Kuna Tribe
The Kuna are a Chibchan-speaking indigenous people who historically inhabited the central region of what is now Panama and the nearby San Blas Islands. Today, they continue to survive in more marginal areas of this region.
During the 16th century, the Kuna were a significant group, living in federated villages led by chiefs who wielded substantial power. They often engaged in warfare, both with each other and with neighboring tribes. Their agriculture relied heavily on slash-and-burn methods, and trade was robust, primarily conducted by canoe along the coastline. The Kuna had a complex social hierarchy, with captives commonly enslaved. Important chiefs were transported in hammocks, and upon death, their bodies were carefully preserved and buried in large graves along with their wives and attendants. The Kuna were skilled in metallurgy, and numerous gold ornaments have been discovered in their graves, alongside intricate ceramics and shell jewelry.
European contact largely dismantled the political system of the Kuna and altered their social and religious practices. Today, they reside in small villages, relying mainly on agriculture for sustenance, supplemented by fishing and hunting. Marriage within the tribe is matrilocal, meaning that the son-in-law lives with his wife’s family, and extended families often include several generations. The Kuna’s spiritual life is guided by shamans who heal the sick and engage in various forms of witchcraft. Historically, the sun and moon were worshiped as major deities, though the tribe’s mythology has been influenced by European beliefs over time. Interestingly, about 0.7% of the Kuna population is albino, and these individuals, known as “white Indians,” are not allowed to marry within the community.
Panama
Panama is a country in Central America, located on the Isthmus of Panama, a narrow strip of land that connects North and South America. The country also includes more than 1,600 islands off its Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Panama is internationally renowned for the Panama Canal, which cuts through its middle, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Panama is famous for its rich biodiversity, with a wide range of plant and animal species, and is home to vibrant cultural traditions, including music and art. It also serves as a vital international transport hub, thanks to the Panama Canal. The canal’s 51-mile (82-km) length makes it a crucial shortcut for global shipping. Since Panama regained control over the canal in 1999, it has solidified its place in global commerce.
Historically, Panama was home to several indigenous groups such as the Guaymí, Kuna, and Chocó. The area was a Spanish colony in the 16th century and became an important transshipment point for gold and silver during colonial times. It also played a key role during the California Gold Rush in the 19th century as a stopover for migrants heading to the goldfields.
Panama’s capital, Panama City, is located on the Pacific coast, near the canal. It is a cosmopolitan city with a mix of modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture. Despite its economic growth, Panama has faced periodic political and environmental challenges.
Geography of Panama
Panama’s land is bordered to the north by the Caribbean Sea and to the south by the Pacific Ocean. Its coastline along the Caribbean stretches approximately 800 miles (1,290 km), while its Pacific coastline spans about 1,060 miles (1,700 km). The country’s mountainous central spine divides the land into two slopes: one facing the Atlantic and the other facing the Pacific. The highest peak is Barú (Chiriquí), an inactive volcano that rises to 11,401 feet (3,475 meters).
The country also features lowland areas such as the plains in Panamá and Chiriquí provinces, as well as the valleys of the Chepo and Chucunaque rivers. Panama’s Pacific coastline is deeply indented, with numerous islands like the Perlas Archipelago, Taboga, and Coiba, while the Caribbean side has the Bocas del Toro and San Blas archipelagos.
Rivers and Soil
Panama’s rivers, which flow to both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, are relatively short. Important rivers include the Sixaola, Changuinola, and Chagres to the Caribbean, and the Chiriquí Viejo and Santa María to the Pacific. The Panama Canal receives its water from the Gatún and Alajuela lakes, which are rain-fed and supply water to the canal’s locks.
The soil in Panama is typically reddish to brown and clay-rich, varying in fertility. Fertile areas, like those along river valleys and coastal plains, support crops such as bananas. In poorer soil regions, a traditional form of shifting agriculture is practiced, where small plots are cleared, farmed for a few years, and then left to regenerate. Some areas are particularly fertile due to volcanic ash, making them suitable for agriculture.
Climate of Panama
The climate in Panama varies significantly between its Atlantic and Pacific sides, particularly in terms of rainfall amount and seasonal distribution. The Caribbean slopes of the Tabasará Mountains, which face the rain-bearing trade winds, experience about twice the rainfall of the Pacific slopes. The Caribbean coast receives between 60–140 inches (1,500–3,550 mm) of rain per year, while the more populated Pacific region averages 45–90 inches (1,140–2,290 mm). Rainfall on the Caribbean side is consistent throughout the year, whereas the Pacific side experiences more seasonal variation. For example, Chiriquí province has a distinct dry season from January to April, with March typically being the driest month. This rainfall pattern supports tropical rainforests on the Caribbean side, while savannas (tropical grasslands) are more common in the drier areas between the Tabasará Mountains and the Pacific coast. Near the Colombian border, both sides of the isthmus receive year-round rainfall.
