Country Name |
Republic of Panama |
Continent |
Central America |
Surface area |
75,517 km2 |
Capital |
Panama |
Population |
4,170,607 |
Language |
Spanish |
Currency |
Balboa |
Time zone |
-6hrs in relation to Italy |
Area code for Italy |
0039 |
Area code from Italy |
00507 |
Yellow fever vaccination is not required.
Hepatitis A is generally transmitted through contaminated food and water, or through close physical contact with an infected person, while hepatitis B is transmitted through exposure to infected body fluids and blood.
Infection typically occurs through contact with the saliva of an infected animal, usually through bites, scratches or licks near open wounds or membranes (mouth, nose, eyes). The most common vectors are dogs and bats, but cases of infection in other domestic animals have also been reported.
Caused by toxins released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, there is an endemic risk of contracting tetanus throughout the country.
Bacterial in origin, typhoid fever is transmitted through contaminated food and drink, especially in regions where sanitation conditions are poor.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial airborne disease. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers at risk of developing severe symptoms or of coming into contact with infected individuals. It is likewise recommended for all travellers under the age of 16 who plan to reside in the country for more than 3 months.
Malaria, transmitted by mosquito bites, is widespread throughout the country. As a vaccine is not yet available, you are advised to take both behavioural, and following medical consultation, pharmacological preventive measures.
These diseases are spread by mosquito bites and there is no vaccine. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures by implementing behavioural prophylaxes.
Chikungunya and West Nile virus are to be found in certain areas of the Caribbean. Transmitted by insect bites and with no vaccine, it is important to take preventive measures with behavioural prophylaxes.
The following vaccinations are strongly recommended as these diseases can be contracted anywhere in the world. Experts advise that you protect yourself and other travellers by making sure you are up-to-date with all of the recommended vaccinations. This will allow you to travel safely, while minimising the risk of exposure to infection.
The state of Panama winds through the last part of the narrow Central American isthmic region between the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. It borders Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east.
From west to east the territory consists of a series of elevations, some of which, to the west, are volcanic. The central area has been profoundly changed by the construction of the interoceanic canal. The Atlantic coastline is low and flat, occupied by lagoons and marshes; the Pacific coastline is more rugged, has numerous inlets and is bounded by a number of islands and archipelagos.
The country's climate is warm, humid subequatorial, with minimal annual temperature fluctuations, so temperatures are high in all seasons, mitigated only by altitude.
As in all Central American countries located between the two oceans, the rainiest side is the Caribbean, and the Pacific side is least affected by rainfall.