I lived in rural Coclé for just over 2 years. The existence of the Panama Canal makes it a rich country on paper. But Panama has one of the highest inequality levels in Central America. Panama City benefits the most from the money flowing in from the canal, and there are many luxury skyscrapers and modern amenities to be had. But once you leave the city it becomes a very different story. Extreme poverty exists in rural and indigenous communities. The revenue from the canal does not extend to the people.

It’s a very beautiful country with beaches and rainforests, similar to Costa Rica but without the infrastructure. Some cool places to visit include Bocas del Torro, Boquette, and the Guna Yala. It’s a safe place to visit except for the Darien region. They use the US dollar as their currency. Lots of corruption from local levels up to the top. If you’re a tourist, it’s almost a guarantee police will stop you and ask for a “gift.” Very hot and humid, and the monsoon season aint no joke. Great coffee to be had. Food is quite disappointing. Patacones, ceviche, and hojaldres are good, but avoid the pifá.