Due to Panama’s tropical location, temperatures rarely drop below 78°F (26°C) in the coldest months. The country’s mountain slopes create three distinct climatic zones: a hot lowland zone, below 2,300 feet (700 meters), which covers nearly 90% of the country; a temperate zone, ranging from 2,300 to 4,900 feet (700 to 1,500 meters), which accounts for much of the remaining land; and a small cold zone, above 4,900 feet. These zones support different types of plant life and crops: cacao and bananas thrive in the hot lowlands, while coffee is grown in the temperate zone.
Plant and Animal Life
Despite its small size, Panama features a rich variety of landscapes and habitats, including tropical rainforests, savannas, montane forests, tidal mangrove forests, coral reefs, and beaches. The isthmus has historically served as a land bridge for species migrating between continents, resulting in a diverse mix of plant and animal life. Panama’s fauna includes sloths, anteaters, and armadillos from South America, as well as jaguars, tapirs, and deer from North America. The country also hosts several species of giant sea turtles, which nest on its beaches. Few regions have as many bird species, both resident and migratory.
Approximately one-sixth of Panama’s land area is designated as national parks and reserves, known for their lush rainforests and abundant wildlife. Key parks include the Darién National Park, added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1981, and La Amistad National Park, established in 1988 along with Costa Rica’s Talamanca Range. Other notable parks include Chagres, Portobelo, and Coiba.
People
Ethnic Groups
When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, Panama was inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Kuna, Guaymí, and Chocó. Over time, the population grew to include mestizos (those of mixed Spanish and Indigenous ancestry), as well as Africans who were brought as slaves during colonial times. Later, during the construction of the Panama Canal, the workforce expanded to include North Americans, French, Chinese, and West Indians, particularly from Barbados, Jamaica, and Martinique.
Indigenous groups in Panama today live mainly in rural areas, often in the rainforests and on rugged terrain. The largest group, the Guaymí, reside in the western provinces of Chiriquí, Bocas del Toro, and Veraguas, while the Kuna live in the San Blas Archipelago and along the nearby coast. The Chocó are found in the Darién province. Many of these indigenous people engage in subsistence farming, fishing, and hunting, while some Kuna have diversified into trading or other occupations. The Guaymí also work on banana plantations in western Panama.
Mestizos, who make up the largest population group, dominate the central and western provinces, especially around the Panama Canal. People of African descent are dispersed throughout Panama, including in the Chagres River basin, the Darién province, and the Caribbean lowlands. West Indians, who are a more recent addition, live mostly in Panama City and Bocas del Toro. Other significant minority groups include Chinese, East Indians, Middle Easterners, and a sizable Jewish community, which dates back to the arrival of Spanish and Portuguese Jews in the colonial period. Panama also had the first Jewish president in the Western Hemisphere, Eric Arturo Delvalle, in the 1980s.
Language
Spanish is the official language and is spoken by most Panamanians. While fewer than one-tenth of the population speaks indigenous languages, many of the indigenous groups preserve their native tongues, with Spanish as a second language. People of West Indian descent often speak English, which is also commonly taught in schools.
Religion
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, practiced by about three-fourths of the population. Protestantism, particularly Pentecostalism, has seen rapid growth, especially among African and West Indian communities. Some Panamanians practice Santería, a syncretic religion combining Catholicism and West African beliefs. Panama’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship, and the Jewish community, with three synagogues, is an important part of the religious landscape.
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing
Panama’s agriculture includes both subsistence farming and large commercial operations. Many small farmers gained land after the establishment of a land tenure system in 1962, but by the late 20th century, fewer than one-third of all farms were owned by the farmers working them. Common agricultural products include sugarcane, bananas, rice, plantains, corn, and oranges. The country has also increased its commercial cultivation of these crops over the years.
Livestock farming is an important economic activity, with cattle, pigs, and poultry being raised for both domestic consumption and export. The southwestern provinces of Chiriquí, Los Santos, and Veraguas are particularly known for cattle farming, while pork production is concentrated in Panamá, Los Santos, Chiriquí, and Veraguas. Poultry and egg production are centered in Panamá, Coclé, and Colón.
Despite Panama’s abundant forests, little of its native timber is used for industrial purposes. However, some woods, such as mahogany and tropical cedar, are used in domestic sawmills, and some logs are exported. Large areas of rainforests have been cleared for cattle ranching.
