Immigraion To Panama

About Panama Where to Live in Panama Economy The People

The People

Panama’s lovely people are perhaps the country’s greatest resource. The country’s population was estimated to be around 2,800,000 with an annual growth rate between one and two percent. The majority of the population (65%) are mestizo which is a mixture of Spanish and indigenous descent. People of African background make up about 14% of the population. The remaining population is composed of about 10% people of white or Spanish descent and 10% are Indian. The black population is made of descendants principally from Jamaica and Trinidad. Many of these black Panamanians speak both Spanish and English. The country’s several indigenous groups have their own language and culture.

Panama’s constitution guarantees religious freedom. The country’s main religion is Roman Catholic (85%). There are also Protestant (15%) and Jewish minorities.

Panama rates among the top three Central American countries for life expectancy. Panamanians are healthy people and have a longevity rate on a par with most first-world countries— 75.68 overall and 72.94 for men and 78.53 for women.

Panama has placed great emphasis on education. The literacy rate is 90.8 percent. The country has several outstanding universities. The University of Panama is the best of the group.

Panamanians are friendly and outgoing and will often go out of their way to help you even if you do not speak Spanish. Because of their close ties to the U.S. they love anything American—music, TV, fashion and U.S. culture in general.

Generally speaking, the people of Panama love to have fun, like to live with “gusto” and know how to enjoy themselves. One has only to go to any local disco on any given night to see Panamanians out having a good time. Latin dances like salsa and merengue are very popular. On weekends

many Panamanians go to the beach, mountains or engage in some type of recreational activity. Holidays are very popular with Panamanians and many normal activities grind to a halt so all Panamanians can participate in the festive atmosphere.

Just as the rest of Latin America, a strong family unit seems to be the most important element in Panamanians’ lives. Social life still centers around the home. Much of one’s leisure time is usually spent with family. Mother’s Day is one of the most important holidays. Young adult, singles, and especially single women, tend to live with their families until they marry.

Just as in the rest of Latin America Sunday is the traditional family day. On any given Sunday families may be seen participating in a variety of activities. In fact, the whole weekend is usually reserved for some type of family activity.

Many Panamanians have distinguished themselves in a variety of endeavors. Roberto “Mano de Pierdra” Durán is one of Latin America’s most famous boxers. He is best remembered for his fights against Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Haggler. Rod Carew made a name for himself as a consistent hitter in the Major leagues.

Perhaps Panama’s most famous celebrity is musician/ actor Rubén Blades. He even ran unsuccessfully for president of Panama in 1994, finishing in an impressive third place.

Unfortunately, as in most Latin American countries, machismo (manliness) is prevalent to some degree among Panamanian males.

Machismo is the belief in the natural superiority of men in all fields of endeavor. It becomes the obsession and constant preoccupation of many Latin men to demonstrate they are macho in a variety of ways.

There is no telling to what lengths some men will go in order to demonstrate their virility. A man’s virility is measured by the number of seductions or conquistas he makes. It is not unusual for married men to have a querida or lover. Many even have children with their mistresses.

We suggest that you do not dwell on these negatives and hope you realize how difficult it is to generalize about or stereotype any group of people. After you have resided in Panama and experienced living with the people, you will be able to make your own judgments. The good qualities of the Panamanian people far outweigh any shortcomings they may have.