Panama advantages
The advantages of Panama as an international business center, among others, can be summarized
as follows:

- The US$ dollar as the legal current currency.
- No Central bank.
- No exchange control.
- No double tax treaties.
- A convenience taxation legal system.
- One of the biggest and oldest ship registration jurisdictions.
- The second largest Commercial Free Zone after Hong Kong.
- Optimal geographical position for commercial openings worldwide.
- An International Banking Center (More than 100 prestigious banks).
- A jurisdiction recognized by the International Chamber of Commerce for maritime and commercial arbitration.
- English spoken in the Commercial Realm.
- Low cost of living.
- Two Oceans.
- Fantastic Weather.
- The Panama Canal.
- Cutting Edge Technological Centers and Telecommunications.

Location
The Isthmus of Panama is located in Central America between Colombia and Costa Rica , with an area of 77,000 Km2, divided into 9 Provinces, with a population circa 3.3 million inhabitants. The capital is " Panama City ", which has a population of 1,000,000 habitants. Since the 70"s it has become one of the most important financial centers for carrying out international business in America .

Language
The official language is Spanish, but in Panama City , as well as Colon City , and a few other Cities, English is spoken in the commercial realm.

Currency
The US$ dollar is the legal currency within the country. This currency is being used in Panama since the country beginnings by means of a treaty negotiated with the United States in 1904.

Historical Data
Rodrigo de Bastidas, a wealthy notary public from Seville , was the first of many Spanish explorers to reach the Isthmus, sailing westward from Venezuela in 1501 in search of gold. Then, after a decade, the settlers at Antigua del Darién ( Antigua ), the first city to be duly established by the Spanish Crown, deposed the crown"s representative and appointed Vasco Nuñez de Balboa and Martin Zamudio as mayors. Panama gained its independence from Spain on November 28 th of 1821, and became part of La Gran Colombia . It wasn't until November 3 rd of 1903, when Panama finally separated from La Gran Colombia and became a sovereign country.

Political System and Government
Panama is a sovereign state and has a democratic government system based on constitutional principles. The government has three Branches:
I) The Executive Branch which is composed of a President, 1 vice-president, and a Cabinet of State Ministers.
II) The Legislative Branch that has an Assembly of 72 deputies; and
III) The Judicial Branch which is composed by a Supreme Court with lower level circuit and municipal courts that are divided into civil, labor and criminal court systems.

Legal system
The Panamanian legal system is based on the Roman and civil law.

Tax System
The country's tax system is based on the "Territorial Principle". According to the Panamanian legislation, this principle demands the payment of taxes only when the income comes from sources within the Panamanian territory. This means that the earnings from foreign transactions are free of income tax in Panama.

Colon Free Zone
The Colon Free Zone is one of the most important centers for the deposit, redistribution and re-exportation of all kinds of goods. Is the Second largest Free trade Zone in the World after Hong Kong.

Cost of Living
Living expenses are considerably lower in Panama , with a very comfortable and high quality of life of a first world country.

Outdoors
Boquete, a valley with beautiful mountains and absolutely perfect climate, was voted one of the three best places to retire in the world. Rain forests, Beaches, Farmland, Mountains, indigenous cultures and Cosmopolitan City . There are other striking islands and places like Bocas del Toro, Escudo Island in Veraguas, Kuna Yala, Coiba Island , Iguana Island ,The Pearl Islands (where the show survivor wasfilmed), with beautiful reefs and great biodiversity.

Beaches
Panama is one of the only places in the world, with plenty of beaches in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Beaches where you can enjoy both oceans just two hours apart from each other. With newly built resorts and hotels in beaches and islands you will have numerous opportunities to buy or lease houses, apartments and cabins or even purchase your own property at very affordable prices.

Panama City
Panama City is a very cosmopolitan city. It has gorgeous view of the ocean and the mountains and a beautiful contrast between old buildings and new modern architecture, as an example, recognized Architect Frank O. Gehry (Guggenheim Museum) has designed a biodiversity museum which is under construction and is expected to be a wonderful attraction. Of course you most take a tour in the Panama Canal, take a ride in the Colon train and enjoy the beautiful railroad view to Colon , and The Ruins of the old city of Panama .

Night life & Entertainment
Great international cuisine is common in the many first line restaurants of Panama City . Nice bars, Lounges, Night Clubs, Casinos, Shopping malls with international stores, Theaters, etc.

Currency
The US dollar circulates as the only currency of Panama , and a few places might accept Euros.

Equal treatment
Nationals and foreigners are treated equally in Panama ; there is also a great deal of respect and understanding for the diversity of races and creeds. Discrimination is prohibited by Constitution.

Medical Care
Panama has outstanding medical care, with excellent private Hospitals and very good public Hospitals and Medical centers equipped with advance technology; it is fair to say that panama has one of the best medical care of the region.

Utilities
The telephone and communications services as well as Electricity services were privatize; and as private companies they provide a faster and better service.

Commercial center
An important and sophisticated Financial and Banking Center, has serve the international community for many years, proof of that is the strong presence of worldwide recognize Banks like HSBC, BBVA, BNP, CITY BANK, to name a few.

Free Time
Panama is blessed with striking vegetation and amazing wild life. Fresh climate valleys and breathtaking mountains will suit perfectly for outdoors lovers.

Golf
You will be able to play in several golf courses in the city, the beach or the mountains, with many courses Nationwide. Panama is also host of many professional International tournaments.

Fishing
Panama is famous for its fishing, either for competitive or just for fun. Panama has innumerable great fishing spots, among the best in the world.

Ecotourism
The richness of Panama 's landscape coupled with its natural parks, turn this country in a real paradise for the lovers of ecotourism. Soberania Park , La Amistad park, Darien and the Baru Volcano are among the best options. In Portobelo (Caribbean side) there are installations in the entrance of this historical town with cabins to spend the night, The famous Island of Barro Colorado with more bird species than most parts of the world; just to mention a few places.

Adventure
River Rafting, Camping, Water Skiing, Climbing& Rappelling, Diving and Hiking, Canopying, Birdwatching.