Welcome to the land of adventure, biodiversity, and fascinating history – Panama! This Central American country is a true gem, offering visitors a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and modern amenities. From the world-renowned Panama Canal to the lush rainforests of the Darien Gap, Panama is a land of contrasts, surprises, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a history buff eager to learn about the ancient indigenous cultures that once called Panama home, a nature lover ready to spot exotic birds and animals in their natural habitat, or a beach bum looking to soak up the sun on the Caribbean or Pacific coast, this country has something for you. So get ready to explore the facts and figures of Panama, from its diverse population and economy to its famous landmarks and hidden gems – a journey of discovery awaits!
1-5 Basic Facts About Panama
1. Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sunrise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic.
2. The Panama Canal is like the goose that lays the golden egg—it generates one-third of Panama’s entire economy. You could say it’s the canal that keeps the country afloat!
3. Panama was the first Latin American country to adopt the U.S. dollar as its own. They must have wanted to feel like they were part of the cool kids’ club!
4. With 92% of the population following the Roman Catholic faith, Panama is a pretty holy place.
5. If you’re a fan of jungles, you’ll love Panama, where an estimated 40% of the country is covered in green. Watch out for the monkeys, though—they might steal your snacks!
1-5 Fun Facts About Panama
6. Manuel Noriega, the former dictator of Panama, sued Activision for portraying him as a bad guy in the Call of Duty Black Ops series.
7. In 1989, the United States invaded Panama to depose its leader, Manuel Noriega.
8. The U.S. military blared AC/DC music at General Noriega’s compound in Panama for two continuous days. I guess they thought if the dictator couldn’t take the heat, they’d turn up the music! And it worked – the music eventually forced him to surrender.
9. The Watermelon War was a riot in Panama City that broke out in 1856 when a drunken American refused to pay 5 cents for a slice of watermelon.
10. Nearly half of Panama’s 4.5 million population resides in the capital, Panama City.
11-15 Interesting Facts About Panama
11. Panama celebrates two independence days because why have one when you can have two? One from Spain in 1821 and another from Colombia in 1903. It’s like a double birthday party every year!
12. Panama abolished its military in 1903, making it a peaceful place to visit. Who needs guns when you have coffee and empanadas, right?
13. Baseball is the national sport of Panama, which makes sense because they know how to knock it out of the park!
14. Spanish is the official language of Panama. So, if you’re planning a trip to Panama, it might be a good idea to brush up on your Spanish. Or just learn to mime everything you want to say!
15. After being overthrown in Iran, the Shah found himself reluctantly seeking medical treatment in Panama. To make matters worse, his chief bodyguard was a “militantly Marxist sociology professor” who spent more time lecturing than protecting him. And to top it all off, the Shah was charged $21,000 a month for rent.
16-20 Shocking Facts About Panama
16. The Panamanian flag is a colorful representation of their political spectrum. It has red and white quarters to represent liberals and conservatives, and white spaces with stars on a white background to represent peace.
17. The Golden Frog is the national animal of Panama. It’s not every day that a country chooses a frog as its national animal.
18. Panama is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including sloths, armadillos, anteaters, jaguars, pumas, caimans, and nearly 1000 bird species.
19. Panama boasts 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
20. The Panama Hat, surprisingly, did not originate in Panama. It actually came from Ecuador, but it got its name when Ecuadorian hat makers started selling them in Panama in the 1850s.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Interesting Panama Facts For Kids.
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