FREE PANAMA REPORT: http://www1.internationalliving.com/sem/country/panama/facebook/ilpanama-page-lp.html About Us: WWW.INTERNATIONALLIVING.COM/COUNTRIES/PANAMA International Living ranked Panama the number one retirement destination in the world well before the mainstream press caught on. In our book, Panama topped the charts, taking the number one spot in our annual Retirement Index not once or
even twice, but seven times in a row. And Panama continues to excite and invite…that’s why the nation continues to rank in the top three of our Retirement Index. In January 2013, Panama took the number two spot behind Ecuador. When it comes to the “Special Benefits for Retirees” category of the index, however, Panama remains undefeated with a perfect score of 100. It’s the gold standard; no other country on our index does more for retirees, both local and foreign. And International Living isn’t the only publication that has taken notice. Panama has been ranked as one of the best places to retire by the likes of the AARP and Fortune magazine, while other prestigious publications single out Panama as one of the best places (if not the best place) to do business, travel for tourism, connect to the World Wide Web, find happy locals, or even seek out culinary delights. These days, more than ever, it seems Panama is at the top of every index. Whether you’re attracted to Panama for business or pleasure, you’ll find it beats out nearly every other location in the region. I have personal reasons for recommending Panama. My grandfather left India and went to Panama in the 1940s, having heard about the unparalleled business opportunities fueled by the Panama Canal. Growing up in a small town in Oregon, I always dreamed of a life in sunny, exotic Panama…. In 1990, I finally made it back for the first time. Even back then, Panama City seemed very First World to me. The roads were excellent, as were the power, telecommunications, and the water service. People were free to practice any religion, to be entrepreneurs, to make money, and pay only a few taxes. Then President Guillermo Endara, a vociferous defender of free speech and democracy, dedicated himself to the economy, achieving average growth of 8% a year over a five-year period. Decades later, Panama is still growing, still vibrant. And this little country has far surpassed even my biggest dreams…
These days, Panama is known as the “Hub of the Americas” for many reasons—particularly because the growing international airport and the Panama Canal make this location a logistics dream. This has, in turn, made Panama City one of the most exciting, international cities in Latin America. You can easily see the influence of the many different nationalities that co-exist so peacefully in Panama today. Walk the city streets and you will hear English and dozens of other languages. You’ll see temples and synagogues near churches. You’ll see gourmet Panamanian restaurants alongside eateries offering every ethnic cuisine imaginable…from authentic Lebanese to Asian fusion to down-home American. (A note for first-time visitors: since Panama is in the Americas, U.S. cuisine is referred to as North American, to distinguish from it’s Central American and South American counterparts). Special ties
First-time visitors to Panama City are often surprised to see evidence of the U.S. You’ll find a growing English-Spanish bilingual populations here. You’ll note that supermarket shelves are filled with imports, from comfort items like Heinz ketchup and Skippy peanut butter to luxuries like Alaskan salmon and caviar. And you’ll see Panamanians shopping at international stores you likely know from back home…from Gap, Express, and Banana Republic to luxury labels like Hermès, Tiffany & Co., and Roberto Cavalli. A strong U.S. presence has long been a significant factor in Panamanian life. The Republic of Panama was created when Panama peacefully separated from Colombia in 1903—with help and diplomatic recognition from the U.S. And the U.S. took over construction of the Panama Canal after a disastrous French attempt. The U.S. Isthmian Canal Commission (later called the Panama Canal Commission, or PCC), completed the world-famous waterway in 1914. PCC administrated the Canal and the surrounding watershed or “Canal Zone” through 1999, when it all reverted to Panamanian administration per the Torrijos-Carter Treaty. In the decades before the U.S. military left the Canal Zone for good, everything from imports to the nation’s infrastructure was affected by its presence. And today, the excellent infrastructure, the prevalence of English as a second language, and the international flavor makes it all too easy to forget that this country is, in fact, in Central America…
High-rise condos of chrome and steel rim the Bay of Panama. Shiny new malls and plazas offer all the latest brands and gadgets, making Panama City a shopping Mecca for tourists. The new Coastal Belt Highway swirls through the International Financial District and into the revived colonial quarter known as Casco Viejo. Some of the best architects and engineers on the planet are working on everything from a fantastical bio-museum designed by architectural superstar Frank Gehry to the world-renowned Panama Canal expansion mega-project. And the capital is about to get its first-ever metro line. The light rail project—the first of its kind in all of Central America—is under construction and slated for completion next year. Vibrant culture
Countries like Mexico have traditionally been better known for their colorful cultures, while tiny Panama has typically been considered a business destination (rather than a tourist one). So with all the shiny skyscapers, international banks, and special business zones, has Panama become a sterile metropolis and lost its Latin flair? The answer to that question is: absolutely not. Make no mistake: beyond the famous city skyline, you’ll find a country that is steeped in folkore, proud of its roots and history, and enriched by cloud forests, Caribbean islands, highland hamlets, miles of coastline, and massive indigenous reservations. Visitors delight at the sight of the colorful Kuna artform known as the mola and the intricate native dress still worn by thousands in the country today. The national dress known as the pollera is a handcrafted work of art and the yodel-laden sounds of tipico music cobines Spanish ancestry with the sultry sounds of the Caribbean. Value and variety
Make a list of Panama City’s many attractions—and the benefits of living here—and it’s likely to read like a book. But outside the city you will find the true treasures of Panama. One of my favorite places is a little pearl of an island called Contadora. Surrounded by waters of turquoise and electric blue, it’s a perfect place to snorkel, whale watch, island hop, or just sunbathe and relax. Panama has hundreds of islands, but you don’t have to visit one of them to enjoy a beautiful beach setting. The mainland does boast two coasts, after all, and in some places the coasts are only an hour or two apart. One of the most popular, Coronado beach, is the site of an active, fun-loving expat community and it’s just an hour by car from the capital. If, however, you’d rather leave the warm, sultry beaches for vacation time…and spend the bulk of your time in cooler climes …know this: Panama offers a world of choice for you, too. No matter what your preference, Panama delivers. There are rolling green mountains where spring reigns eternal…fertile farmlands where you can live on a homesteader’s budget…and idyllic villages where foreigners can’t help but feel like family. There truly is something for everyone in Panama, where value and variety are king. A bright future ahead
High-value locations are only half the story in today’s Panama. When it comes to lifestyle and money-making opportunities, Panama can’t be beat. There are many reasons this country is luring expats of the active, entrepreneurial variety. The Panama Canal expansion and other mega-projects you’ll read about here are a draw for educated professionals, multi-national corporations, and even big international NGOs. The nation is buzzing with energy, and executives and entrepreneurs are reaping the benefits. Panama is a powerhouse...there’s no simpler way to put it.
~IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch
