International Business Class: Panama's Overview

International Business Class: Panama's Overview

Introduction

Republic of Panama is a former Spanish Colony located between Costa Rica in Central America and Colombia in South America. As per the records of 1998, the total population of Panama was 2.77 million. The four largest cities of the country are San Miguelito, David, Colon & Panama City (Florido, 2001). The Spaniards first arrived in the country of Panama in 1501. After 1501, Republic of Panama has gone through many stages of development and crisis. The country's current economic and social conditions are visible evidences of the experiences that the country has gone through. These events in turn have impacted its culture, economy, relations with other countries and its classification among other countries.

Discussion

Culture of Panama

Culture is a very diverse and complex term to perfectly define in the form of words. As highlighted by Darity (2008), Culture is a collection of knowledge, art, belief, law, customs, morals and any other habits and capabilities acquired by the members of a society. Hofstede's (1980) explanation of the term supports this description by defining culture as the collective programming of mind which differentiates members of one group from those of others. Panamanian culture derived from European traditions brought by the Spanish People. Majority of the elite population of urban areas is Creole, who are mostly of Spanish descent. Apart from them, people belonging to the Italian, Spanish, Jewish and Greek origins are also part of the society.

There are many subdivisions of the Panamanian society and culture, which contribute to its rich heritage. Since people from many diverse backgrounds are forming the society, the national culture is a blend of cultures belonging to several indigenous ethnic groups (Florido, 2001). The Panamanian culture can be better understood by understanding the impact of following factors:

Language & Ethnic Groups

Spanish is the country's official language and is widely throughout the country. However, many people also speak and understand English as secondary to their native language. Mestizos constitute the biggest ethnic group existing in Panama. Rest of the population is as Indians, White and Amerindians.

Cuisines

Spanish and Latin American cuisines majorly contribute towards Panamanian food items. Since the country is a coastal region, majority of food includes sea foods. Apart from that, the country's cuisines are also famous for their spicy touch and traditional recipes.

Religious Beliefs, Rituals and Holy Places

About 85 percent of Panamanian population is Roman Catholic. The most important festival is the Carnival. Five days before Ash Wednesday, the capital closes down and a young queen presides who is by the charitable organizations. Congo is by the Coastal Blacks; it starts in January and a queen from each community presides in this too. Each weekend male and female dance groups perform for the crowd's enjoyment and also to practice the traditional custom of dancing at the occasion (Moore, 2001).

As far as Holy Places are , Potrobelo's port city on the Atlantic coast is the location of a shrine to the Black Christ. Black Christ is as an object of great respect, ...