We think Panama's a fascinating country that more travelers
should consider. Where else can you enjoy tropical forests
with some of the best bird-watching in the world-within 45
minutes of a modern, cosmopolitan city? (Panama's tropical
forests are home to more species of birds and other animals
than neighboring Costa Rica's,
without the crowds.) Where else can you visit exotic Indian
villages and tropical islands-some undeveloped, some with
modern resorts-just a few hours' drive from the capital? With
English widely spoken as a second language and the U.S. dollar
used as currency, Panama can be a surprisingly easy country
to visit as well.
Peaceful presidential elections in 1994 and a subsequent constitutional
amendment that proscribes the creation of an army are clear
breaks with the country's militaristic past. President Ernesto
Perez Balladares seems interested in promoting national reconciliation,
foreign investment and tourism. However, he has had little
success in fulfilling two of his main campaign promises: to
decrease crime and unemployment. Street crime has been a problem
in Panama City since the 1989 U.S. invasion, but most parts
of the city are as safe (or as unsafe) as large urban areas
in the U.S.
In 1821, Panama declared its independence from Spain and
united with Venezuela, Equador and Columbia to form Gran Columbia.
Panama attempted to secede from Columbia several times, only
to be reunited. Finally, with U.S. support, it declared independence
in 1903.
Although the French began construction of the canal in 1880,
the U.S. completed it in 1914 and took control of the canal.
But "ownership" has had its price-the canal has
been a source of friction between the the U.S. and Panama
for years. The U.S. finally agreed to cede control of the
canal and the 10 U.S. military bases around it to the Panamanians
by the year 2000.
The Panama Canal Treaty, signed in 1977, didn't end the problems
between the two nations, however. President George Bush sent
U.S. troops into Panama in 1989 to dislodge dictator Manuel
Noriega. Although democracy has resumed in Panama, people
remain divided in their opinions of the U.S. action.
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