Beauty within your reach Panama Beauty within your reach

Facts & Figures President: Ricardo Martinelli (2009) Government: Constitutional democracy Population: 3, 510 045 Capital City: Panama City Monetary units: Balboa; U.S. dollar Languages: Spanish (official), English 14%, many bilingual Ethnicity/race: Mestizo 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Indian 6% Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15% *** PANAMA HAS NO INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES WITH OTHER COUNTRIES!

Where is Panama?

History of Panama 1502- explored by Christopher Columbus 1821- Panama joined Columbia (which had already declared its independence.) Next 82 years, Panama attempted unsuccessfully to break away from Columbia Between 1850 and 1900 Panama had 40 administrations, 50 riots, 5 attempted secessions, & 13 U.S. interventions After U.S. proposal for canal rights, Colombia was rejected (over the narrow isthmus) 1903- Panama proclaimed its independence Oct 1 1984- Panama elected 1st president in 16 years for a five- year term

History of Panama Dec 1989- Noriega assembly declared the U.S. and Panama to be in a state of war 24,000 U.S troops seized control of Panama City to capture Noriega after a U.S soldier was killed in Panama Jan 3 1990- Noriega surrendered himself to U.S custody and transported to Miami Dec 31 1999- U.S. formally handed over control of Panama Canal to Panama 2006- Panamanians approved a plan to expand Panama Canal

Panama’s Economy Economy of Panama : Ranked 13 out 29 Countries in South America and Latin America Economy has been undercut by institutional shortcomings - which weakness the rule of law and interferes with the long term growth potential. However due to competiveness of the market the country is able to be open to high degree of global commerce.

Panama’s Economy The end of 2012 showed a second year double digit growth with 10.7% due to the extensive work done on the Panama Canal and the development of Central America's first subway system. Line 1 Metro is slated to be finished January 2014

Panama’s Canal Since the opening of the Panama canal has been a hub for commerce and security in the American's The canal is 48 km long and it allows for passage between Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean

Sites of Panama La Chorrera and its waterfall A city near the capital, named after this beautiful waterfall that is 30 metres long, what is known as natural paradise

Bocas del Tora Panamas Caribbean Stunning archipelago set in the Caribbean sea, with its exotic marine species, coral reefs and beaches with crystal turquoise water Enjoy the magnificent sunset at night

Beaches of Panama

Luxury Hotels Los Faros de Panama 400 hotel rooms and suits featuring signature Talis spa, 3000 sq m of conference and meeting rooms all while having panoramic views of the ocean E

Luxury Resorts Gamboa Rainforest resort This unique resort is located in the heart of Panama’s tropical forest, near the panama canal, with 150 rooms, each with a view of the tropical forest or the river Chagres

Continental Hotel and Casino Luxury Resorts Continental Hotel and Casino With 365 spacious accommodations featuring one of the best dining room and bar. Located in The middle of Panamas most popular attractions

Hotel breezes Resort and Spa Luxury Resorts Hotel breezes Resort and Spa 274 rooms, 3 pools, 4 bars, 3 restaurants and a spa, beachfront

Luxury Resorts Second largest pool in the world Playa Blanca Second largest pool in the world 380 rooms and suits, overlooking the pools or sea Featuring five restaurant and bars

Why visit Panama ? Take a visit to the Caribbean or to one of the many beautiful beaches of Panama on the Pacific Coast or relax in the peaceful island of Pearl. Nature destinations, like the Coiba Island, located in the Pacific is one of the most extensive marine parks in the world with lots of forestry and natural seabed A hike up Baru Volcano with an altitude of 3500 metres possible to view both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans from at the top. Within the highlands there are coffee plantations, vegetable fields and extraordinary landscapes

Baru Volcano

Why visit Panama ? Convenient and easy to fly to Panama with having the largest for air connectivity in the Americas with over 60 direct flights without the continent for all budgets Hospitality and multiculturalism Panama has a mix of cultures, Africans, Europeans, mestizos, mulattoes and seven indigenous groups. Handicrafts, textiles, sculptures, music and native cuisine makes up the businesses of Panama. These natives accept the tourists with open arms

Panama City Fifth largest economy in the world, ranked by the Economist magazine A unique destination for shopping with lots of shopping malls with every kind of item for all budgets Many of Panama’s luxury hotels can be found within Panama city