Panama Politics, Geography, and Culture

Located in Central America, Panama was originally home to indigenous tribes at the time of the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Following independence from Spain, it joined an alliance eventually known as the Republic of Colombia. However, it subsequently seceded from Colombia, paving the way for the Panama Canal to be built by the US Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. Income from canal tolls continues to represent a significant part of Panama’s GDP.

Panama has distinct geography with its central line of mountains and hills forming the continental divide. Its wildlife is considered the most diverse in the region and is home to many South American species such as several varieties of monkeys like white-faced capuchins and squirrel monkeys, as well as Geoffroy’s tamarin which are unique to its land. Its jungles contain big cats such as jaguars and pumas while its coral reefs sport a multitude of tropical fish.

The majority of Panamanians speak Spanish as their first language while native languages such as Ngäbere are spoken widely in the tribal territories.

2021
April 2Good Friday
May 1Labor Day / May Day
November 3Independence Day
November 5Colon Day
November 10Shout in Villa de los Santos
November 28Independence from Spain
December 8Mother’s Day
December 25Christmas Day
  • Limited Liability
  • Corporation
  • Partnership
  • Corporate Tax: 25%
  • Income Tax (Lowest Marginal Rate): 0%
  • Income Tax (Highest Marginal Rate): 27%
  • VAT/GST/Sales Tax: 7% (standard rate), 15% (tobacco), 10% (alcohol and hotels), 5% (essential goods)
  • National Bank of Panama
  • Caja de Ahorros
  • Banco General
  • Citibank
  • CrediCorp Bank
  • Global Bank
  • MultiBank
  • Scotia Bank
  • Unibank

Aadmi can support you with your expansion to Panama. Our team of experts in country manage every aspect of your expansion from incorporation, accounting, legal, and even administrative concerns.  Matched with Global People Strategist’s powerful labor compliance software, your company is in good hands.

Contact us today for more information about how your company can benefit from using Aadmi as your global expansion partner.

September 15, 2023
Expanding into new markets is a strategic move that many businesses consider diversifying their revenue streams and mitigating risks associated with relying on a single mar...
September 15, 2023
Panama has experienced remarkable economic growth over the past decade, making it an attractive destination for business investment. The country’s strategic location ...
September 15, 2023
Running a global business requires more than just providing quality products or services. It also entails staying up-to-date with the ever-changing landscape of regulations...
September 08, 2023
Opening an international business can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs and investors alike. The global marketplace offers many opportunities that can lead to significant...
Not found