Overview
Country Overview
Panama borders Colombia, Costa Rica, the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. The two oceans are linked by the man-made Panama Canal, cut into a gap between the Cordillera de Talamanca and the San Blas mountain range and stretching for over 65km (40 miles).
Panama City, the capital, is a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. In the old part of the city with its narrow, cobblestoned streets, most of the interesting sights are to be found. These include the Plaza de Francia and the President's Palace, the most impressive building in the city. The Panama Canal to the west of the city itself naturally attracts many visitors. An average transit takes eight hours to complete.
Colón is the second-biggest city. Visitors should see the cathedral and the statues on the promenade known as the Paseo Centenario.
Local dishes include ceviche (fish marinated in lime juice, onions and peppers) and palacones de plátano (fried plantain).
Panama City in particular has a wide range of nightlife from nightclubs and casinos to folk ballet, belly dancing and classical theatre.
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