In 2003, Panama was a small country located in Central America. It had a population of around 3 million people, primarily speaking Spanish and several other local languages. According to computergees, the capital city was Panama City, which is home to the Government Palace and several other important government buildings and monuments. The economy relied heavily on its shipping sector with coffee and bananas being the main export items. Tourism was also popular due to its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and historical sites such as the Panama Canal. In addition to its natural beauty, Panama had a unique cultural heritage with traditional music, cuisine and art that blended influences from Latin America with those from North America. Despite its many challenges including political instability in 2003, Panama remained a vibrant country that held great promise for its future generations.
Yearbook 2003
Panama. The dismissal of head of social security institute Juan Jované in September led to a wave of protests that culminated in a march with tens of thousands of participants through the streets of Panama City. According to Countryaah.com, Panama Independence Day is November 3. The protesters demanded that Jované be reinstated and that President Mireya Moscoso publicly guaranteed that the Social Security Fund, long drawn with large deficits, would not be privatized. Assessors saw the Jované case as a catalyst for a general dissatisfaction with Moscow’s economic and social policies.
The growth rate dropped and unemployment rose, which together with the Jované deal caused the opinion figures for the government party’s candidate for the 2004 elections to fall to just under 10%.
Panama City
Panama City, Spanish Ciudad de Panamá, capital of Panama; 441,000 residents (2012). Panama City is located just east of the mouth of the Panama Canal in the Pacific. The city, which is financially highly dependent on the Panama Canal, is a financial and industrial center with production of oil, steel, wood, textiles and beer, among others. Panama City has a road and train connection with Colón on the Caribbean coast, road connection with Costa Rica via the Pan-American Highway and international airport. In 2014, the city’s first metro line was opened.
Several neighborhoods were damaged by the American invasion in 1989, especially El Chorillo, but most have been rebuilt. The city has two universities.
Panama City was built in 1519 at the site of a Native American fishing village. In 1671, the city was destroyed by British freelancers but rebuilt elsewhere. Panama City became the capital of independent Panama in 1903 and developed into a modern metropolis after the Panama Canal opened in 1914. The city was badly damaged by the US invasion in 1989.
December
Cuban doctors are deployed against the pandemic
24 December
A group of 220 doctors arrive from Cuba to help Panama fight the corona pandemic – despite sharp criticism from the United States. According to the United States and other critics, doctors have poor conditions and are being used in propaganda. President Laurentino Cortizo presented plans to hire doctors from Cuba as early as August, but then backed down after criticism from Washington. Other attempts to hire enough doctors have failed, however, and now the government felt compelled to turn to Cuba anyway. Panama has been hit hardest in Central America by the pandemic. More than 3,600 people have died in covid-19.
November
Exoneration sentence revoked for ex-president Martinelli
20th of November
A court annuls a previous acquittal against former President Ricardo Martinelli regarding illegal wiretapping and corruption (see August 2019), and orders a new trial. During his tenure as president from 2009 to 2014, Martinelli is accused of using public funds to eavesdrop on more than 150 politicians, journalists and trade union leaders, with the aim of harassing political rivals. Martinelli himself continues to claim that he is being subjected to political persecution, but tweets that he now has an increased chance of winning the presidential election in 2024. “Without a fight, no victories,” he writes.
Republic of Panama Brief Guide
According to AbbreviationFinder, Panama is a state in Central America. It is bordered on the west by Costa Rica and on the east by Colombia. Panama is located on a isthmus between the Caribbean and Pacific that connects South and North America. The Panama Canal, which runs through the country, in turn connects the Pacific and the Atlantic.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations in Panama are not required, but hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. Check vaccination requirements at your health center. You can also get more information, for example, at
Please check the yellow fever vaccination requirements of your destination well in advance of the trip, for example here. An international yellow fever vaccination certificate is required when traveling to some countries. Please also note that in some countries a vaccination certificate is required if you arrive from a country where yellow fever is considered to occur. This is important to consider especially when traveling across multiple states. We recommend that you keep a vaccination card with you when traveling far away.
Climate
Due to its tropical climate, Panama’s climate is divided into a dry season (summer) and a humid season (winter). The Caribbean coastal region is wetter than the rest of the country. The dry season is November-April and the biggest rains arrive in the fall, September-October. Daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm all year round.
Travel Seasons
The best time to travel to the Pacific is during the dry season from December to April. The Caribbean side rains all year round. However, the deaf are short and nature is booming. Least rain from February to March and from September to October.