Fishing, particularly shrimp and lobster, has become a major industry. Panama is one of the leading exporters of shrimp, with thousands of tons caught annually. Fish, especially anchovies and herring, are primarily harvested from the shallow waters of the Gulf of Panama, while lobsters are caught off the Atlantic side in Bocas del Toro and San Blas. Aquaculture has also grown rapidly in Panama, further boosting its fishing industry.
Resources and Power
Panama has notable mineral resources, including clay, limestone, and salt, while gold, ferrous sand, and manganese are mined on a smaller scale. There are significant yet underutilized copper deposits, particularly in Chiriquí province, and smaller reserves of bauxite, phosphates, and coal. Additionally, various construction materials, such as stone and gravel, have been minimally exploited. Offshore petroleum reserves have been identified along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Historically, electricity was distributed by the state-run Institute of Hydraulic Resources and Electrification until privatization in 1998. Much of Panama’s power is generated from hydroelectric plants, with key plants at La Yeguada (1975), Chepo River (1976), and La Fortuna (1984), the largest in the country.
Manufacturing
Panama’s industrial development accelerated after World War II, driven by its strategic location as a trade crossroads. Leading industries include food processing (particularly fish, sugar, bananas, and cacao), oil refining (near Colón), and the production of natural gas and electricity. Other significant products include clothing, shoes, leather goods, alcoholic beverages, paper, chemicals, cement, and tobacco products. Panama City, Colón Free Zone, Colón, and David are the main industrial hubs.
Finance, Trade, and Services
Panama’s economy is heavily reliant on finance and trade. The Panamanian government began promoting offshore banking in 1970, offering tax exemptions for international transactions. This policy attracted foreign capital, making Panama Latin America’s largest financial center by the 1980s. Several Latin American, North American, and European banks operate in Panama City, which also houses branches in the provinces.
The National Bank of Panama, established in 1970, oversees the banking system, which was reformed in 1998 to combat money laundering. Panama uses the balboa, which is pegged to the U.S. dollar, and U.S. currency is widely circulated. The Stock Exchange of Panama, founded in 1960, is the primary stock market.
Panama imports machinery, fossil fuels, transportation equipment, and chemicals, primarily from the United States, China, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Its exports include food products like bananas, shrimp, and coffee, with the U.S. being the largest importer. Other significant markets are Germany, Costa Rica, China, Taiwan, and the Netherlands.
Government and Society
Panama operates under a representative democracy with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Universal suffrage was introduced in 1907, and Panamanians aged 18 and older can vote. After a 1968 coup led by the National Guard, General Omar Torrijos took control, leading to the 1972 constitution, which granted him significant power. However, the country gradually transitioned to democracy, culminating in the 1990 ousting of his successor, General Manuel Noriega.
The executive branch is led by a president, elected for a nonrenewable five-year term, and two vice presidents. The National Assembly, consisting of 71 members, is responsible for legislation, approving the budget, and international treaties. After the 2014 election, one-fifth of the assembly seats were held by women.
Panama is divided into 10 provinces and three indigenous comarcas. The comarcas are governed by tribal leaders but often face disputes regarding their autonomy. The judicial system is headed by the Supreme Court, whose nine members are appointed for 10-year terms.
Security
Historically, Panama’s military and police forces were intertwined. The Panama Defense Force (PDF) was disbanded after U.S. intervention in 1989, and now, the national police are under civilian control. The Public Force (PF) handles national defense with limited combat capabilities, including air and naval units. Despite concerns about border security, particularly with Colombia, the country still faces challenges in controlling its frontiers.
Health and Welfare
Public healthcare in Panama is supplemented by regional health centers and mobile medical units. The social security system, funded by employer and employee contributions, offers pensions and medical benefits. Most workers are protected by a minimum wage law, and they also receive an annual bonus, the “13th month.”
Housing
Panamanian housing varies widely depending on socioeconomic status. In Panama City, high-rise condos contrast with slums and squatter settlements. However, many squatter settlements have improved with access to public utilities and better building materials. The Ministry of Housing provides grants and building materials to low-income families, including indigenous groups, and promotes mortgages for the middle class.
Education
Education is compulsory and free for children aged 6 to 15, although a third of the adult population has not completed primary school. Over 90% of the adult population is literate. Panama City hosts several higher education institutions, including the University of Panamá (1935) and Santa María la Antigua Catholic University (1965), among others. Foreign universities also operate in Panama.
