The Republic of Panama, a marvelous country situated between North and South America. Location, location, location: I'm sure you've heard the old real estate adage, "location is everything," Panama has (almost) everything. Geography gives Panama one of the world's most amazing collections of flora and fauna. North American and South American animals and vegetation come together in a clash of color and life: a bird watcher's haven, a fisherman's bliss, and a "shopper's wonderland.

The country largely avoids the Pacific rim's earthquakes and its "ring of fire," and escapes the Caribbean's devastating tropical storms and hurricanes. We have basicly two seasons: dry and wet; being the dry season from January up until April. The temperature is generally at 80 to 85 degrees F, cooler in the evenings, and it almost never rains the whole day. The rainy season covers the months between May and December.

Panama is a relatively small country (78,200 sq kms), about the size of South Carolina, and has a population of a little more than 3 million, of which, close to 1 million live in Panama City. There are different versions of what the name "Panama" actually means but we've decided to go with "Land of the Fish", which seems to be the most common version.

It's geographical position and Globalization has helped it become a very attractive destination for people and businesses from all over the world. The Canal, the Colon Free Trade Zone, Banking and Financial center, Call centers and Tourism industries have helped the economy flourish and maintain stable growth. It has also helped Panama City become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. Panama is considered by several organizations and publications as one of the best places in the world to retire and also considered by some as the safest place in Central and South America and you can actually drink the water without worrying about getting sick.

Panama's rich culture has been shaped by many cultures. The Spanish who first colonized Panama, the French, Americans, Antilleans, East Indians, Arabs and Chinese who came in different waves, some as builders of the rail road and later the canal and others as merchants. And most notably, the Amerindians, who lived on the isthmus centuries before Columbus. Today, seven indigenous Amerindian tribes live in Panama; such as the Embera and Wounaan of the Darien jungle, who live as they did thousands of years ago, the colorful Kuna, whose comarca includes all of the 365 San Blas islands and the Ngobe-Bugle, who inhabit the eastern highlands. Their diverse cultures and proud traditions continue to thrive here and fascinate all who meet them.