Did You Know?

Some of what you read below may surprise you, while some of it may further open your eyes to why Panama is such a great destination for retirement, second home living and investment...

• Panamanians have contributed enormously to sports, particularly baseball, basketball and boxing.  Panama Al Brown, one of the country’s many world boxing champions, was also the first Hispanic world champion in history.

• Unlike Florida, residential properties are safe from natural disasters in Panama.  It is in a special climate that is virtually safe-proof from hurricanes and major tremors.

• Panama is a shopper’s paradise.  The Panama Canal has brought in the world’s most famous and desired brand names to its residents. Plus, shoppers benefit from the Free Zone - the world’s second largest free zone and duty free shopping area. With more than 1400 companies established in this place, it is also the first free zone of the western hemisphere.

• The Panama Canal, or the “Crossroads of the World” as it is known, is the eighth wonder of the world.  About 20,000 people died between 1880 and 1900 when the French first attempted to build the canal.  Their attempts failed miserably.  The Americans tried their hand at it in 1903, investing $352 million into the Canal and successfully completing the inter-oceanic project in 1914.  This August marked the 92^nd year the Panama Canal has been in operation.

• Because of the geography and contour of the country, Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic.

• Panama is home to seven indigenous tribes who together represent 8.3 per cent of the national population.

• Panama has hosted the television show Survivor more times than any other country in the world (four appearances).

• Panama is home to the oldest Catholic diocese in the Americas, with roots dating back to the 1500s.

• Panama’s narrow geographic position is bursting with biodiversity.  Its rainforests and national parks make up 5 million acres.  In fact, Panama has close to 1,000 different bird species, more than the U.S. and Canada combined.

• Panama has 1,518 islands located in their territory - 1,023 in the Caribbean and 495 in the Pacific.

• Panama is known as a world class destination for fishing, diving, snorkeling and sailing.  Piñas Bay holds 170 world fishing records.  As well, there are five world-class diving areas including historical diving around the Panama Canal.