely through the influence of evangelical and Pentecostal movements. Religious observance is woven into Panamanian social life, and Catholic traditions shape many national holidays, family celebrations, and cultural rituals throughout the country.

Question 12

What currency is used in Panama?

Accepted Answer

Panama officially uses two currencies: the Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and the US Dollar (USD), which circulate on a strict one-to-one parity. The Balboa, named after Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, exists primarily as coins; paper currency in everyday circulation is entirely US dollars. This arrangement, in place since Panama's independence in 1903, reflects the country's historically close economic and political ties with the United States.

Question 13

What language is spoken in Panama?

Accepted Answer

Spanish is the official language of Panama and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. English is spoken by approximately 14 percent of Panamanians and functions as an important second language in business, banking, and in the former Canal Zone communities. Indigenous languages, including Ngäbere, Kuna, and Emberá, are also spoken by various native communities, reflecting the country's considerable ethnic and cultural diversity.

Question 14

What is Panama known for?

Accepted Answer

Panama is most closely identified with the Panama Canal, the 80-kilometer waterway completed in 1914 that links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and remains one of the world's most strategically vital shipping routes. The country is also recognized for its biodiversity — including cloud forests, coral reefs, and the wildlife-rich Darién region — as well as for being a major international banking center. Culturally, Panama is celebrated for its traditional pollera dress, vibrant carnival celebrations, and the distinctive cumbia and tamborito musical traditions.

Question 15

What is the geography of Panama like?

Accepted Answer

Panama occupies the narrow Isthmus of Panama in Central America, with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The terrain is predominantly mountainous in the interior, with the Cordillera Central running along much of the country's spine; the highest point is Volcán Barú at 3,474 meters. Tropical rainforest covers large portions of the country, particularly in the Darién province near the Colombian border, making Panama one of the most biologically diverse nations on Earth relative to its size.

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