ABOUT PANAMA: THE HISTORY OF PANAMA

Panama conjures up images of sun kissed beaches, lush tropical forests and a distinct festive mood that is inherent among the local people. Located strategically in between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean’s the Panama Canal as it is commonly known has gained immense popularity as a retirement paradise.

As exotic as this picturesque landscape is, the history of Panama is just as vibrant. It all begins with a Spanish solicitor by the name of Rodrigo de Bastida, who arrives at the Panama coast in 1501. Laden with gold, and pearls Bastida has to cut short his expedition as the condition of his ship deteriorates, and he is forced to return to Spain with only a small portion of riches.

Then arriving on the coast of Veraguas in the year 1502 on 10 October Christopher Columbus discovers the beautiful little bay of Portobelo. He is equally fascinated by the natural beauty of the land and the exotic heritage of the natives. However Panama’s fate as the bridge of the world is sealed eleven years later on the 25th of September 1513, when Vasco Núñez de Balboa discovers the southern sea that connects the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean.

Much of the 1500s and the 1600s sees Panama besieged by Spanish conquistadors, smugglers and pirates who use and brutalize this exotic island in turns. It is only in 1821 that Panama breaks away from the Spanish crown and becomes a part of Columbia. Not for very long though as Gran Columbia dissolves and Panama becomes a part of Gran Nueva.

In 1850 and 1855 the first transoceanic railways is built which connects the two coasts. Not to be left behind the French decide to build the first inter-oceanic canal under the expertise of Ferdinand de Lesseeps. They are forced to abandon the elaborate project as much of their workforce is plagued by diarrhea, malaria, yellow fever and financial incapacities of “The Company”. 1903 Panama is no longer a part of Columbia.

1914, the United States steps in and undertakes the completion of the prestigious Panama Canal which measures 52 miles from Colon in the Caribbean to Panama city in the Pacific coast. It is only in the year 1999 that the Carter- Torrigos agreement establishes the complete transfer of control over the Canal with the Panamanian government.

Often thought to be the eighth wonder of the world the Panama Canal in itself is a work of engineering extraordinaire. With a local labor force of 75,000 comprising of both men and women it takes about ten years for the Canal to be completed. The project is completed at an estimated cost of $400 million dollars. It takes a ship roughly eight to ten hours to cover the length of the Panama Canal. Gatun, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores are the locks through which ships can either ascend or descend once across the Canal. The Panama Canal has ferried more than 700,000 ships across since its creation.

Panama not only has a rich and interesting history, it is also one of the most popular retirement destinations in Central America. So if you feel like enjoying a tropical vacation or want to retire in Panama then contact us or look up our Visa requirements here.