Panama lives up to its national motto “For the benefit of the world,” delivering a world of benefits to its visitors and then some. Central America’s southernmost country boasts a unique geographical locale affording visitors miles of pristine coastline bordering two oceans, and an amalgamation of people and cultures that is unparalleled.

While in Panama City, one must-see is Casco Viejo, the city’s charming 16th century Spanish colonial “old town” resplendent in winding narrow streets, sidewalk cafes and wrought-iron balconies overflowing with exquisite flowers.

Other recommendations within the Panama City-limits include Panama La Vieja, the original city’s ruins; Parque Natural Metropolitano, a large tropical forest abundant with native flora and fauna; and the Calle Uruguay neighborhood, epicenter of the city’s exciting nightlife. Don’t forget to visit the Continental Hotel Riande’s Wurlitzer’s Lobby Bar, home to a sprawling, glow-in-the-dark Wurlitzer organ.

A short drive from Panama City leads to the famed Panama Canal, another of the country’s can’t-miss destinations. The Miraflores Lockes offer a visitor center–Centro de Visitantes de Miraflores–complete with an observation deck, museum, an English-Spanish theater and a restaurant overlooking the locks.

Visit to Panama City is a must for any traveler to Panama. Located on the country’s Pacific Coast, Panama City is a sophisticated metropolis offering a diverse array of attractions ranging from cultural destinations to fine dining to nightlife to even gambling. The city’s colorful party buses offer a memorable way to enjoy some sightseeing while making merry.

Panama’s lush countryside offers an abundance of natural beauty, wildlife, and hospitable people. Within an hour or so drive of Panama City is a succession of un-crowded, white-sand beaches and aqua-blue waters along the Pacific Coast, including the popular destinations of Punta Chame, Gorgona, Coronado, Rio Mar, Santa Clara and Playa Blanca.

Nearby the Pacific Coast beaches are the picturesque mountain communities of El Valle de Anton and Los Altos de Maria where visitors can sample the local cuisine, browse shops and enjoy the indigenous culture of Panama. Another more remote option is the The Darien province, home to the Parque Nacional Darien, a massive tropical forest that makes a wonderful visit for the adventurous traveler.

If time allows, Panama’s coastal islands provide unique travel destinations just a short boat or plane ride away from the mainland. In the Caribbean seas off the Atlantic coast, visit the San Blas Islands, where the native Kuna Indians craft their renowned molas. Isla Grande, also in the Atlantic, is a beautiful destination, as is Contadora in the Pearl Island Archipelago.

Panama was first explored and discovered by the Spanish during the 16^th century, dwelled and settled by Spaniards. Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela – named the Republic of Gran Colombia. The former fade out in 1830 in result Panama remained part of Colombia. The Panama Canal was constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. In 1977 Panamanians approved a challenging program to expand the Canal. The project, which began in 2007 and could double the Canal’s capacity, is expected to be completed in 2014-15.

The prime medium of Panamanians is Spanish; it is greatly used and spoke by majority of the people in the country. This specific language is admired and respected by every people within the country, this language gives them such distinction and unparallel personality. English language is also used in the country of Panama, it is eloquently spoken by 14% of the people of Panama. The English language is also widely used in delivering instruction and education in several universities in Panama. Other Panama people are bilingual, they both spoke English and Spanish fluently.

The literacy rate of Panama is quite good, it is roughly 88% of the population. Some fascinating languages are also spoken by Panama people like, Yiddish, Korean, Arabic, Japanese and Hebrew but only a little.

Different ethnic and native groups dwell in Panama for a time, the fusion of different Panama dialect results to a number of Panama languages nowadays. There are many native Panama languages, which are living and popular among certain races. Here are some examples of native dialects Buglere, Yue, Hakka, Emberá, Northern Emberá, Emberá -Catío, San Miguel Creole French, Panamanian Creole English, Ngäbere, San Blas Kuna, Epena, San Blas Kuna, Woun Meu and Teribe. Each of these languages have its own stories, a concealed culture and rich forms of the history of Panama.

Culturally the majority of the population of the country Panama are the mestizos or mixed Spanish, Indian, Chinese, and West Indian.

North American culture has been a substantial influence especially in the Panama Canal region. Consequently, what we see today in Panama is a cultural fusion, a cultural mixed bag! Panamanian culture is as rich as the history of Panama. Starting from native Indian people to the colonial era settlements to the present times of multi-race communities, Panama has been a witness to varied cultures. And though Panamanian culture is believed to have derived chiefly from European artistic, literary and musical traditions brought to the land by the Spanish during their 300 or so years of rule, the influence of the indigenous cultures have been too strong to deny.

In counterpoint, the Panama countryside with its cattle ranches and horses and Spanish folk songs, continues to be the stronghold of Hispanic culture. The native people of Panama restricted in the small land pockets here and there also continue to contribute immensely to Panamanian culture. Thus, the netted bags and beaded necklaces made by the Guaymí people and the brightly embroidered textiles called Molas (made by Kuna women) have brought Panama’s artwork and handicrafts worldwide recognition. The epic poems (extending to some hundreds or thousands of lines) of the Kuna people focus another aspect of the Panamanian culture.

Panama lead their lives. People inhabiting the urban areas, particularly the Panama Canal area (where the US army was based in the days when the construction work of the Canal was under progress), lead refined, sophisticated lives. Be it in the field of art, architecture, music or sports, the cities represent a contemporary society where the US influence is much-too apparent.

The many festivities held year-round in Panama like the Carnaval or carnival, Festival of the Black Christ, Fair of Azuero, Semana Santa (or Easter Week), too uphold the land’s cultural diversity. Most of the festivals are excellent blending of Pagan and Catholic beliefs and rituals.

The diversity in Panamanian culture is evident in far too many ways than you would expect. Tours of the museums will surely help you but then you will need to read about Panama’s history, visit places of historic importance, talk to the people of Panama, taste varied cuisines served here, know about the religion of Panama and even be part of festivities to best appreciate Panama’s blended culture.