Central America is a cocktail of different countries, cultures and climates. Every corner of this area offers something different from its neighbor. However, one prominent feature of Central America as a whole stands out: the exclusion of one country from a sea-related geographic phenomenon. While many might expect Belize, Honduras or Nicaragua to be part of the Caribbean Sea, Panama is the only country in the region that does not touch the Caribbean Sea.
Panama is the bridge between Central and South America, and the only country in the region that is not connected to both the Pacific and the Caribbean coastlines. Panama is the only country in Central America to completely avoid contact with the Caribbean. The main reason behind this is its positioning. Panama is bordered by Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east, allowing it to complete the main land mass of Central America. Panama also supports the Pan-American Highway.
In terms of location, Panama is closer to the Pacific Ocean than the Caribbean Sea. Located to the west of the Central American isthmus, the country is buffered on both sides by Costa Rica and Colombia. Panama’s east side is bordered by the Caribbean Sea, though it does not connect to it owing to its geography. The country only touches the Pacific Ocean on its west side. This separation from the Caribbean gives Panama a unique atmosphere and identity compared to the rest of Central America.
This does not mean, however, that Panama’s coasts are not important to maritime trade. On the contrary, the country’s location puts it in the prime position to benefit from trade between the two oceans. Its coastlines offer a key shortcut between ships moving between the Americas, and the main canal of Panama City – the Panama Canal – is perhaps one of the most important ports in the world.
The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel that connects the world’s two largest oceans, one to the south and one to the north. This waterway allows large ships to transit between the oceans in a fraction of the time it would take to navigate both oceans separately. Aside from shortening distances and time, the traffic through the Panama Canal saves money in fuel and port charges. Not only does Panama benefit from the trade that passes through its canal, but the whole world benefits from reduced shipping times and costs.
The presence of the Panama Canal also offers important benefits for tourism and economy. The influx of tourists drawn to the canal and its surrounding sites, combined with the money being pumped into the local economy, has made Panama a bustling and vibrant hub in the Americas. This influx of cash and visitors has in turn led to the growth of many other industries throughout the country, from hospitality and real estate, to banking and finance.
Aside from the trade and tourism industries, Panama is also developing its reputation as a retirement destination. With both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts to choose from, the country is becoming increasingly popular with those looking for a retirement home in the Americas. And it is not hard to see why. With the stability, infrastructure, and easy access to the US, Panama is becoming an attractive destination for those looking to spend their golden years in a different part of the world.
Flora and Fauna
With such a location, Panama offers a great variety of tropical flora and fauna. It is home to vast areas of woodlands, wetlands, mangroves and dry forests. You can find some of the most beautiful and rare species of plants, birds and animals, many of which are endangered or near extinction. The vast number of species makes Panama a great destination for eco-tourism, and a haven for those looking to explore the wonders of nature.
Climate
In terms of climate, Panama is surprisingly diverse. While some parts of the country experience tropical climates, there are also regions where the climate is much cooler. This is thanks to the elevation of certain areas, particularly the highlands near Costa Rica. For those looking to experience different climates in Central America, Panama is the perfect destination.
Culture
Last but not least, the culture of Panama is a mix between Latin American and Caribbean heritage. With influences from all over the world, including African and Spanish, there is a great variety of customs, traditions and foods. Moreover, the majority of people speak Spanish, making it easy for visitors to get around and enjoy the country.
Cuisine
When it comes to food, you can bet Panama won’t disappoint. From the seafood found in the Caribbean to the Latin American staples, there is a great variety of dishes to try throughout the country. For those looking to enjoy some culinary variety, Panama is the ideal destination.
