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Many people just like you are looking very seriously at Panama as both a place to invest and live. They are considering investments here because Panama is one of the few countries that are projected to have economic growth in the next few years. In fact, the most recent studies project this growth at a very healthy 7.8% for the next year. They are looking at Panama as a place to live because of its low cost of living and lifestyle opportunities. It is very inexpensive to live in Panama and the country has first world healthcare and infrastructure. It is also a natural wonderland and sportsman’s paradise offering amazing bio-diversity, fishing, diving, hiking, bird watching and all manner of outdoor activities.
Panama is absolutely hurricane-free due to its location near the equator. Panama is also fortunate in that it does not suffer the disastrous earthquakes that affect its neighbors to the north. As such, property investments are safe and vacation plans are very rarely re-scheduled.
The fact is that Panama, unlike many neighboring countries has a very low crime rate and most crimes are not violent.
Panama 's constitution is modeled on that of the United States and guarantees due process. Thus, Panama is a country where the law is respected and investments are safe.
Unlike many nations of the world who frown on foreign investment, Panama encourages it. Many incentive programs have been created to attract businesses and Panama offers the best retirement program in the world today with discounts and savings of up to 50%.
With its location in Central America, Panama is within a few hours of the major cities of the western world. In the US alone, direct flights are available from Atlanta, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Amazingly, flights from south Florida can be had for under $100 at certain times of the year or when low cost carriers offer specials.
The US dollar is the official currency of Panama. There is no need to worry about exchange rates and doing business is simple.
With two coasts and countless islands and beaches, there is much to choose from if you are looking for a beach vacation. You’ll find world class beach resorts as well as exotic and romantic island getaways.
Panama City is a first–world city with a highly sophisticated business center and a banking sector with over 100 multinational banks. In fact, it is second only to Switzerland in international banking.
There are hundreds of great restaurants in Panama City and the nightlife is beyond compare. Bocas del Toro also sports amazing dining and entertainment opportunities largely due to the number of foreigners who have chosen to live there. The newsletter of the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) recently stated that Panama has a first-world infrastructure of roads, business services, medical care and telecommunications.
Panama has just begun to promote itself as a tourism destination and the prices of quality vacations are still very low. Furthermore, Panama’s cost of living is a fraction of that found in the United States. Food, household supplies and clothing are remarkably inexpensive as are rent, dining out and medical services.
Panama ’s position as a narrow land bridge connecting two continents has endowed it with some of the world’s most pristine and bio-diverse rainforests. Much of this rainforest land is in national parks that cover over 5 million acres of the country. Amazingly, some of the best locations for exploration are less that an hour away from the capital of Panama City.
One area in Panama, Pinas Bay, holds more than 170 International Gamefish Association world records – that’s more than any other place on the planet. There are five world class diving areas: Coiba Island National Marine Park, the Perlas Islands, the Bocas del Toro archipelago, the Portabello area and for historical diving, the Panama Canal.
Under the leadership of Ruben Blades, a world renowned salsa musician and Panama’s Minister or Tourism from 2002 through 2008 Panama has exploded upon the world tourism scene. His success and world travels provided him with a unique understanding of the importance of tourism for his country. He immediately set out to streamline the process of arrival and departure so that tourists would feel welcome. He also addressed customer service issues throughout the country and spearheaded the push for developing world class hotels and resorts. Today, Panama’s Tourism industry is booming and you will find competent and courteous service at all levels, especially in Panama City and Bocas del Toro.
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Outside Magazine discusses the Panama Canal and and the beauty of the country including Bocas del Toro.
"Holidays 2004: Bocas del Toro, Panama" Travel+Leisure 
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge as seen in Outside Online.
