Fun and Interesting Facts About Panama
Interesting facts about Panama
The official name of Panama is the Republic of Panama. Panama is the southernmost country in Central America and is located on the Isthmus of Panama. The country covers an area of 75,517 km2 and has a population of 3,562,329 people, But if you want more interesting facts about Panama, let’s find them below.
The nation’s capital is Panama City. Panama is bordered by Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east. Spanish is the official language of Panama, but English is also widely spoken.
Again, the capital city of Panama is Panama City. It is located on the Pacific coast of the country at the southern end of the Panama Canal. The city has a population of over 1.5 million people. Panama is the only capital city in the world with a rainforest within its city limits.
Further Panama City was founded in 1519 by Spanish explorer Pedro Arias Dávila. It was originally called “Panamá” after the nearby indigenous village of Panamá.
In fact, the city became an important trading post for goods between South America and Spain. In 1671, the Welsh pirate Henry Morgan sacked and burned Panama City. The city was rebuilt but was later destroyed again by another pirate, Edward Teach (better known as “Blackbeard”).
In 1739, the Spanish built a fort to protect Panama City from pirates and other invaders. The fort was successful in its purpose and Panama City flourished.
Who Was Mireya Moscoso?
Mireya Moscoso was the first female president of Panama, serving from 1999 to 2004. She was born in Santiago de Veraguas, Panama, in 1932. After her husband’s death in 1971, she became involved in politics and ran for Congress in 1974.
Moscoso was elected to the National Assembly in 1984 and served as its vice president from 1989 to 1994. She ran for president in 1994 but lost to Ernesto Pérez Balladares. Moscoso again ran for president in 1999 and won, becoming the first woman to hold the office.
During her presidency, she worked to improve relations with the United States and implemented social welfare programs. She left office in 2004 and died in 2017 at the age of 85.
The Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Pacific ocean and the Atlantic ocean. The canal stretches for 50 miles and took over 34,000 workers to build. Here are some interesting fun facts about the Panama Canal:
- The canal was first proposed in 1513 by Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa.
- Construction on the canal began in 1881 but was halted due to engineering difficulties and a high death toll among the workers.
- The United States took over the construction of the canal in 1904 and completed it in 1914. It is one of the seven engineering wonders of the world.
- The canal was opened to shipping traffic on August 15, 1914.
- An estimated 5% of the world’s maritime trade passes through the Panama Canal yearly.
- The Canal needs over 6,000 people to operate it on a daily basis.
- The canal is 50 miles long and averages from 200-300 feet wide. It took over 10 years to build and was a joint effort between the United States and Panama.
- It took over 34,000 workers to complete the Panama Canal.
9. Approximately 14,000 ships pass through the canal each year.
The Panama Canal Zone
Firstly the Panama Canal Zone was a strip of land 50 miles wide and 10 miles long, located on the Isthmus of Panama. It was controlled by the United States from 1903 until 1979. The Canal Zone was created for the purpose of building and operating the Panama Canal.
The United States agreed to operate the canal in perpetuity and to defend it against any attack. In return, the Republic of Panama granted the United States exclusive rights to build and operate the canal.
Finally, the Construction of the Panama Canal began in 1904 and was completed in 1914. The canal opened to traffic on August 15, 1914. More than 1 million vessels have passed through the canal since it opened. It is said to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Interesting facts about Panama
The American Society of Civil Engineers
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) was founded in 1852. The society’s mission is “to promote the profession of civil engineering and its allied sciences.”
The ASCE has been involved in many engineering projects in Panama, including the Panama Canal expansion project. The ASCE’s involvement in the Panama Canal expansion project began in 2007 when a team of engineers from the society conducted a feasibility study on the proposed expansion.
The ASCE has also been involved in other infrastructure projects in Panama, such as the design and construction of a new bridge over the Panama Canal. The new bridge, which was completed in 2016, is one of the largest bridges ever built by the ASCE.
ASCE is the oldest national engineering society in the United States. ASCE’s vision is to position civil engineers as global leaders, building a better quality of life for all. ASCE’s mission is to provide essential value to our members and partners, advance civil engineering, and serve the public good.
Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, ASCE works closely with sister organizations around the world, including the American Council of Engineering Companies and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The Panama Hat
A Panama hat is a traditional brimmed straw hat originating from Ecuador. The Panama hat is made from the leaves of the toquilla plant, also known as the jipijapa plant. The leaves are woven together tightly to form a sturdy material, which is then shaped into a hat.
Panama hats have been worn by many famous people throughout history, including Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. In addition, Hollywood stars such as Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant have also been known to sport Panama hats on occasion.
Today, Panama hats are still popular among both men and women. They are often seen at outdoor events such as beach parties or poolside gatherings. If you’re looking for a stylish and practical summer accessory, a Panama hat is definitely worth considering!
Sunrise in Panama
The sun rises over Panama City at about 6:00 am all year round. The country is situated in the Northern Hemisphere, so the length of the day changes with the seasons.
In the summer, the days are longer and the sun sets later. In the winter, the days are shorter and the sun sets earlier.
Panama is a tropical country and it is always hot and humid. The temperatures vary depending on elevation. The coastal areas are usually hotter than inland areas. The average temperature in Panama City is 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).
The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. rainfall is heavy during the wet season (May to November), so many tourists avoid coming during this time.
