Panama
Perhaps the most notable thing in regards to the Central American country Panama is the Panama Canal. There is absolutely no getting around it. One of the most arduous and difficult tasks in engineering, the Panama Canal is a marvel that was first opened in 1914 and still continues operations today.

The Panama Canal history is both colorful and tragic. The French first started on it but failed back in 1880. The United States stepped in and helped complete construction. The Panama Canal construction was fraught with disease like malaria and other mosquito borne illnesses, landslides and much more. The blood of over 25,000 people “christened” this shipping canal. This canal saves thousands of miles for many ships who, at one time, had to sail past the Drake Passage and Cape Horn to get from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean.

Panama the country is not just about the Panama Canal however. This Central America country has become popular with tourists. There are beaches on two different coasts – the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. On both sides, you can expect plenty of resorts to choose from that take advantage of the pristine beaches and gorgeous waters. If you take a look at a Panama map, you will notice the many state parks in the country, many of them protecting rainforest areas which are rich in different species of plants and animals.

Your map of Panama might reveal that some islands that are part of the country as well as various gulfs and bodies of water within the country. What those maps don’t reveal is the growing Panama real estate market. Some people, falling in love with the country, decide to relocate or retire to this country. That means more and more people are seeking property for sale.

If you are playing tourist and wish to stay a while, you will likely find just a handful of flights a day to Panama from your home area. In regards to lodging, you could shell out the money for a hotel; however, some people might find Panama City beach rentals as an option as well. You would come out a bit cheaper and be more at home too.

In regards to culture, Christmas traditions in Panama are similar to that of other countries. There are Christmas carols sung and there is even food served for a special dinner. The Panama food that is most served is arroz con pollo and tamales. With Christmas in Panama however, people do not open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Rather, they open them on Dia de los Reyes which translates to King’s Day.

The population of Panama is multi-cultural. There are those of Spanish descent while others are descended from some of the native indigenous people. There have also been a large number of Chinese and other Asians who came over and stayed after the building of the Panama Canal. Just remember, no matter which their background is, they are pledge allegiance to the Panama flag.