LARM Panama
Panama: "Bridge of the World, Heart of the Universe" is a lot more than just a canal. Panama is considered the international business center of the world and also the largest per capita consumer in Central America. It is becoming the world's tourism hub day by day because of its growing infrastructure. With many popular tourist destinations such as the Panama Canal, Panama City, Bocas Del Toro, Contadora Island, San Blas, Chiriquí High Lands, Coiba Island, El Valle de Anton, and Portbello Fortress, Panama is one of the fastest growing countries in the world.
- Geography
- Political
- Economy
- Social
- Phone Numbers
- Schools
- Immigration
- Housing
- More Information
Capital: Panama City
Area: Approximately 77,082 square kilometers
Population: 3,360,474 as of July 2009
Industry: Copper, Shrimp
LOCATION
CLIMATE
Due to its close location near the equator, Panama possesses a tropical climate. Panama has 2 seasons; summer or dry season and winter or rainy season. Summer is from January to mid April with temperatures between 80 and 90 Fahrenheit (25-30 Celsius) and a high humidity level. The winter is from mid April until December.
GOVERNMENT
Panama is a representative democracy with 3 branches of government; the executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches. The executive branch has a president and a vice president who serve 5 year terms. The legislative branch is composed of a 72 member assembly. The Judicial branch is composed of 9 Supreme Court members, and includes all tribunal and municipal courts. The Electoral Tribune oversees all voter registration, the election process, and activities of political parties. Residents of Panama over the age of 18 are required to vote and those who do not are subject to being penalized.
Panama is a representative democracy with 3 branches of government; the executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches. The executive branch has a president and a vice president who serve 5 year terms. The legislative branch is composed of a 72 member assembly. The Judicial branch is composed of 9 Supreme Court members, and includes all tribunal and municipal courts. The Electoral Tribune oversees all voter registration, the election process, and activities of political parties. Residents of Panama over the age of 18 are required to vote and those who do not are subject to being penalized.
The Balboa is the official currency, equivalent to the American Dollar. American bills and coins are commonly used, although there are Balboa coins (fifty, twenty-five, ten, five and a cent) with same size as American coins. Panama doesn't issue the Balboa. Most commonly used credit cards are Visa, Master Card and American Express.
BANKS
Some of the major banks in Panama are, BAC Panamá, BBVA, Banco General, HSBC, Bank (Panamá), Banco Nacional, Scotiabank, Citibank, Global Bank.
LANGUAGES
Spanish is Panama's official language; English is spoken in main tourist and business centers.
RELIGION
The Catholic religion is predominant religion in Panama; however, other religions and credos are also present.
SHOPPING
Ever since Balboa discovered the Pacific, Panama has become a commercial emporium. It is the world's trade pass between the Atlantic and Pacific. From the Avenida Central, Via España, Los Pueblos, Multicentro, and new and modern Malls in construction, Panama has excellent shopping alternatives. Duty free areas are available in Colon, the port, Tocumen Airport and cruise ports as well as others.
CULTURE
Besides its worldly famous Canal, Panama has other cultural attractions such as several museums, theatres and art galleries to be enjoyed by locals and tourists. There are tours to the Canal areas, museums, Old City, Panama La Vieja, Mi Pueblito, as well as to Panama inland and indigenous villages.
RESTAURANTS
The typical Panamanian food is deliciously varied. You may choose from the traditional sancocho (parboiled) to the carimanolas, tamales, rice with chicken, beef, and patacones. You can also find American vegetables and fruits, as well as international cuisine. Panama City offers a wide selection of restaurants that satisfy all tastes and budgets.
Spanish is Panama's official language; English is spoken in main tourist and business centers.
RELIGION
The Catholic religion is predominant religion in Panama; however, other religions and credos are also present.
SHOPPING
Ever since Balboa discovered the Pacific, Panama has become a commercial emporium. It is the world's trade pass between the Atlantic and Pacific. From the Avenida Central, Via España, Los Pueblos, Multicentro, and new and modern Malls in construction, Panama has excellent shopping alternatives. Duty free areas are available in Colon, the port, Tocumen Airport and cruise ports as well as others.
CULTURE
Besides its worldly famous Canal, Panama has other cultural attractions such as several museums, theatres and art galleries to be enjoyed by locals and tourists. There are tours to the Canal areas, museums, Old City, Panama La Vieja, Mi Pueblito, as well as to Panama inland and indigenous villages.
The typical Panamanian food is deliciously varied. You may choose from the traditional sancocho (parboiled) to the carimanolas, tamales, rice with chicken, beef, and patacones. You can also find American vegetables and fruits, as well as international cuisine. Panama City offers a wide selection of restaurants that satisfy all tastes and budgets.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Police: 104 Police Department
Car Accidents: 232-6845
Fire: 103
Ambulance: Cruz Roja (Red Cross): 228-2187, Alerta: 263-4522
Telephone Operator: 106
Directory Enquiries: 102
Police: 104 Police Department
Car Accidents: 232-6845
Fire: 103
Ambulance: Cruz Roja (Red Cross): 228-2187, Alerta: 263-4522
Telephone Operator: 106
Directory Enquiries: 102
SCHOOLS
In Panama more than 80% of the population is literate. Although attending school is mandatory between the ages of 7-15, some people may choose to drop out after 6 grades of primary school are completed. Public schooling is free for all children but private schooling is also available in Panama City.
