Panama has one of the best economic futures in Latin America. Like Chile, Panama has the potential to raise its people's standard of living above developing nation status in the near future.

Dozens of businesses and institutions already showcase what Panamanians are capable of. Social willingness and ability to carry out the reforms needed to make Panama competitive internationally adds value to its priceless geographical position.

Much work remains to make Panama a first world nation. The judicial system is badly in need of reform and de-politicization. The level of government corruption is still way too high, a common problem in Latin America. Decentralization- giving more authority and services to cities and provinces is vital. While private education is good, public education needs continued improvement to prepare young Panamanians for the many jobs that will be created in the sophisticated service sector. Panama recognizes this and is now spends 20% of its public spending on education, the highest figure in the Americas.

The nascent prosperity is not reaching the whole populace: the wealth distribution curve is one of the most skewed in the world. One third of the population lives in poverty. Sustained determination and creative planning will continue to be needed to create the conditions so that all Panamanians can participate in the country's growing prosperity.

Unlike other Latin Americans, Panamanians don't need to go shopping in Miami. Due to the lowest tariffs in the Americas, Panama is a shopper's paradise whether it is clothes, computers or electronics. Panamanian supermarkets can easily be mistaken for American supermarkets with their large selection of American products. Electronics stores compete in both price and selection with American stores. There are even three Price-Costco's in Panama City and one in the West Panama City of David.

The people of this country and its stable government welcome us, and so, as time passes, many of the tensions of American life melt away. We find that we can live better here with less money than in the U.S. and that we'll be able to retire sooner if we wish. Panama, by the way, provides many benefits to retirees. The medical and dental care is top-notch (the doctors and the lawyer we've met all trained in the U.S.)...and very, very affordable.

Panama has what has been considered to be the: World's Best Incentive Program for Retirees.

  o  The land of 933 native bird species ...
  o  1200 orchid species ...
  o  Rich marine life: lobsters, shrimp, clams, Black Marlin, tuna, barracuda, sailfish, and many more ...
  o  A jungle boasting monkeys, pumas, ocelots, armadillos, wild boars, anteaters, rabbits, sloth and deer ...
  o  Scarcely tapped mineral deposits of gold, copper, basalt, manganese, lime and granite (the possibility of large oil reserves definitely exists) ...
  o  A duty free zone for the manufacture of your goods ... you can set up a tax-free business in Panama.
  o  Sailing, surfing, deep-sea fishing, diving, river rafting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, exploring the ecological wonders of Panama, birding, beach combing, mountain climbing, tennis, golf, island hopping, Panama has hundreds of islands, many pristine and pure, friendly get together with a growing community of like-minding expatriates,
  o  And lastly, one of the world's leading bank centers with over 110 international banks doing business here.