Panama Cultural Essentials

• History

From Pre-Dependence To Independence (Pre-Columbian—Ad 1821).   Some eleven thousand years ago, hunter-gatherers made their first appearance on the Panamanian isthmus and eventually settled in villages ...more

• Today

In 1999, Panama elected its first female president, Mireya Moscoso, the widow of Arnulfo Arias. Despite entering office with high hopes, Moscoso’s selection of officials to government positions were ...more

• People

Ever since the Spanish conquest, the population of native populations in Panama has been declining. Though some early settlers tried to defend indigenous rights, many of the native populations fell victim ...more

• Customs And Etiquette

Because the United States was politically involved in Panama during the construction of the Canal, Panamanians are familiar with North American customs and gestures. If you are a guest in someone’s ...more

• Food And Drink

Panamanian cuisine reflects the flavors of Latin America, with rice, beans, and tortillas serving as the basic ingredients for many popular dishes. Panama’s significant West Indian population has brought ...more

• Culture

Though indigenous people only make up a small piece of the Panamanian population, they are responsible for much of the country’s art. The indigenous Kuna, an Amerindian people who reside mainly in ...more