Cultural Life
Panama’s culture is a blend of African, American Indian, North American, and Spanish influences, reflected in its music, arts, crafts, festivals, and cuisine. Panama is known for its vibrant music scene and numerous festivals. Traditional cultures, particularly those of the indigenous peoples, remain well-preserved. The Kuna people, for example, are known for their intricate molas, and the Guaymí people for their netted carrying bags. Panama City’s Historic District, with 17th-century colonial architecture, was designated a World Heritage site in 1997, along with the coastal fortifications of Portobelo and San Lorenzo.
Daily Life and Social Customs
Panama’s culture is a fusion of influences from South and Central America, the Caribbean, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. U.S. influence is strong in urban centers, where English is commonly spoken, and residents consume imported goods. In contrast, rural areas still follow traditional lifestyles. The country has a cosmopolitan urban culture, particularly near the Panama Canal, and a more Hispanic tradition in the savanna regions, with a focus on cattle ranching and horsemanship.
Panamanian Cuisine
Panamanian cuisine is a vibrant mix of influences from Colombia, the Caribbean, and the U.S., reflecting the country’s diverse cultural heritage. Rice, beans, and corn are essential staples, with seafood and tropical fruits and vegetables featuring prominently. National favorites include arroz con pollo (chicken with rice) and sancocho (chicken stew). Many dishes are flavored with chiles and culantro, a herb similar to cilantro. Panamanian versions of Latin American dishes such as seviche, tamales, and empanadas are also common. Locally brewed beers and rum are popular alcoholic beverages, while U.S. soft drink brands dominate the market.
Entertainment
Panama’s entertainment scene is shaped by its multicultural heritage, with Caribbean rhythms and North American rock music being more popular than traditional Hispanic tunes. Mexican and Venezuelan soap operas, or telenovelas, compete alongside American television productions for viewers’ attention.
The Arts
Panama’s indigenous art forms, particularly the oral traditions of the Kuna people, have been well-documented by folklorists and anthropologists, producing one of the most extensive collections of Native American literature. Before Panama’s independence in 1903, most artistic works were influenced by European or religious themes. Since then, there has been a growing sense of national identity in the arts, with writers like Gaspar Octavio Hernández, Ricardo Miró, and Gloria Guardia gaining recognition. Panamanian artists have also earned international acclaim, and Panama’s cities regularly host musical, theatrical, and artistic performances from around the world.
Music in Panama is a lively blend of diverse styles, including salsa, Cuban son, Colombian cumbia, Argentine tango, and Caribbean ska, reggae, and soca. Instruments such as drums, castanets, bells, mejoranas (five-stringed guitars), and flutes are commonly used. One of Panama’s most famous musicians is salsa singer and actor Rubén Blades, who also ran for president in 1994. The national dance, tamborito (“little drum”), features couples dancing to rhythmic drumbeats.
Cultural Institutions
Panama is home to a variety of cultural institutions, including the Panamanian Art Institute (Panarte), the National Institute of Music, the National School of Music, the National School of Plastic Art, the National School of Dance, and the National School of Theatre. Other important organizations include the National Commission on Archaeology and Historic Monuments, the National Museum of Panama, and the Panamanian Academy of History. The National Institute of Culture organizes events ranging from concerts to art exhibitions.
Sports and Recreation
Panama’s sports culture is deeply influenced by the U.S., with basketball being especially popular. Regional teams exist, along with a national team that competes internationally. Baseball is also widely played, and many Panamanians have excelled in professional U.S. leagues, including legendary players like Rod Carew and Mariano Rivera. Notable Panamanian boxers include Roberto Durán, who won world titles in four different weight classes, and Eusebio Pedroza, the featherweight champion from 1978 to 1985. Other popular sports include horse racing, cycling, and tennis. Lloyd LaBeach, a Panamanian sprinter, won two bronze medals at the 1948 Olympics.
Panama boasts numerous stunning beaches, with popular spots for snorkeling and scuba diving, especially around the Perlas and Coiba islands, as well as in the Panama Canal, where wrecked boats and construction debris are part of the underwater landscape. Surfers flock to Santa Catalina Beach, while deep-sea anglers visit Piña Bay, known for record catches. Bird-watching is also a popular activity in Panama’s national parks.
The Panamanian government promotes tourism while encouraging the preservation of traditional holidays, folk music, and dances. Panama is renowned for its festive spirit, especially during its pre-Lenten Carnival, marked by dancing, music, and revelry. Semana Santa (Holy Week) festivals are celebrated throughout the country, with notable events in Villa de los Santos. In Portobelo, a town on the Caribbean coast, the predominantly Afro-European community observes the Cristo Negro (Black Christ) festival. The town of Guararé hosts the Mejorana festival, celebrating Panama’s rural heritage.