General Information of the Republic of Panama2

Language:

Spanish;English is commonly spoken and und understood in urban centers.There are several indigenous dialects.Minority groups speak Italian , Arab ,Hebrew ,French, Greek,Chinese, Hindu,among others.

Government:

The Republic of Panama is a sovereign and independent state.Its govenment is unitarian,republican,democratic and representative, comprised of the President,two vice presidents and twelve Ministers of State that constitute the Executive Branch;the Legislative Assembly with 72 legislators forms the Legislative Brance and the Judicial Branch is comprised of 9 Magistrates.These three branches govern the country.

Education:

Panama invests a large part of its national budget in education.Its public and private schools are under the supervision of the Ministry of Education.The academic system is organized in primary and secondary levels,each comprised of six years as well as in higher or university education.There are more than twenty universities with numerous enrollment.The University of Panama, the Autonomous University of Chiriqui(UNACHI), the Specialized University of the Americas(UDELAS) and the Technological University are state institutions while Santa Maria La Antigua Catholic University ,the Latin University, Isthmus University, Interamerican Distance Education University, the Interamerican University of Panama,Open and Distance University of Panama, the Latin American University of Science and Technology, Florida State University ,ISTHMUS,the University of Loursville,San Martin University and Columbus University are private.

Religion:

85% Catholic, 15% Protestant

Climate:

Panama's climate is pleasantly tropical and the temperature is practically the same throughout the year. It is usually cooler during the evening.The average temperature is 27 degress C. The country has two seasons: the rainy season from May to December and the dry season from January to May.

Ethnic groups:

Approximately 70% of the Panamanians are of mestizo origin. Fourteen (14%) percent of the population is comprised of blacks and mulattos. The Indian form the Kuna, Guaymi and Choco ethnic groups represent 6% of the population ; Whites represent 8% and the Asian minority ,2%.

Currency:

The Panamanian balboa(B)=100 centesimos. The official paper currency is the U.S, dollar,which is accepted everywhere at the rate of B1=US$1.
Coins:B1 and B10;50,25,10,5 and 1 centesimos.
The centesimos coins are of identical size, denomination, and metal as U.S,coins, and the coins of both nations are used here interchangeably.

Tip:

Tips are not usualy included in the restaurant prices.It is customary to give a tip between 10% to 15%.

Driver's license:

Visitors can drive up to 90 days with their foreign driver's license.

Schedules:

Buniness: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.(continuous shift).
Likewise, businesses are open on Sundays from 9:30 to 7:00p.m
Banks:8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ATM machines are available 24 hours.
Private Offices : 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Public Offices :8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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