Introduction to our colleague and most of all Dean of the Antwerp Consular Corps: José María Paniza (Consul General Panama) Welcome to Panama!

?Welcome To PANAMA!

A land radiating with life, perfectly imperfect, and full of authenticity. Where Northern and Southern worlds connect, old and new worlds coexist, and cosmopolitan landscapes live in harmony with wild, untamed rainforests.

Panama City is the most cosmopolitan capital in Central America and a must see for any traveler. It offers different experiences: a historic district, a reconstructed city and very modern areas. For shopping lovers, there is something for all tastes and budgets. Less than 10 minutes walking distance, you will find a mall with products and brands from all over the world.

Connectivity

Considered the HUB of the Americas, it offers more direct destinations and international frequencies than any other hub in the region.

Culture and History

Aside from the rich history of the land, Panama is home to 7 different thriving indigenous communities, two of which—the Guna and the Emberá—can easily be visited by tourists eager to learn more about their well-preserved traditions and unique cosmogenic views. Visitors can explore Panama’s Congo culture in places like Portobelo, as well as the unique gastronomy of Panama’s Afro-Caribbean community. In the central provinces of Los Santos and Herrera, you’ll get to learn about the traditional folklore and Panamanian customs including the pollera, cutarras and diablicos.

Gastronomy.

Panama City has been a UNESCO Creative City in Gastronomy since 2017, and for good reason. Foodie or not, you’ll want to experience the uniquely Panamanian cuisine, comprising flavors, dishes, and ingredients from Panama’s African, Spanish, and Native influences. For some of the best restaurants in the city, head to UNESCO World Heritage site, Casco Antiguo. This is where the country’s traditions collide to give you the best of Panamanian cuisine made by world-class chefs.

Nature.

Panama has more bird species than Europe and North America combined, and more plant diversity than the United States and Canada combined. The tropical rainforests of Panama are the most researched in the world due to its incredibly rich biodiversity—combined with the fact that Panama is the most forested country in Central America at 63% coverage.

A visit to Panama will put you up close and personal with some of the most beautiful natural environments in the world, including 3 Natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the only urban capital with a tropical rainforest within its city limits, and over 1,400 tropical islands featuring stunning beaches that you may have thought only existed in postcards.

Consulate General of Panama in Antwerp.

Located in the vibrant center of the City of Antwerp, the Consulate General of Panama is a focal point for Panamanians and Belgians who need consular services, commercial advised and tourist information about Panama. The Consulate also is Merchant Maritime Consulate that offers services of registration and documentations for vessels that fly the Panamanian flag.

Mr. José María Paniza, the Consul General, invites you to connect with Panama.?

José María Paniza

Consul General

+32 3 232 6478 ([email protected])

Office: Meirbrug 1/Bus 39. Floor 7, 2000 Antwerpen