Panama

Welcome to Panama!

Panama is a beautiful country at the southern end of Central America. It is a narrow strip of land that touches both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Panama is nestled between Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the southeast. The capital city, Panama City, is a busy place where almost half of the country’s people live.

A Land of Nature and Water

Panama is full of amazing nature. About 40 percent of the land is covered in thick, green jungles. These jungles are home to many plants and animals, some of which you can find nowhere else on Earth! The country also has many rivers and lakes. One of the most famous is the Panama Canal, a man-made waterway that helps ships travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This canal is very important for world trade.

A Rich History

Long ago, before European explorers arrived, Panama was home to many different Indigenous peoples. In the 16th century, Spanish colonists came and changed the land. Panama became independent in 1903 with help from the United States, which made it possible to build the Panama Canal. Today, the canal is owned by Panama, and it continues to be a major part of the country’s economy.

Fun Facts About Panama

• Panama’s name might come from a special tree or a word meaning “far away.”
• The country has a tropical climate, so it is warm and rainy most of the year.
• People in Panama love to dance! One popular dance is called tamborito, mixing Spanish and African styles.
• Baseball is the most popular sport, but football (soccer) is also loved by many.

Panama is a place where nature, history, and culture come together, making it a wonderful country to learn about!