Culture of Panama

People in Panama speak the Spanish language. The linguistic diversity of Panama is diverse according to a fractionalization scale which for Panama is 0.3873. The followers of Christianity are the religious majority in the country. 75.3% of Panama's population live in cities. This percentage comprises the urban population of Panama. The rate of urbanization in Panama is considered to be 2.7. According to data on inbound tourists in Panama, 1,658,000 tourists arrive in the country each year.

National anthem

The national anthem of Panama is called 'Himno Istmeño', which in English means 'Hymn of the Isthmus'. It was adopted in 1925. The lyrics have been written by Jeronimo de la Ossa and the music has been composed by Santos Jorge.

Fast food

The first McDonalds in Panama was opened on 1 September 1971, and it was located in Panama City. At the moment Panama has 57 operating McDonalds restaurants. The number of operating McDonalds restaurants in a country is indicative of the influence of Western culture and globalization in that country. Operating McDonalds restaurants could also have a direct impact on the health of a nation's citizens. Around 25% of the population of Panama are obese.

Alcohol consumption

Each year, the people of Panama consume 0.8 litre of alcohol per capita, and this volume consists of 69.2% beer, 4.6% wine, 26% distilled spirits, 0.2% other alcohol.

National dish

One of the most popular national dishes of Panama is sancocho de gallina.