Panama City Information

City Population 455600
Country Panama
Province Panama

The city has a tropical maritime climate, with a dry season from January to April and a rainy season from May to December. The average daily high temperature is 30° C (87° F), and the average daily low is 23° C (73° F).

Most of Panama City's residents are either mestizo (of mixed Native American and European background) or mulatto (of mixed European and African heritage). Others are descended from European and black Caribbean immigrants who arrived in the 19th and 20th centuries. Panama has long served as a crossroads between oceans and continents, and thus has attracted immigrants from all over the world. This diverse population is concentrated in the capital, along with a few other cities. People from the West Indies, the Middle East, Asia, and North America are now represented in Panama City. Although most of the city's residents are Roman Catholic, Jews and a range of other religious communities are also present.

Panama City is bounded on the west by the port of Balboa and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The city stretches from southwest to northeast along the shore of the Bay of Panama, covering 106 sq km (41 sq mi). The metropolitan area occupies 678 sq km (262 sq mi).

Getting to Panama City and getting around
Panama City's international airport is Tocumen International Airport located on the eastern outskirts of the city and easily accessible by a modern toll road from the financial district. Under normal traffic conditions travellers should allow 45 minutes to the airport from the financial district. Cab fare to and from the airport is about US$30, though many hotels provide shuttle service. Major car rental companies have facilities at the airport, but first-time visitors are advised to take a cab and rent a car at a city rental office. There are direct flights between Tocumen and Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Havana and all major cities in Central America and Colombia. Panama City also has an in-town airport Marcos A. Gelabert, in the area once occupied by Albrook Air Force Base. This airport serves domestic flights to the interior of Panama and the Las Perlas islands in the Pacific. Panamas largest international air gateway is located at Tocumen International Airport (IATA airport code PTY) in Panama City. ...

Panama City has an extensive system of public transportation implemented by a fleet of colorful buses. However, it is recommended that to get about town, first-time visitors should either rent a car, or should use taxis which are plentiful, safe and inexpensive. Most taxi fares within the city are under US$3. Air-conditioned buses are available from Panama City to most other parts of the country. These leave from a recently completed terminal near the Marcos A. Gelabert airport.