Covering nearly 30,000 sq miles, the Central American country of Panama is bordered by both the Caribbean and the North Pacific Ocean. Situated between Costa Rica and Colombia, Panama forms the narrowest and lowest portion of the relatively narrow stretch of land that links North and South America.

With a great climate, stunning natural beauty, abundant flora and fauna and a low cost of living, more and more Americans and Europeans are choosing Panama as a holiday destination or as a country in which to retire.

While Spanish is the official language, it is ordinary to find English being spoken in most places. Panama was given the highest ranking (along with the United States) for tourist safety from the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency. It is recognized as one of the safest places in the world, and has not experienced hurricanes or earthquakes.

Panama boasts densely forested mountain villages, bubbling streams, white-sanded beaches and abundant and varied wildlife alongside the exciting metropolis of Panama City, and all at prices far more affordable than the United States or Western European countries.

Worthy of particular mention is Bocas del Toro, a famous archipelago with a wonderfully slow pace of life, situated in the far west of the country. It is made up of nine main islands, over 50 keys and countless tiny islets, all lapped by the warm, clear and calm waters of the Caribbean.