Maybe you remember the old Michael J. Fox movie, "Back to the Future". Fox's character stepped back in time to the 1950's and found things different than they currently were in his era. For those who were familiar with this period in American history probably got a little nostalgic. It's always good to savory fond memories.

The same scene can be set for those living in the country of Panama. There are many ways this tiny country is a throw-back to a different era. For many older Americans, one way would be to take a look at the leading Panamanian newspapers. A retiree living in Panama is likely to see many similarities between today's Panamanian newspapers and those that existed before in the United States.

Freedom of the Press in Panama

A basic freedom that is provided and protected by the United States' Constitution is the right to a free press. The writers of the Constitution believed that the press represented an open window to the citizens of the country. They believed that by keeping the press immune from the pressures and influences of the government, they could serve as beacons for the people of the country. Well in the United States, those days are over. In today's press, one group is ridiculed because the report favorably about the government. Another group is exposed for manufacturing false stories to embarrass the President of the United States. Oh, for the good old days!

Why Panama? Newspaper Stories in 2006

The "good old days" exist in Panama! Why Panama you ask? Panamanian newspapers have broad freedoms in terms of reporting the news. In 2006, two stories dominated the pages of Panamanian newspapers. A bus in Panama City caught fire and burned, killing 17 people. The city's entire bus system was reviewed and due to the exposure brought by Panamanian newspapers and television, the owner and the driver were both charged with criminal neglect. The second story that illustrated the freedom of the Panamanian newspapers and television was regarding toxins that found their way into medicines in Panama, killing over 50 people. Again, the exposure and investigation of the television and Panamanian newspapers led to the criminal charges against those responsible for this tragic accident.

Panama Newspapers

There are quite a few good Panamanian newspapers. Some of the best and links to their web pages are below:

• La Prensa:http://www.prensa.com. La Prensa is one of the largest Panamanian newspapers and is number one in web popularity. This is a great source for employment or ways to invest in Panama.
• Estrella de Panama: http://www.estrelladepanama.com. Estrella de Panama another large Panamanian newspaper and is number two in web popularity.
• Critica: http://www.critica.com.pa/. This independent newspaper is third most popular in the web and claims the largest circulation in Panama.
• El Siglo: http://www.elsiglo.com/. This is another independent Panamanian newspaper featuring digital news with interesting links, such as opportunities to invest in Panama. El Siglo is the fourth most popular Panamanian newspaper on the Internet.
• The Bocas Breeze:http://www.thebocasbreeze.com/. This twice-monthly Panamanian newspaper is based in Bocas del Toro, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Panama. The Breeze features news on tourism in Panama.
• The Visitor: http://www.focuspublicationsint.com/New_Site/index.html. The Visitor is also a twice monthly Panamanian newspaper and it presents advice and features for tourists as well as information on the tourist industry.

Panama Newspapers - Investing in Panama's Freedom

The Panamanian newspapers are joined by a wide variety of others that enjoy a great freedom of the press in Panama. The only way to see the difference in press in Panama and that of other countries is to invest time in Panamanian newspapers and you will understand why Panama news is like going "back to the future."

Panama has no official religion. However, it was accounted that majority of Panamanians are identified as Roman Catholic. To learn more on just how important religion is for Panama and for those who choose to live here this article is a must read to aid you in your understanding of this country.