Cultural Preparation to Volunteer in Panama

History, culture, and language overview for volunteers going to Panama on a Brigade

The Global Brigades Holistic Model in Panama has been inspired by fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration between communities and program implementation since 2008. Panama is the Global Brigades partner with the strongest economic development program. We have supported over 20 internationally recognized community-owned banks in under-resourced, rural communities across Panama. 

To learn more about Panama, please review the following information and videos:

A Brief History of Panama 

• Role in Spanish Colonization: Panama was a crucial hub in Spain's colonial empire. It served as a strategic point for trade and exploration in the Americas after the arrival of Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1501 and subsequent exploration by Vasco Nunez de Balboa.

• Panama Canal Construction: The Panama Canal, a monumental engineering project, was initiated by the French in 1878 but completed by the United States in 1914. It revolutionized global trade by providing a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

• Independence and Geopolitical Significance: Panama gained independence from Spain in 1821 and later from Colombia in 1903 with U.S. support, primarily to secure rights to construct the Panama Canal. This event marked its emergence as a sovereign nation with significant global geopolitical importance.

The Culture, Demographics, and Geography of Panama

• Panama is located in Central America and bordered by Costa Rica and Colombia. It has a diverse terrain with mountains, rainforests, and a lengthy coastline on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

• Panama has a population of approximately 4 million people, with a mix of ethnicities including mestizo, Indigenous, and Afro-Panamanian populations.

• The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, facilitating global trade and significantly impacting Panama's economy and international significance.

The Language of Panama