National Flag of Panama

According to aceinland, the national flag of Panama is a vibrant symbol of the country’s history and culture. The design features a white star on a blue background with two horizontal red stripes. The blue background represents the ocean that binds Panama to the world, while the white star stands for purity and honesty. The two red stripes represent courage and patriotism, and they are also said to represent the nation’s fight for independence from Colombia in 1903.

The flag was adopted in 1925, after Panama gained its independence from Colombia. Since then, it has been an important national symbol. During athletic competitions such as the Pan American Games, athletes often proudly hold up their country’s flag as a sign of pride in their nation. It is also commonly seen during Independence Day celebrations throughout the country each November 3rd.

The colors on the flag are said to have come from the Panamanian coat of arms which was adopted at around the same time as the national flag. On this coat of arms is an eagle with wings spread wide, perched atop a golden sphere with two crossed flags beneath it. These flags are said to be symbolic for Panama’s connection between North and South America, while also representing its ties to Spain (the former colonizer).

The Overall, design of the Panamanian flag is quite simple yet powerful in its symbolism. It reflects both Panama’s struggle for freedom and its commitment to peace and unity among all nations in Latin America and beyond. It is truly an inspiring symbol that brings hope and pride to all those who call this beautiful country home!

Presidents of Panama

The presidents of Panama have played an integral role in the country’s history and development. Since the country declared its independence from Spain in 1821, there have been a total of 23 presidents. Each president has helped shape the nation’s politics and economy while also improving its international relations.

The first president of Panama was Belisario Porras Barahona, who served from 1903 to 1908. He was a major advocate for Panamanian independence and is credited with leading the nation to its first free elections. During his tenure, he also established diplomatic ties with the United States and worked to modernize Panama’s economy through infrastructure improvements and foreign investment.

In 1941, Arnulfo Arias Madrid became president after winning a highly contested election against his rival, Harmodio Arias Madrid. During this time, he implemented various reforms such as increased public transportation and improved public services in rural areas. He also worked to improve Panama’s international relations by strengthening ties with other Latin American countries.

In 1968, Omar Torrijos Herrera became president after orchestrating a military coup that overthrew President Arnulfo Arias Madrid. During his tenure, he worked to strengthen relations with Cuba and other socialist countries, while also improving the country’s infrastructure and public services. He was also responsible for negotiating the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977, which transferred control of the canal from the United States to Panama.

In 1989, Guillermo Endara Galimany became president after winning a highly contested election against Manuel Noriega. During his term, he worked to improve Panama’s international relations by strengthening ties with the United States and other countries in Latin America. He also implemented various economic reforms such as privatization of state-owned companies and foreign investment incentives.

Today, Panama is led by President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen who took office in 2019. He has been focused on improving the country’s infrastructure and public services while also promoting economic growth through foreign investment incentives. He has also worked to strengthen international relations with other Latin American countries while also engaging in dialogue with the United States and Europe regarding trade agreements and security issues.

Prime Ministers of Panama

The prime ministers of Panama have been a key part of the country’s history since its independence in 1903. The first prime minister was Manuel Amador Guerrero, who served from 1903 to 1908. He was instrumental in the fight for Panamanian independence and is credited with leading the nation to its first free elections. During his tenure, he also established diplomatic ties with the United States and worked to modernize Panama’s economy through infrastructure improvements and foreign investment.

In 1908, Belisario Porras Barahona became prime minister after winning a highly contested election against his rival, Harmodio Arias Madrid. During this time, he implemented various reforms such as increased public transportation and improved public services in rural areas. He also worked to improve Panama’s international relations by strengthening ties with other Latin American countries.

In 1910, José Domingo de Obaldia became prime minister after orchestrating a military coup that overthrew President Belisario Porras Barahona. During his tenure, he worked to strengthen relations with Cuba and other socialist countries, while also improving the country’s infrastructure and public services. He was also responsible for negotiating the Panama Canal Treaty of 1912, which transferred control of the canal from the United States to Panama.

In 1939, Ricardo Adolfo de la Guardia Arango became prime minister after winning a highly contested election against Manuel Noriega. During his term, he worked to improve Panama’s international relations by strengthening ties with the United States and other countries in Latin America. He also implemented various economic reforms such as privatization of state-owned companies and foreign investment incentives.

