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Panama in 10 Minutes
Introduction
1. Panama Canal
2. Panama City
3. Emberá People
4. Bocas del Toro
5. Kuna Yala (San Blas Islands)
1. Breathtaking Beaches
2. Dense Rainforests
3. Panama Canal
4. Vibrant City Life
5. Indigenous Culture
6. Volcanic Landscapes
7. Adventure Activities
8. Island Hopping
9. Delicious Cuisine
10. Friendly Locals
In a Nutshell
- Capital: Panama City
- Population: Approx. 4.3 million (2021)
- Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Panamanian balboa (PAB)
Breaking Down the Country
Geographical Diversity
Panama boasts diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests in the interior to pristine beaches along its Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
Cultural Fusion
Experience the blend of indigenous, European, African, and Asian influences that shape Panama's vibrant music, art, and cuisine.
Canal Marvel
Discover the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, a crucial waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, revolutionizing global trade.
Timeline of Panama
Panama Canal construction begins
Panama gains independence from Colombia
Panama Canal officially opens
United States establishes military bases in Panama
Panama becomes a republic
Panama Canal Zone created
Panama Canal Treaty signed, transferring control to Panama
Operation Just Cause, US invasion of Panama
Panama City named a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Panama adopts US dollar as official currency
Panama becomes a member of the United Nations
Panama hosts Summit of the Americas
Panama Canal expansion project begins
Panama hosts World Youth Day
Panama City skyline undergoes major development
Panama signs free trade agreement with the United States
Panama Canal expansion completed
Panama hosts 2019 World Youth Day
Panama City named the American Capital of Culture
Panama Canal declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Vocabulary List
- Canal
- The Panama Canal is a key waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- Rainforest
- Panama is home to lush rainforests teeming with wildlife.
- Skyscrapers
- Panama City is a modern metropolis with towering skyscrapers.
- Beaches
- Panama boasts beautiful beaches along its coastlines, perfect for relaxing or water sports.
- Jungle
- Venture into the jungle of Panama to discover hidden waterfalls and exotic wildlife.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- Panama City is the capital and largest city of Panama.
- The Panama Canal is a key feature of the country's landscape, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- Panama is known for its diverse wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds.
- The San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama are home to the indigenous Guna people.
- The Panama City skyline features modern skyscrapers and historic Spanish colonial architecture.
- The Darien Gap is a dense, tropical rainforest that separates Panama from Colombia.
- Volcan Baru is the highest point in Panama, offering stunning views of both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
- The Panama Canal Zone was a US-controlled area in Panama from 1903 to 1979.
- Bocas del Toro is a popular destination for surfing and snorkeling in Panama's Caribbean coast.
- Cerro Punta is a mountain town in Panama known for its cool climate and agriculture.
- The Embera people are an indigenous group in Panama known for their traditional way of life and handicrafts.
- Panama City's Causeway offers views of the city skyline and ships passing through the canal.
- The Panama Viejo ruins are the remains of the original Panama City founded in 1519.
- The Pearl Islands off the coast of Panama are known for their white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- El Valle de Anton is a picturesque town in a volcanic crater in Panama known for its artisans market.
- The Chagres River flows through the Panama Canal and provides water for the Gatun Lake.
- Panama City's Amador Causeway is a popular spot for biking, jogging, and enjoying views of the ocean.
- Panama is home to seven indigenous groups, each with their own unique languages and cultures.
- The Panama Canal was completed in 1914 after over a decade of construction and thousands of worker deaths.
- The Gaillard Cut is a narrow passage through solid rock that was one of the most difficult parts of building the Panama Canal.
Why It Matters
Geopolitical Significance
Straddling the narrow isthmus connecting North and South America, Panama plays a crucial role in global trade and transportation. Its Panama Canal is a vital waterway linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, facilitating the movement of goods and reducing shipping times and costs for international commerce.
Historical Importance
With a history shaped by indigenous tribes, Spanish conquest, and international conflicts, Panama has long been a crossroads of cultures and influences. The construction of the Panama Canal by the United States in the early 20th century has had lasting impacts on the country’s development and identity.
Modern-Day Role
Today, Panama is a thriving hub of finance and commerce, with a strong service sector and a stable economy. Its strategic location and the Panama Canal continue to make it a key player in global trade, attracting investment and fostering economic growth in the region.
Panama Games
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