The Provinces of Panama
The Republic of Panama is divided into 9 Provinces and 3 main Comarcas. The ‘Comarcas Indigenas’ are traditional regions, mainly inhabited by the indigenous Indians. The three main comarcas are Emberá, Kuna Yala and Ngöble-Buglé and are all largely undeveloped areas of tropical rainforest.
Bocas de Toro is in the extreme north west of Panama. It is partly mainland and partly an archipelago of islands stretching into the Caribbean Sea. It is mainly inhabited by local Kuna Indians. The area is known for its vast areas of plantains called ‘oro verde’ or green gold.
Chiriquí is on the western Pacific coast of Panama bordering onto Costa Rica. It is considered to be the most developed province in the country as the local government models itself upon the model of the United States. The capital city is David, a sizeable town. Chiriquí varies greatly in climate, from the tropical coast to the heights of Cerro Punta in the volcanic highlands. This is the main coffee-growing area in Panama. It is a popular area with tourists and retirees who have settled in and around the pretty town of Boquete.
Coclé runs down to the Paciific coast and has a number of popular beach resorts at Santa Clara, Farallon and Rio Hato. The capital city is Penonomé. The area is mostly agricultural, growing mainly sugar and tomatoes.
Colón is the major city and district on the northern Caribbean coast of Panama. The city of Colón is a major port and a Free Zone for trade. It is also the entranceway into the Panama Canal.
Darién is the most easterly province of Panama. The capital town is La Palma, where the Tuira River empties into the Bay of San Miguel. The Pan-American Highway runs from Alaska all the way down through Panama, but ends 40 miles short of the border with Colombia. The final area remains impenetrable jungle to deter any invasion from over the Colombian border.
Herrera is the newest province in Panama. It was only created in 1915 when the Los Santos province was divided. The district is named after General Tomas Herrera, a former governor in the area. The capital city is Chitré. The local pottery in Herrara is well-known throughout the country. The main crop is sugarcane which is used to make an alcoholic drink called ‘Seco’.
Los Santos is located on the south coast of Panama. It produces many agricultural crops including corn, coffee, sugar and rice along with some livestock. The capital city is Las Tablas which is famous for its colourful carnivals, especially the Festival National de la Pollera.
Panamá province is on the Pacific south coast of the country, in the centre of the country. The capital of both the province and the Republic is Panama City. It is the entrance to the Panama Canal, and lines of ships can be seen waiting in the Bay of Panama whilst tolls are paid to pass through the Canal, a major source of revenue for the country. Panama City has a modern skyline of high rise apartment and office buildings and is known for its international banking. Panama’s main international airport is just outside the city.
Veraguas is the only province to stretch across the whole of the country of Panama touching both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The capital city is Santiago de Veraguas, a major crossroads along the Pan-American Highway. Santa Catalina Beach is known for its surfing and scuba diving. It is also a centre for fishing, both commercially and as a tourist attraction. The Isla Coiba is justoffshore with its world class diving sites.
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