Panama is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama. It has a population of 880,691 and it is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal.

The city is the political and administrative center of the country, and a hub for international banking and commerce. With an average GDP per capita of $11,700, Panama has been among the top five places for retirement in the world, according to International Living magazine. Panama City has a dense skyline of mostly highrise buildings, and it is surrounded by a large belt of tropical rainforest.

It has an advanced communications system, Internet use is widespread. Panama's Tocumen International Airport, the biggest and busiest airport of Central America, offers daily flights to major international destinations. Panama City was chosen to be the American Capital of Culture for 2003.