In 1949, José Antonio Remón Cantera became president after winning a highly contested election against Arnulfo Arias Madrid. During his tenure as prime minister he focused on furthering economic growth through initiatives such as developing tourism infrastructure and encouraging foreign investment in agriculture and industry sectors of Panama’s economy. In addition, Remón Cantera sought to strengthen ties between Central American nations while engaging in dialogue with Washington regarding trade agreements and security issues during this period as well.

Finally, in 1964 Arnulfo Arias Madrid returned as president following another controversial election victory over Harmodio Arias Madrid’s candidate Roberto Fábrega Palacios-Barría. While president he appointed Gabriel Lewis Galindo as Prime Minister who served until 1968 when Omar Torrijos Herrera took power via a military coup d’état. This marked an end to civilian rule by elected officials until 1989 when Guillermo Endara Galimany won another contentious election against Manuel Noriega. Endara Galimany would serve two terms until 1999 when Mireya Moscoso succeeded him. Since then there have been four more presidents including current President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen who took office in 2019.

Below you will find practical information related to travel to Panama

• Language: Spanish
• Capital: Panama City
• Residents: 3, 7 mill.
• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Currency: Balboa (PAB)
• Surface: 75,400 km2

Worth knowing

Time difference

The time difference between Sweden and Panama depends on whether it is summer or winter time in Sweden.

Summer time: – 7 hours
Winter time: – 6 hours

Tip

In Panama, bars, cafes, nightclubs and hotel restaurants often add a 10-15 percent service charge to the bill. The supplement is stated in the note. In addition to the supplement, it is also customary for the waiter / waitress to receive an additional 5-10 percent in tips. If the bill does not contain a service surcharge, you can leave 10-15 percent of the total amount in tips. The drinking system is part of Panama’s culture and should therefore be respected. For the sake of safety, we would like to emphasize that it is of course highly voluntary to leave tips.

Transport

Bus The
buses in Panama do not quite meet the same standard as in Europe, but we use those that are in good condition and are equipped with air conditioning.

Flights
When traveling with Albatross, we usually travel the longer distances in Central America with domestic flights. The Swedish tour guide informs the tour participants about all practicalities at check-in at the airport and flight time.

Price level

It is relatively cheap to eat at a restaurant in Panama. A meal (both lunch and dinner) costs around SEK 120. Including drinks, you can therefore do well at less than SEK 350 per day. Souvenirs and crafts are available in all price ranges and much is quite cheap.

Currency and credit cards

Panama’s currency is called Balboa (PAB). US dollars are often used as a means of payment, so feel free to bring them. You usually get the exchange back in local currency, which means that you do not necessarily have to exchange money. You can not switch to balboa in Sweden.

If you bring US dollars with you from home, be careful not to bring denominations larger than 20-dollar bills, as 50- and 100-dollar bills are often prone to counterfeiting.

Larger shops, restaurants and hotels accept VISA cards and you can also withdraw money with them at ATMs. MasterCard and American Express can also be used but are not as viable as Visa.

Electricity

In Panama, the following power sources are used: 120 volts AC, 60Hz. In Panama, flat blade connectors are used, just like in the US, so feel free to bring an adapter.

Telephone and internet

According to Allcitycodes, Panama’s international country code is +507. It is expensive to call home from Panama, so you may inquire with your mobile operator about coverage and call prices. Most hotels have internet service and the connection is usually very good.

Drinking water and hygiene

In Panama, hygienic conditions do not reach the same level as in Western Europe. However, hotels and larger restaurants have modern / western toilet facilities. In public toilets or in rural areas, the standard can be more primitive without toilet paper and the like. Bring your own toilet paper or a package of wet wipes and possibly. hand disinfection (available at Swedish pharmacies, among other places). Then you can do without water if there is no such thing. In Panama City and Colón, it is good to drink tap water. In other parts of the country, you should drink bottled water or boil the water before using it.

Food and drinks

You will find French, Spanish and American cuisine in all the restaurants in Panama City and Colón, and there are also a lot of oriental restaurants. The country’s national dishes are usually strong and spicy. The dishes often consist of fish and chicken and lots of vegetables. You will also find an unlimited selection in terms of beer, wine and alcohol.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited during flights and bus transport. In addition, most restaurants and hotels are non-smoking.

Good tone

Tourists are usually well received in Panama. However, some areas are more accustomed to tourists than others. Although the locals are used to many tourists, it is expected that local customs and practices are respected. Nature conservation is most important of all. The areas we visit are often protected and their preservation often has the highest priority among authorities and local people. Always follow the instructions of the tour guide or local guides.

At religious sites, there may be specific rules for photography.