"A Mix of Cultures and History" a Panama Travel Page by BruceDunning

Panama has had its share of other cultures coming to "help" The canal was surely one of the biggest feats to accomplish and complete. It took over since 1882 to complete and turn over to the locals in 1977. The gig is the Chinese now operate this canal. WOW. Another chance for US to take a dive when we gave it back in 1999 based on 1977 agreement.
Charles I of Spain had a concept for a canal back in 1534, but it took some years; like until 1913 to finish. A rail line was completed in 1850 by the US that helped in transport. The rail still goes that route today. There were 20,000 french that died trying to build the canal, most all from malaria. So the US decided to cure that disease before starting the work.

The country has 3.1 million people, and 70% live in Panama City, which is near the pacific coast side. Total of 50 miles across the isthmus country is the reason to develop the waterway, and the internal systems for agriculture. It first had a railroad built in 1850 by Americans. They have 100,000 US expats living here, and Latin immigrants for some labor jobs. No army, and police are scarce, but states crime is only 1%-of what?
Discovered in 1513 by Pascal de Vagas, the connection to the Pacific connection was kept a secret for 157 years, even with Panama City being built in 1519. Columbus found the land in 1502, and they established Portobello town/fort, just north of Colon in 1597. It means pretty port.

This is a sign falling down. It hopefully is not a note of other thing to come for the country. They have poverty and lower end economy that inhibits the growth of the country in rural areas. Panama is somewhat of a socialize state, so it helps its people, but the infrastructure suffers. Health care is universal, and a clinic cost is $5, but hospitals charges are out of site unless on welfare. That only takes 30 days, if unemployed and below poverty level of around $15,000. The Government gets 18% deduction for health care plus employer and worker pay 23% total for pension/welfare. University costs locals $30 a semester to attend. Minimum wage is $325 a month. An average house costs is $27,000.