Panama is known for the Panama Canal, its rich biodiversity, high-quality coffee and cocoa, and vibrant cultural traditions, including sancocho and seco
What products are Panama known for?
Panama is known for agricultural products such as bananas, coffee, cocoa beans, sugar cane, rice, corn, and shrimp
Agriculture still drives much of Panama’s economy—back in 2009, it accounted for about 7.4% of GDP, according to World Bank data. The coffee from Chiriquí province? It’s famous for its smooth, balanced taste. Bananas, mostly grown in Chiriquí, were once a major export. And don’t forget sugar cane, which fuels Panama’s rum industry—brands like Seco Herrerano are national favorites.
What are 5 interesting facts about Panama?
Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic, and was the first Latin American country to adopt the U.S. dollar as its official currency
That’s all thanks to Panama’s weirdly narrow shape. Coca-Cola arrived in 1906—making Panama the first country outside the U.S. to sell it. By 2026, the balboa stays locked 1:1 to the dollar, and you’ll find that greenback everywhere. Oh, and Panama’s birdwatching scene? Over 978 species call it home—more than the U.S. and Canada combined.
What food is Panama most known for?
Panama is most known for Sancocho de Gallina (chicken stew), Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken), tamales, and ropa vieja (shredded beef stew)
Sancocho is basically Panama’s comfort food in a bowl—perfect for holidays and family feasts. Arroz con Pollo gets its golden hue from achiote and packs a punch with local spices. Then there are tamales, wrapped in banana leaves and stuffed with meat and rice, a Christmas and New Year’s staple. These dishes? They’re a delicious mix of Spanish, Indigenous, and Afro-Caribbean flavors.
Is Panama known for drugs?
Yes, Panama is known for drug trafficking due to its strategic location along drug smuggling routes from South America to North America
Panama’s jungles and borders aren’t exactly easy to police, so it’s become a transit hub for cocaine moving north. Authorities seize tons of cocaine every year—most of it coming from Colombia and Peru. The U.S. and Panama have teamed up on this, signing an anti-drug agreement in 2021 to beef up surveillance.
Who is the most famous person from Panama?
As of 2026, Panama’s most famous global figure remains Mariano Rivera, the legendary New York Yankees closer
Rivera’s résumé speaks for itself: 652 career saves, five World Series rings, and a 2019 Hall of Fame induction. Then there’s Rubén Blades, the salsa superstar and actor behind hits like “Siembra.” Roberto Durán, “Hands of Stone,” is another legend—his boxing career spanned from 1968 to 2001. Rounding out the list: jazz drummer Billy Cobham and pop star Miguel Bosé.
What is special about Panama City?
Panama City is the only capital city in the world with a fully functioning rainforest within its limits, the Metropolitan Natural Park
The skyline’s a mix of sleek skyscrapers—like the 284-meter F&F Tower—and wild nature right next door at Soberanía National Park. With over 1.5 million people, it’s Latin America’s financial powerhouse. Casco Viejo, a UNESCO gem, blends colonial charm with buzzing nightlife.
What should you not wear in Panama?
Avoid wearing shorts in urban areas such as Panama City, as fitted clothing and smart shoes are preferred to blend in with locals
Beach towns like Bocas del Toro? Totally fine in shorts and flip-flops. But in Panama City’s business districts—think El Cangrejo or Punta Pacífica—locals lean toward polished outfits. Light, breathable fabrics are your best bet in the tropics. And leave the bling at home—flashy stuff can draw unwanted attention in crowded spots.
Are things cheap in Panama?
Attractions, public transport, and local food in Panama are relatively cheap, though high-end hotels and restaurants can be expensive
Grab a street empanada or a bowl of sancocho for just $2–$5. Buses and metro rides? Usually under a buck. But imported goods, luxury hotels, and tours in places like Bocas del Toro or Boquete can run $50–$100 a day. The U.S. dollar’s the main currency, so budgeting’s a breeze for American visitors.
What is the most popular drink in Panama?
Panama’s most popular drink is Seco Herrerano, a sugar-cane-based liquor commonly served with milk and ice
Seco’s a staple in rural cantinas and festivals, often served cold with milk. Local brands like Seco Herrerano and Varela Hermanos dominate the shelves. Beer lovers swear by Balboa and Atlas, while soft drinks like Coca-Cola and Chicha pair well with meals.
What is the national food of Panama?
Panama’s national food is Sancocho de Gallina, a hearty chicken stew served with rice
This isn’t your quick weeknight dinner. Sancocho simmers for hours with chicken, yuca, ñame, corn, and culantro until the flavors meld into something magical. Sundays and holidays? That’s when families gather around the pot. It’s a dish that tells the story of Panama’s Indigenous, African, and Spanish roots.
Are Panamanians black?
While only about 25% of Panama’s population identifies as Black, up to 80% of Panamanian Americans identify as Black or of mixed race
Afro-Panamanians mostly live along the Caribbean coast, Colón, and Bocas del Toro—where their history is tied to the Panama Railroad and Canal. The 2023 census put Afro-Panamanians at 9.2% of the population, many identifying as mixed race (INEC Panama). Meanwhile, over 80% of Panamanian Americans in the U.S. identify as Black or mixed race, per Pew Research estimates.
Is it safe to walk around Panama City?
Most tourist-friendly areas of Panama City, including El Cangrejo, Casco Viejo, and Paitilla, are generally safe to walk during the day and night
Violent crime’s dropped since 2022, but petty theft and scams still pop up in crowded spots. Skip walking alone at night in sketchier neighborhoods like Curundú or Santa Ana. The U.S. State Department lists Panama City as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Late-night rides? Stick to Uber or DiDi.
What’s bad about Panama?
Panama faces challenges including high violent crime rates, traffic congestion, and income inequality
Tourist zones are safe, but Panama City’s seen spikes in armed robberies, carjackings, and “express kidnappings”—where victims are forced to withdraw cash quickly (OSAC 2025 report). Traffic’s another nightmare, especially during rush hour. Wealth inequality’s stark too—the richest 10% hold over 40% of the country’s income.
Is Panama safer than Costa Rica?
Panama has higher violent crime rates than Costa Rica, including homicides and armed robberies
In 2025, Panama’s homicide rate clocked in at 15.6 per 100,000, versus Costa Rica’s 11.5 (UNAFEI crime statistics). That said, both countries are safer than most of Central America. Panama’s tourist zones are well-policed, so violent crime’s rare for visitors sticking to secure areas. Costa Rica, though, has a stronger rep for eco-tourism and green initiatives.
Do and don’ts in Panama?
Do carry a copy of your ID, avoid wearing shorts in cities, and stay hydrated; don’t carry your passport daily or wander unfamiliar areas at night
Always keep a photocopy or digital ID on you—police do random checks. Leave the fancy jewelry at the hotel, especially in crowded markets or on the metro. Carnaval season? Prices skyrocket and crowds swell—book early. Fireworks go off year-round, so expect noise during celebrations. In rural spots, stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues. And download offline maps—signal’s spotty in the Darién Gap.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
