WELCOME

PANAMA IS LOCATED

• Panama is a country on the isthmus linking Central and South America. The man-made and world recognized Panama Canal cuts through its center, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to create an essential shipping route.

MONEY

• In practice, the currency used day-to-day in Panama is the US dollar.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

• Panama Viejo (Old Panama) contains the remaining ruins of the first Spanish city on the Pacific coast of the Americas
• Panama Canal changed the course of shipping and travel by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans across a narrow strip of land in Panama.
• Destruction of the old city in 1671, Casco Viejo was built as a walled city on a peninsula a few kilometers away from Panama Viejo to protect its settlers against future pirate attacks.

FOODS

• Holjaldras is a fried simple dough not sweet.
• Patacones are deep fried plantain discs
• Panamainians mostly eat seafood,chicken,beans,rice,and starches.

CUSTOMS

• Food customs at Ceremonial Occasions. Upper class families are likely to serve fresh seafood at weddings, baptisms, and other celebrations.
• Panamanians celebrate two independence days
• They celebrate the Catholic Holy Week

DO'S AND DONT'S

• Learn spanish
• Bring US bills
• Wear sun screen
• Never make fun of the Catholic religion

ACTIVITIES AND FUN

• Scuba diving
• Visit volcanoes and take rainforest tours

CULTURE

• Is a hybrid of African,native Panamainian,and European
• Dance is very popular in Panama
• Citizens eat lots of starches at celebrations

SURVIVAL PHRASES

• Always greet someone with Hola
• Always say adios
• Always ask how they are doing

WORK CITED

• About.com
• Travel.com
• Panama Tours.com
• One-on-one interview with an Individual from Panama