Two of the main universities in Panama are the University of Panama, which is a state institution and has 6 campuses, and the University of Santa Maria La Antigua, a catholic university. Education is available in English, French, Italian, and Mandarin. There are also several bilingual schools (Spanish/English.
In Panama more than 80% of the population is literate. Although attending school is mandatory between the ages of 7-15, some people may choose to drop out after 6 grades of primary school are completed. Public schooling is free for all children but private schooling is also available in Panama City.
Two of the main universities in Panama are the University of Panama, which is a state institution and has 6 campuses, and the University of Santa Maria La Antigua, a catholic university. Education is available in English, French, Italian, and Mandarin. There are also several bilingual schools (Spanish/English.
IMMIGRATION PROCESS
The general procedure is as follows: The person comes to Panama. Once here, he applies for the work permit at the Ministry of Labor. With a copy of the application sealed from the Ministry of Labor, he applies for the Visa at the Immigration office. A Provisional Permit is granted for up to three months while the authorities perform an investigation. Once the Ministry of Labor issues a resolution granting the work permit, this resolution is presented to the Immigration office, which will then issue the temporary visa for one year. Please note that all documents coming from abroad must be authenticated before the Panamanian consul in its country of origin. If the person comes as a Technician or Expert, authenticated copies of the Diplomas are needed.
Information needed: length of stay, type of work, whether dependents are coming into the country, whether the person is coming to do work at the Free Zone (Colon) or as an investor.
Some requirements for a Visa are:
1. Power of Attorney granted to a Panamanian law firm or individual lawyer.
2. Good health certificate dated no more than three months.
3. HIV test dated no more than six months.
4. Passport and copy of passport with a least 6 months validity.
5. Four passport photos.
6. Bank reference from a bank located of the employer company or the Executive;
7. Certificate issued from our IRS equivalent that no taxes are due (Paz y Salvo de Ingresos).
8. A certificate stating that the employer company is not Panamanian, or a Certificate issued by the Panamanian Public Registry expressing that the employer company is registered in Panama as a Foreign Company;
9. Police record from country of origin or residence;
10. Name of the parents;
11. Letter from the local company describing the work and salary
The general procedure is as follows: The person comes to Panama. Once here, he applies for the work permit at the Ministry of Labor. With a copy of the application sealed from the Ministry of Labor, he applies for the Visa at the Immigration office. A Provisional Permit is granted for up to three months while the authorities perform an investigation. Once the Ministry of Labor issues a resolution granting the work permit, this resolution is presented to the Immigration office, which will then issue the temporary visa for one year. Please note that all documents coming from abroad must be authenticated before the Panamanian consul in its country of origin. If the person comes as a Technician or Expert, authenticated copies of the Diplomas are needed.
Information needed: length of stay, type of work, whether dependents are coming into the country, whether the person is coming to do work at the Free Zone (Colon) or as an investor.
Some requirements for a Visa are:
1. Power of Attorney granted to a Panamanian law firm or individual lawyer.
2. Good health certificate dated no more than three months.
3. HIV test dated no more than six months.
4. Passport and copy of passport with a least 6 months validity.
5. Four passport photos.
6. Bank reference from a bank located of the employer company or the Executive;
7. Certificate issued from our IRS equivalent that no taxes are due (Paz y Salvo de Ingresos).
8. A certificate stating that the employer company is not Panamanian, or a Certificate issued by the Panamanian Public Registry expressing that the employer company is registered in Panama as a Foreign Company;
9. Police record from country of origin or residence;
10. Name of the parents;
11. Letter from the local company describing the work and salary
Important Immigration Links:
- American Consulate: http://panama.usembassy.gov
- American Chamber of Commerce: http://www.panamcham.com
- Police: www.policia.gob.pa
HOUSING
The monthly housing cost in Panama can range anywhere from $1,200 (USD) for a two bedroom apartment to $6,000 (USD) for a 5 bedroom house.
The monthly housing cost in Panama can range anywhere from $1,200 (USD) for a two bedroom apartment to $6,000 (USD) for a 5 bedroom house.
HOLIDAYS
January 1: New Year's Day
January 9: Martyrs' Day (Panama)
Carnival's Tuesday: The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Holy Friday: Friday of Roman Catholic Holy Week - Death of Christ
May 1: Labor Day
November 3: Separation Day (from Colombia)
November 5: Colon Day
November 10: "Primer Grito de Independencia de la Villa de los Santos" (The uprising in the Villa de los Santos against Spain)
November 28: Independence Day (from Spain)
December 8: Mothers' Day
December 25: Christmas
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Voltage: In Panama we use 110v-ac
Plugs: Standard American Plugs
January 1: New Year's Day
January 9: Martyrs' Day (Panama)
Carnival's Tuesday: The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Holy Friday: Friday of Roman Catholic Holy Week - Death of Christ
May 1: Labor Day
November 3: Separation Day (from Colombia)
November 5: Colon Day
November 10: "Primer Grito de Independencia de la Villa de los Santos" (The uprising in the Villa de los Santos against Spain)
November 28: Independence Day (from Spain)
December 8: Mothers' Day
December 25: Christmas
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Voltage: In Panama we use 110v-ac
Plugs: Standard American Plugs
