Panama has warm, friendly people, a stable democracy, a dynamic business sector and an unusual variety of terrains. With its huge expanses of tropical rainforest, the Isthmus of Panama is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Its unique ecology stems in part from its connection to two continents. If Birds are a primary indicator of biodiversity then Panama would take the winners trophy.

Panama has a wide range of tropical landscapes including pristine beaches, rain forests, over 900 species of birds, 1500 species of trees and over 7000 vascular plants. Without a doubt, Panama is a real tropical paradise for nature lovers and it is perfect for birdwatchers.

Panama is the only country in the Americas that has five national parks (all of them ideal for bird watching) less than two hours drive from its capital city, and it is the only one with a park within the perimeter of the city itself (Metropolitano). The parks are protected by the government and private organizations such as Panama 's ANCON and the United States ' Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute which runs the Barro Colorado National Monument , an island formed in Gatun Lake when the canal was built.

The word " Panama " has various origins. According to history and the native indian language it means " abundance of butterflies ". Other popular interpretations are " abundance of fish " and the very popular " Panama Hat ". Because of its geographical position, Panama has been inhabited by people of many different cultures. Panama has been a crossroad since way before the Spanish conquest, to the Gold Rush and finally the construction of one of the most important waterways in the World: The Panama Canal.

Butterflies start to come out in May.
There are hundreds of different species of butterflies to be found in our country.