GENERAL INFORMATION OF PANAMA

BY Cristian Castillo

National Symbols

National Flag:

National Flag:

Panama´s national flag was born on the eve of the country´s proclamation of independence. The flag was designed on October 29th, 1903, by Don Manuel E. Amador Guerrero and made up by Dona Maria Ossa de Amador and baptized on December 20th of the same year. The Constituency Assembly provisionally adopted the flag by Law No. 64 of 1904 and the definitive adoption was through Law No. 4 of 1925.

• The Panamanian flag is divided into four: the first top close to the flagstaff is white with a blue star, the second superior at the continuation of the previous description is red, while the first inferior close to the flagstaff is blue, and the second is white with a red star. The white symbolizes peace so much desired by the peaceful unity of the historic parties that contributed to the creation of the Panamanian State, red represents the Liberal Party and Blue was Conservative.

Flag Day was established on November 14th; on this date all Panamanians pay tribute to their flag that waves on top the Ancon Hill.

Coat of Arms:

Panama´s Coat of Arms was a piece by creator Don Nicanor Villalaz. After the national insigne was created, the Government Ministry of the Provisional Government Board called for a contest of all of the country´s artists on December 13th in which 103 projects were presented and one was marked with the initials N.V. belonging to Don Nicanor Villalaz. The jury decided on this one, recommending some modifications of simplification, suggesting the replacement of the slogan “Peace. Freedom. Unity. Progress”, proposed by the author to “Pro Mundi Beneficio”, which was approved and adopted by Law No. 64 of June 4th, 1904.

• The coat of arms approved in 1904 and which since then has been officially used, has the following description:

• Resting on a green countryside, a symbol of vegetation; oval shape and divided into three. The center shows the isthmus with its seas and sky highlighting the moon rising and the sun falling behind the forest in the horizon, symbolizing the hour of independence. The chief is divided into two barracks; on the right, in the silver field, a sword and rifle is seen hanging as a symbol of abandonment signifying a forever goodbye to civil wars.

• The corner of the coat of arms is divided into two cantons : the right hand side a blue field as an example of cornucopia emblem of richness; and the left, a silver countryside symbol of progress. Behind the coat of arms and covering it with its open wings is the eagle, emblem of sovereignty with the head wrapped towards the left with a silver ribbon in its peak, whose songs hang from right to left.

• Over the ribbon reads: “Pro Mundi Beneficio”.

• Over the eagle, in a form of an arch is 9 gold stars (formerly there were 7), in representation of 9 provinces of the Republic. As decorative accessories, each side of the coat of arms are two national pabelleons gathered together by its inferior part.

• For 37 years the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Panama has not suffered any alternations, until the Constitution was proclaimed in 1941 which promoted some changes. Five years later, the regimen that inspired the changes in the emblem disappeared in 1946 and the old symbol was then returned with the slogan “Pro Mundi Beneficio”, currently found in the coat of arms.

National AnthemWe have finally reached victory In the happy countryside of the union With passionate glow of glory The new nation is illuminated.

It is precise to cover with a candle The past of Calvary and the cross And to embellish the blue of the sky Of harmony the splendid light.

Progress caresses its lands at the rhythm of the noble song. Watch arise both seas at your feet That take course to your noble mission.

On the soil covered with flowers At the kisses of the warm earth Ended the warrior´s clash, Only reigns fraternal love.

Forward the pick and shovel, To work without delay And shall be prez and gala Of this productive world of Colon.

National Bird

• The National Bird is the Eagle Harpy belonging to the family Accipitridae, where other species are found like sparrow hawks, eagles among others. The habitat of the harpy eagle extends from Mexico to Argentina. In the Mesoamerica region from the south of Mexico to Panama. Considered endanger of extinction, from 1997 efforts were underway to re-instate them in Panamanian forests in addition to beginning a campaign for its protection and conservation.

National Flower

Panama´s National Flower is known as the Espiritu Santo Flower (Peristeria elata) stemming from a beautiful variety of orchids. It is characterized for having pedals with an intense ivory color, decorated in the center with a well defined and delicate dove that flourishes in the months from July to October.

THANK

YOU!