You are here :: Panama Real Estate » About-panama » Getting-to-know-panama

Whether you are drawn for Panama tourism or attractions and activities in Panama, it would be good for you to know and understand some things about this beautiful tropical land. For Westerners and especially Americans, Panama will seem very familiar since the country has adopted many things like the United States; same currency, same setup for utilities and television.

Although history records that Panama turned 100 in 2003, the country is really much younger. Because of the United States presence from 1903 until the end of 1999, the country has really only been on its standing on its own for a few years. This gives Panama two great features: first the country is been sheltered while it grew and second, it hasn't had the corruptive influences that can poison governments.

The Weather of Panama

Panama tourists will love this part; if you looking for a tropical paradise, you don't need to look any further. Most of Panama has a tropical climate that is warm year round. There is a dry season, or "summer", and a rainy season that's called winter. Even during the winter, the rains usually come in the form of an afternoon storm, leaving the rest of the day warm and perfect for enjoying Panama's attractions and activities. In addition, Panama is below the hurricane belt, eliminating those vacation-ending storms and all of their damage.

If you prefer a milder climate, tourists in Panama will also find something to their liking. The highlands in the country have not only become a desired source for foreign investment but for tourists in Panama as well. Formed by now dormant volcanoes, the highlands offer cool climates and scenic views that are simply breathtaking.

The Geography of Panama

Panama is an S-shaped country, with Costa Rica on the west and Colombia on the east. The country has 2,600 kilometers of ocean shoreline and its spine is the result of past volcanic activity. Because of its unusual shape, it is possible to swim in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans after a car ride of little more than an hour. And no Panama tourist visits the country without seeing the Panama Canal or the capital of Panama City that sits beside it.

The Appeal of Panama

Because of all that it has to offer, Panama tourists are now starting to call Panama home. The country is experiencing an unprecedented period of growth and this has created a stimulating effect on Panama investments as well. Investing in Panama can be extremely profitable and sleepy, rural weekend getaways such as Coronado are now being turned into retirement and expatriate communities.

Panama investment opportunities are abounding in other areas as well. Mountain coffee farms are being bought, land is being purchased for Teak plantations, and luxury condos are soaring skyward in Panama City. Throughout the country, new Panama activities and attractions are springing up and investment opportunities abound.

The key to understanding Panama's prosperity is to look at the Panama Canal. This 50 mile engineering marvel is both the heart of Panama tourism and the epitome of investment opportunities here. When the recently started $5 billion canal expansion project is in full swing, additional investment opportunities are going to follow.

No matter what you seek, you will likely find it in Panama. The country is full of wildlife and attractions to lure the Panama tourists and wonderful investment opportunities to lure foreign investors. Once you get acquainted with Panama you will want to come, either for investment business or for the activities and attractions in Panama!

The Panama Canal is a shipping canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through Panama. The canal runs from Limon Bay on the Atlantic to the Bay of Panama at the Pacific. It is one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken. Although the idea for the canal dates back to the 16th century, the first attempt to construct it began in 1880 by the French. The work was completed by the US in 1914 and it has been extremely successful ever since. After negotiations with the US, control of the canal was given to Panama. The Panama Canal can accommodate most ship sizes and ships must pay a toll to pass through. Tolls are determined by the size and type of ship and the cargo carried. The Canal has become the most popular attraction in Panama, drawing many Panama tourists to see modern history at work.