PANAMA Panama, located at the “heart” of the Americas, is a safe, stable and friendly country of 4 million inhabitants, 75,517 square km and impresses with a stunning natural beauty. Panama possesses seven of the 12 regions which maintain the balance of the main ecosystems of the world. More species of birds live here than in the USA and Canada combined. It is home to seven different indigenous cultures, a “sleeping” volcano, cool mountainous terrains, tropical areas averaging 28 degrees Celsius, a desert and many lakes. From the most luxurious hotels to cabins in isolated islands, indigenous cultures and modern, contemporary arts, extreme sports and cultural tours – there’s almost nothing that can’t be found in Panama. 8 · INSIDER INSIDERJOURNEYS JOURNEYS
Panama means “abundance of fish and butterflies.” More than 30% of its land is protected by 15 national parks, five forest reservations and 10 wildlife reserves. The country is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean), with over 500 islands within its boundaries as well as hundreds of rivers all across the territory. It was on Panamanian soil where Spain founded the first city in the New World: Santa Maria la Antigua at Darién. The Panama Canal, along with its spectacular watershed and abundant flora and fauna, is the pride of Panamanians and is greatly admired by visitors. Five areas of Panama have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
