Connecting two continents and two oceans, the international crossroads of Panama has created an immense cultural diversity that has continued to grow for more than 500 years. To understand Panamanian culture, one must explore not only its people, but also its important location and the importance of its channel in promoting business and commerce with countries around the world. The United States has also been closely tied to Panama's success for more than a century. This partnership continues today and Panama plays a vital role in the success of U.S. interests around the world. Without canal access and the established connections we share, the United States would not be the superpower it is today. from North Carolina. Located at the southern tip of Central America, it is the bridge connecting Central and South America. You can even drive from the United States to Panama via the Pan-American Highway. The country has a natural inverted S shape from east to west that connects Colombia to the east and Costa Rica to the west. The country is divided into nine provinces and five reservations for indigenous Indian tribes. With the construction of the Panama Canal, from Panama City to Colon, the vast distances required to travel the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans were reduced to just fifty miles. With such proximity to the United States and the Panama Canal controlling transshipment across oceans, Panama is of vital importance to United States commerce. Panama's geography is also diverse with hot and high temperatures, high and lowlands, mountains and...... middle of paper ...... gnd Web. January 17, 2014. basics_business_student.php?id=159>. “Local customs of Panama.” virtual tourist. Virtualtouist.com, Inc. 2014. Web. January 17, 2014.Panama/Local_Customs-Panama-TG-C-1.html>. “Panamanian culture and Panamanian customs. » retirement-2-panama. and Web. January 17, 2014. “Panamanian Culture – Panama Customs Examined.” » Panamadotcom. PanamaStaffing.com.nd Web. January 17, 2014. “The official website of the Republic of Panama. » visit Panama. Autorida De Tourismo Panama and Web. January 17, 2014. .“Welcome to Panamanian culture” panama-culture Digital Panorama SA 2014. January 17. 2014. .