PANAMA GENERAL INFORMATION

Panama, officially the Republic of Panama is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on an isthmus, some categorize it as a transcontinental nation connecting the north and south part of America. It is bordered by Costa Rica to the north-west, Colombia to the south-east, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. It is an international business center and is also a transit country.

As a meeting point in the history of the countries of Latin America, Panama is a country forged by various cultures and traditions that come together to create a unique complexity and exotic environment. The country's ethnic diversity is reflected in the traditional products, such as woodcarvings, ceremonial masks and pottery, as well as in its architecture, cuisine and festivals.

Panama has a cosmopolitan capital city, incredible rainforest and some of the finest snorkeling, birding and deep-sea fishing in the world, so it's hard to figure out why travelers tend to steer clear of this country or just whiz through. It may have something to do with the fact that Panama is known internationally for its canal, the 1989 US invasion and the name it donated to a style of headgear, but this does it no justice.

The highlight of any trip to Panama is, of course, the Panama Canal. Tours are offered to the Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side of the Canal, and to the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side. At the state of the art museum at Miraflores, visitors can view three floors of Canal history. There is an observation platform from which to view and photograph ships passing through the locks as they transit the canal.