DESCRIPTION
Bridging the gap between Central and South America, Panama is the last country on the Central American isthmus, with Colombia to its southeast and Costa Rica to its northwest. The country is best known for the Panama Canal, one of the most important shipping lanes in the world that cuts across the country, linking the Pacific Ocean with the Caribbean Sea. This is a relatively small country in terms of both land area and population, with nearly a third of the population living in or near the capital city. Panama City is as at the mouth of the Canal and the Miraflores Locks is one of the most visited tourist attractions. The city is also popular with travelers for its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – at Old Panama, where the original city once stood, and within the historical district of the ‘new’ city. The country is a very scenic destination, popular for hiking in areas such as Volcano Baru National Park, plus scuba diving and snorkeling in Coiba National Marine Park. The location provides a tropical climate with a rainy season from April through December. Spanish is the official language here, and the Balboa and the US Dollar are used for currency.