Panama City Map

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Description:

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Description:

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Panama City is the capital and largest city of Panama, located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. With a population of approximately 2.1 million people in its metropolitan area (2023), it serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural center. The city was founded on August 15, 1519, by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila, making it the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas.

The city's economy is primarily service-based, dominated by banking, commerce, and tourism. The Panama Canal, one of the most significant maritime trade routes in the world, contributes substantially to the city's economy. The Panama Canal Administration Building stands as a symbol of this crucial waterway's importance. The city also hosts the largest financial center in Central America, with numerous international banks maintaining regional headquarters here.

Notable historical sites include Panama Viejo (Old Panama), the ruins of the original city founded in 1519, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Casco Viejo (Old Quarter), another UNESCO World Heritage site, features Spanish colonial architecture, churches, and plazas dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Modern attractions include the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo, the Metropolitan Natural Park, and the Amador Causeway, which connects the mainland to four small islands.

The climate is tropical with two distinct seasons: a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. Average temperatures remain consistently high throughout the year, typically ranging between 75°F and 90°F (24°C-32°C).

Panama City's skyline is characterized by numerous high-rise buildings, earning it the nickname "the Dubai of Latin America." The city continues to experience significant urban development, with major infrastructure projects including Central America's first metro system, inaugurated in 2014. The Tocumen International Airport, often called the "Hub of the Americas," serves as a major connection point for flights throughout the Americas. Despite its modern development, the city faces challenges related to income inequality, traffic congestion, and environmental concerns. The city's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and tax advantages have made it an attractive destination for international businesses and investors, contributing to its position as one of Central America's most important metropolitan areas.

The Facts:
Province: Panama.
District: Panama.
Population: ~ 1,086,990 (2023).
Metropolitan population: ~ 2,100,189.

Main sights: Casco Antiguo de Panamá, Old Panama Cathedral, Las Bóvedas, National Theatre of Panama, Interoceanic Canal Museum, Heron's Palace, Miraflores Visitors Center, Amador Causeway, Plaza de la Independencia, Panama skycrapers.

Neighborhoods of Panama City: San Felipe, Santa Ana, El Chorrillo, Calidonia, Curundú, Ancón, Bella Vista, Bethania, San Francisco, Juan Diaz, Pueblo Nuevo, Parque Lefevre, Río Abajo.