Panama Alert

Bohemian Beachbum Bocas…Still Worth It, but Proceed With Caution

November 9, 2007
Panama City, Panama

One of our favorite places in Panama is Bocas del Toro. Once the destination of few locals, surfers, and only the most daring backpackers, Bocas now gets too much attention to call it a secret. In past years, the mainstream media have touted its small, perfect beaches and Caribbean lifestyle. But lately all that media attention is turning negative. Buying property in Bocas can be downright frustrating, and individuals and large resorts with high-profile land disputes here have added to the media storm. Do we still love Bocas? Absolutely. Is it worth going there? Yes…but we have some words of caution for you before you proceed.

Panamanian Hangover Cures for the November Holidays

November 7, 2007
Panama City, Panama

If you'll be in Panama this month, keep this article handy. You'll need the very best in hangover cures by the time November's over. In Panama it's Mes de la Patria or "National Pride Month." Nov. 3 and 5 kick off the party—Panama's separation from Colombia and the founding of the city of Colon, respectively. The festivities last all month, and if you truly want to savor the flavor of Panama, it's one of the best times to be here. Learn how to party, eat, and dance like a Panamanian…while balancing a lukewarm Seco shot in one hand and a frosty Panama beer in the other.

Copa Airlines Announces Special 2-for-1 Deal for IL Readers

November 2, 2007

If you've been planning a visit to Panama, now is the time to act and save big on airfare...up to 50%. Copa Airlines is offering a very special two-for-one deal for a limited time and only to International Living readers who are age 55 or older. Come to Panama and see for yourself the capital city's First-World infrastructure, real estate, and more. Visit the Panama Canal (currently undergoing a $5 billion expansion) or take some time to explore the many parks, the rainforest, the cool highlands, or the Caribbean beaches. If you've already been to Panama, take advantage of Copa's offer and make that follow-up visit a reality. Here are the details…

Major Projects Will Fuel Economy Over Next Few Years

October 23, 2007

Is it any wonder that international media and organizations already refer to Panama as Latin America's fastest-growing economy? Those of us who live here already see the results firsthand, of course, but economists say that Panama’s healthy economic growth will make it the fastest-growing economy in the region by year-end. The nation has been a top contender for the past two years, with economic growth above 8%. Now, experts are projecting a 2007 growth of between 8.5% and 11%, based on the first six months.

Looks Like the Mañana Syndrome Is a Good Thing After All

October 17, 2007
Panama City, Panama

Happy, happy, happy. That’s me. And now I know why.

Panama is one of the happiest places on the planet. So says a British research organization.

Jose Has a New Life…But There Are Still Many More Who Need Help

October 16, 2007

During a recent visit to Fatima Parish we spent some time talking to the children who live there. We asked how their lives had changed because of the Parish and its staff, headed by Father Javier Manas. Here is just one story…

Struggling 17-year-old Panamanian Inspires Book

October 11, 2007

U.S. First Daughter Jenna Bush has written a book about Panama. Twenty-five-year-old Jenna began an internship with UNICEF in 2006. The internship, which enabled her to travel throughout Latin America and document the lives of the underprivileged, eventually brought her to Panama (the UNICEF regional headquarters are here, at the City of Knowledge in Panama City's Clayton neighborhood). Here, Jenna was struck by the determination of a 17-year-old HIV-positive single mother. Her name is Ana, and this is her story:

Export.gov Says Panama's the Place to Go for Exporters

October 8, 2007
Panama City, Panama

The U.S. government website www.export.gov.com (a website dedicated to helping U.S. export companies) has featured Panama as its "Market of the Month" for October. The report highlights Panama's growing popularity as a business and investment destination-good news for those who have begun or are considering doing business here.