A Stable, Progressive Nation

Of the numerous Central American countries, Panama has proven to be the most stable and progressive nation over the years. Slightly smaller than South Carolina and looking like a capital ‘S’ lying down, the country is strategically located on an isthmus that forms the land bridge connecting North and South America. Its most well-known asset is the 48-mile long Panama Canal that links the Caribbean with the Pacific Ocean, one of the most important shipping routes in the world. The Canal is so essential to world trade that it is almost off-limits to nations that compete in every other dimension. The peaceful transit of the world’s goods is crucial to everyone. Beyond all this, one of Panama´s strongest attractions is its diversity with beaches, mountains, numerous modern cities, and historic ruins, all contained in a narrow corridor from 60 to 110 miles wide.

of its kind in the world. Major discounts from 25 to 50 percent are available to Pensionados on flights, entertainment, public transportation, restaurants, electricity, telephone, and water bills.

Boquete is an outdoor enthusiast’s nirvana. The fit and healthy can go horseback riding on jungle trails, explore the Baru Volcano or the Quetzal jungle trail, go rafting, and even swim in the river gorges. There are zip lines to ride over the jungle or the challenge of a hair-raising stroll across one of the awesome hanging bridges over deep river chasms. For the less adventurous, Boquete is full of excellent restaurants, coffee cafes, and shopping tuned to the extensive expat community.

World-class, Panama City is the region’s financial and commercial hub and the capital of the country. With an urban population approaching a half million people, it is a glittering metropolis that rivals many U.S. and European cities. As a modern and sophisticated municipality, it boasts well-established international commerce, arts, fashion, nightlife, casinos, shopping, and limitless dining. It has even been referred to as the Miami of Latin America. The glittering glass skyscrapers are occupied by almost every international banking and financial entity that, in total, provide a good percentage of the world’s economy.

As cosmopolitan as the city is, a quick drive into the countryside takes a person into the other Panama of developing and thriving communities that not long ago were small isolated hamlets. Economic success has created an enviable physical infrastructure that includes modern hospitals, airports, and roads that are more highly developed than Panama's Central American neighbors. From one end of the country to the other, Panama is an exciting mix of modern skylines, surfer villages, retirement towns, cattle ranches, sleepy mountain hamlets, and charming colonial enclaves. What more could be asked for?

A fine example of this lifestyle is the Lucero Golf and Country Club near Boquete. It’s a sprawling community of modern homes offering a 15-year tax exemption for homeowners. The grounds of Lucero have impressive amenities, offering a luxurious 18-hole golf course, tennis, swimming, a community center, and lovely homes only 15 minutes from the town of Boquete. When asked why he chose the Lucero Golf and Country Club, one inhabitant, Jim Bondoux, said, "Once the road was paved, the excellent golf and the large community of friendly expats were just what we wanted.”