Panama city limits
Panama City is the capital of Panama. The city has a population of about 1.5 million people. The city is located on the Pacific coast of Panama. The city was founded in 1519 by Spanish explorer Pedro Arias Dávila. Panama City is the largest city in Panama.
Firstly, The city limits of Panama City are home to some of the most important landmarks in the country. These include the Panamanian National Assembly, the presidential palace, and other government buildings.
Secondly, The city limits also contain a number of important museums, including the Museum of Nature and Culture and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
In addition, the city limits are home to a number of parks and gardens, which provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Did you know that Panama is the southernmost country in Central America? Or that it’s home to the world’s largest rainforest outside of the Amazon with many different plant species?
The Isthmus of Panama
What is the Isthmus of Panama? This is a narrow strip of land that connects North and South America. It is only 50 miles wide at its narrowest point. The Panama Canal, which was completed in 1914, crosses the isthmus and links the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Panama was inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. The country was part of the Spanish empire until 1821 when it became part of Colombia. Panama gained independence from Colombia in 1903.
In fact, the United States played a key role in constructing the Panama Canal. US engineers designed and built much of the canal infrastructure, including locks and dams. The canal was officially opened on August 15, 1914.
The official currency of Panama
The official currency of Panama is the Balboa, which has been pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1904. The US dollar is also widely accepted in Panama.
Panama was one of the first countries in the world to adopt paper currency, issuing its own paper money in 1671. The country’s first banknotes were printed on parchment and hand-signed by the governor. Today, Panama’s economy is primarily based on service industries such as banking, tourism, and shipping.
Undeniably, The country has a relatively high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure.
The lowest toll
Tolls in Panama are some of the lowest in the world. For example, it costs just $0.60 to travel from one end of the country to the other on the Pan-American Highway. That’s less than a cup of coffee!
And it’s not just the highways – even the bridges have low tolls. For instance, it costs only $1 to cross the famous Bridge of the Americas, which spans the Panama Canal.
That’s a pretty amazing bargain, considering that this is one of the busiest bridges in the world! So if you’re looking for a country where you can get around without spending a lot of money, Panama is definitely worth considering.
Who knows, you might even enjoy sipping on a delicious cup of coffee while you admire the beautiful scenery!
Bird species in Panama
Panama is home to a variety of bird species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The country is especially known for its abundance of toucans and the harpy eagle.
Toucans are one of the most recognizable birds in Panama. They are large birds with brightly colored bills. Toucans live in the rainforest and eat fruit.
Harpy eagles are another type of bird that is found in Panama. These birds are very large, with wingspans reaching up to 7 feet! They live in the forests and eat small mammals.
Harpy eagles are endangered, but there is a nesting site in Panama that is helping to boost their population. These are just two of the many interesting bird species that can be found in Panama.
Monkeys are also found in Panama. There are several species of monkeys in the wild, including squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys, and howler monkeys. All of these primates live high up in the trees, or on the ground in tree holes.
If you are interested in animals then don’t miss my article about Bobcats.
More interesting facts about Panama
Volcano Baru is an active volcano in Panama. It last erupted in 2016. The volcano is located in the Chiriqui Province, about 60 kilometers west of the city of David. The volcano is a popular destination for tourists, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Hiking and camping are popular activities near the volcano. There are several interesting facts about Volcan Baru. For example, it is the highest point in Panama, at 11,398 feet above sea level. Additionally, it is one of only four volcanoes in Central America that has a crater lake.
The San Blas Islands are a group of 365 islands off the coast of Panama. They are known for their white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and palm trees. The islands are home to the Kuna people, who have their own language and culture.
Additionally, The Kuna people are known for their brightly colored clothes and beaded jewelry. Visitors to the San Blas Islands can participate in snorkeling, fishing, and sailing.
Panama is a country located in Central America and is bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south.
Panama was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples including the Cuevas and Coclé tribes.
And the first European explorer to visit Panama was Christopher Columbus in 1502. Panama became a Spanish colony in 1519.
Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sunrise on the Pacific Ocean and set on the Caribbean Sea.
Panama is home to one of the world’s most diverse populations, with more than 14 different ethnic groups represented.
The Panamanian Government
The Republic of Panama is the southernmost country of Central America. It is bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south.
The capital and largest city are Panama City, whose metropolitan area is home to nearly half of the country’s 4 million people.
Panama was inhabited by several indigenous tribes prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. It broke away from Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Nueva Granada, Ecuador, and Venezuela named the Republic of Gran Colombia.
When that union dissolved in 1830, Panama remained part of Colombia. With US help, it declared independence from Colombia in 1903, allowing the construction of the Panama Canal to be completed by American engineers in 1914.
The canal was enlarged by an expansion that was completed in 2016.
Bocas del Toro is a province of Panama that includes nine islands and many smaller Islets. It is located on the Caribbean Sea, north of Panama City. The province has a population of about 45,000 people.
The capital city is Bocas del Toro. The area was originally inhabited by the Ngobe people. The first European to visit the area was Christopher Columbus in 1502. Bocas del Toro was part of Colombia until 1903 when it became part of Panama.
Bocas del Toro has a tropical climate with average temperatures between 77 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season is from May to December. There are many activities to do in Bocas del Toro including snorkeling, diving, surfing, fishing, and visiting the jungle.
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