LET’S

LEARN
ABOUT
PANAMA
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT
PANAMA!

Central American country border

with Costa Rica and Colombia.
4.3 million population with a
quarter of a million foreigners.
two oceans
we conect North and South
America
 GEOGRAPHY OF PANAMA

Panama geography is marked by a combination of mountains, rivers, and pristine coastlines.

Panama has many rivers, contriuting to diversity, that make it diverse and interesting. There are also lots of
beaches and islands along the coast. The San Blas Islands are famous for their Indigenous culture, and the
Bocas del Toro archipelago is famous for its amazing sea creatures.
 PANAMA CANAL

The Panama Canal is a big waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It was built between 1904 and
1914 with the help of many people from di erent countries and cultures. The United States was in charge of the
project, and they got workers from the Caribbean and Europe to help. These workers had di erent backgrounds,
languages, and customs, but they worked together to build the canal. It was not easy, but they succeeded in the end,
and the Panama Canal became an important route for ships to travel between the two oceans.
INDIGENOUS CULTURES
The Guna people make beautiful
fabric panels called molas, the
Emberá and Wounaan make baskets
and woodcarvings, and the Ngäbe-
Buglé are known for their farming.
These Indigenous groups try to keep
their traditions and languages alive to
protect their way of life.
Protecting their rights and land is
important for preserving Panama’s
cultural heritage.
 PANAMA’S COLONIZATION

Panama’s colonization started in the early 16th century

when Spanish explorers arrived. They brought new things,
like seeds of plants and animals, which changed the land
and how people lived.
The Spanish also brought Christianity, building churches
and spreading their religion. This influenced the local
culture, blending Indigenous traditions with Spanish
customs. The Spanish language became dominant, mixing
with local languages over time.
Colonization brought challenges too, like conflicts with
Indigenous people. Despite di culties, the blending of
cultures shaped Panama’s identity, leaving a lasting
impact on its language, traditions, and way of life.
 PANAMANIAN FOOD
Panamanian cuisine is a diverse mix of
African, Indigenous, Spanish, and
Caribbean influences. It includes popular
dishes like gallo pinto, sancocho, ceviche,
and plantain-based dishes like patacones
and tajadas. Seafood is also an essential
part of the cuisine due to Panama’s
coastal location. Corn-based snacks like
hojaldres and tamales are also enjoyed
during special events. The food reflects
Panama’s cultural diversity and o ers a
flavorful culinary experience for locals and
tourists alike.
 FOLKLORE
Panamanian folklore is an exciting mix
of traditional beliefs, stories, and
customs passed down through
generations. It includes a diverse range
of tales and celebrations influenced by
Indigenous, African, and Spanish
heritage.
Festivals like Carnival and traditional
dances like the Tamborito reflect the
country’s cultural diversity and historical
roots. Folkloric characters like La
Tulivieja and Ñame are part of the local
tales.
 RELIGION
The predominant religion in Panama is
Roman Catholicism, with a significant
majority of the population identifying as
Catholic. However, there is religious
diversity in the country, with growing
communities of Protestant Christians.
Additionally, there are minority groups
practicing Judaism, Islam, and
Indigenous spiritual beliefs. Panama’s
religious landscape is characterized by
a blend of traditional and modern
beliefs, reflecting the multicultural and
tolerant nature of the society.
 FOLKLORE
Panama has a diverse musical culture that is
influenced by many di erent things. One of
the most popular types of music is called
“Tipico,” which is a traditional style with
accordion and drums that people usually
dance to.
Other types of music, like salsa and
merengue, are also popular in Panama. The
country has many famous musicians who
play di erent kinds of music. People in
Panama also celebrate cultural events with
drumming and dancing, which is called
Tamborito. All in all, Panama’s music scene
has a mix of old and new music that shows
how di erent cultures come together.
 CONCLUSION

Panama is a country that has a mix of di erent cultures like

Indigenous, African, Spanish, and Caribbean. This makes it a unique
and interesting place where people speak di erent languages,
listen to di erent types of music, and eat di erent types of food.
The people of Panama have created a harmonious blend of
di erent traditions that have resulted in a vibrant and inclusive
national identity. This blending of cultures is what makes Panama
a culturally rich and dynamic country.
Thanks!