Frequently Asked Questions

  • 01. What is the distance from the Pacific to the Atlantic in Panama?

    75 kilometers. This relatively short distance between the two oceans is a unique geographical feature that has made Panama a critical point for international maritime trade. The construction of the Panama Canal, which cuts across the Isthmus of Panama, leverages this narrow land bridge. The canal itself is an engineering marvel that allows ships to traverse from one ocean to the other, bypassing the much longer and treacherous route around the southern tip of South America. This strategic location and the canal's presence have been pivotal in shaping Panama's economic and strategic importance on the global stage, facilitating the efficient movement of goods between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

  • 02. What are the main Pacific port terminals in Panama?

    The main Pacific port terminals in Panama, Balboa and PSA Panama International Terminal (Rodman), play crucial roles in global maritime trade, particularly due to their strategic locations at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal.
    Balboa Terminal: Situated at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, the Balboa terminal is one of the most important and busiest ports in Latin America. It serves as a critical hub for transshipment and international shipping, facilitating the movement of cargo between the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The port features advanced container handling facilities and is equipped to accommodate the latest generation of large container ships. Its strategic location, combined with state-of-the-art infrastructure, makes it a key player in global supply chains.
    PSA Panama International Terminal (Rodman): This terminal, operated by PSA International, one of the leading global port groups, is located near the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal as well. It complements the capabilities of the Balboa terminal by offering additional capacity and services for the transshipment of goods. The PSA Panama International Terminal is known for its efficiency and has been expanding its facilities to handle the increasing volume of cargo passing through the Panama Canal. It boasts modern equipment and technology to ensure the quick and safe handling of ships and cargo.

  • 03. What are the main Atlantic port terminals in Panama?

    Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT), Cristóbal - Panama Ports Company (PPC), and Colon Container Terminal (CCT).

  • 04. What distance do ships travel when passing through the Panama Canal?

    About 80 kilometers approximately.

  • 05. What does the name Panama mean?

    Its meaning is "abundance of fish and butterflies." Other researchers say it actually refers to the name of a tree called panama that the indigenous people used for meetings. A third theory holds that Panama comes from the phrase panna mai from the indigenous Cuna language, meaning "beyond."

  • 06. What is the extent of Panama's territory?

    75,517 km².

  • 07. What is the population of Panama?

    4.351 million inhabitants according to 2021 data.

  • 08. What are the main economic activities in Panama?

    Panama is a logistical center, and this represents a very important activity for the country, in addition to being a financial center.