The History and Future of Panama

2662 Words6 Pages

Bridging two continents and two oceans, the international crossroads that is Panama has created a massive cultural diversity that has continued to grow for over 500 years. To understand Panamanian culture one has to explore not only its people but also its significant location, and the importance of its canal in fostering business and trade with the countries of the world. The United States has also had a close, stake in the success of Panama for over a century. This partnership continues today and Panama plays a vital part in the success of U.S. interests around the world. Without the canal access and established ties that we share the United States would not be the super power that it is today.

Land

Only a three-hour flight From the United States, Panama or the land of many fish is 25,590 square miles or roughly the size of North Carolina. Located at the southern tip of Central America it is the bridge connecting Central and South America. You could even drive all the way from the United States to Panama via the Pan-American Highway. The country has a natural upside down S shape from east to west that connects Columbia to the east and Costa Rica to the west. The country is divided into nine provinces and five preserves for the indigenous Indian tribes. With the construction of the Panama Canal from Panama City to Colon, the vast distances required traveling between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans shortened to a stretch of only fifty miles. With such a close proximity to the United States and the Panama Canal controlling transshipping across the oceans Panama is of vital importance to United States trade.

Panama’s geography is also diverse with hot and temperatures, high and lowlands, mountains a...

... middle of paper ...

...g. n. d. Web. 17 Jan. 2014. basics_business_student.php?id=159>. “Panama local customs.” virtualtourist. Virtualtouist.com, Inc. 2014. Web. 17 Jan. 2014.
Panama/Local_Customs-Panama-TG-C-1.html>.

“Panamanian culture and Panama customs.” retire-2-panama. n. d. Web. 17 Jan. 2014. .

“Panamanian Culture – Panama’s customs reviewed.” panamadotcom. PanamaStaffing.com.

n. d. Web. 17 Jan. 2014. .

“The official website of the Republic of Panama.” visitpanama. Autorida De Tourismo Panama n. d. Web. 17 Jan. 2014. .

“Welcome to Panama culture” panama-culture Digital Panorama S.A. 2014. 17 Jan. 2014. .

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