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Chapter
Six: Panama
Panama,
the southernmost country of Central America, forms a 410-mile,
S-shaped isthmus from Central to South America. The isthmus
is bounded by the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific
Ocean to the south. Panama consists of three natural areas:
a mountainous interior; the grasslands of the Pacific region;
and the Caribbean region, habitat to dense rain forests and
strawberry poisonous frogs. Well known to the world’s medical
community, these tiny, red creatures produce pain-killing
toxins 200 times more powerful than morphine. In the year
2000, Panama’s independence was complete when the U.S. gave
up control of the Panama Canal.
What Time Is It in Panama?
Panama
is on Eastern Standard Time. When it’s 10 a.m. in Washington,
D.C., then it’s 10 a.m. in Panama.
People
Native
Americans were Panama’s only inhabitants when the Spaniards
occupied the country in the early 1500s. Today most Panamanians
are an ancestral mix called mestizos—people of both
Spanish and Native American ancestry. Although many Panamanians
still farm in the country’s rural areas, nearly one-half live
and work near the canal. Cities like the capital, Panama,
and Colon, named after the explorer Christopher Columbus,
are major commercial and cultural centers. Panamanians enjoy
many forms of recreation. On holidays, the people hold fiestas—celebrating
with dance, music, religious rituals, and special foods. Baseball
is the nation’s most popular sport.
Doing Business in Panama.
If
you’re planning to do business in Panama, then here are a
few tips you might want to know.
Greetings
- Shaking
hands is customary.
- Senior
representatives and older people should be greeted first.
- Titles
are important. When addressing someone, use the title—Doctor,
Profesor, Senor (Mr.), Senora (Mrs.), Senorita (Miss)—without
the last name. First names are reserved for close friends
and family.
Gestures
- Americans
who avoid associating with the locals are believed to be
unfriendly.
- Panamanians
understand U.S. customs and gestures. Act accordingly, as
you would in the U.S.
Protocol
- Punctuality
is expected in business relationships.
- Present
business cards and all other material in both Spanish and
English.
- Panamanians
do business with friends. Try to develop a personal relationship
before negotiating.
- Graphics
and other visual aids make a good impression.
Want to know more about Panama?
Visit
www.
Britannica.com.
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