The National Flag of the Republic of Panama

Panama flag

24 Apr 2015 | From Javier of Panama

SURPRISE POSTCARD

This postcard came as a surprise from Javi who I have swapped with months ago. It shows the flag of Panama.

The flag of the Republic of Panama is a red, white and blue quartered flag (rectangle divided into four quarters). There are two white rectangles, one blue rectangle (in the lower hoist position) , and one red rectangle (diagonal from the blue rectangle), with a red and a blue star in the white quarters (blue in the top, hoist postion). This flag's height is two-thirds the length.

The white in the flag represents peace, the blue star stands for purity and honesty (and the Conservative party), and the red star symbolizes authority and law (and the Liberal party). This flag was adopted on December 20, 1903, and was designed by Panama's revolutionary leader and first President, Manuel Amador Guerrero.

The flag of Panama was made by María de la Ossa de Amador and was officially adopted by the "ley 48 de 1925". The Panamanian flag day is celebrated on November 4, one day after Panamanian independence from Colombia.

Source: Enchanted Learning

My first postcard from Panama

 
The Crossroads of the World
7 Nov 2014 | From Javier of Panama
POSTCROSSING SWAP

Four different aspects of Panama's culture and history is depicted in the postcard: a folklore show in the ruins of Old Panama, Balboas's statue looking at the Pacific, a woman of the Guna Yala tribe, and the Gatun Locks of the Panama Canal. 

Panama is the youngest republic in the Western Hemisphere. It is the southernmost country of Central America and the whole of North America. Panama is landscaped by low mountain ranges, thick jungle and fertile green valleys and plains.

Panama is locally referred to as 'The Crossroads of the World.' It lies on trade routes between North and South America, and on the route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The Panama Canal runs through the Canal Zone, a strip of land that lies across the center of the country.

Panama is a confluence – an explosion of nature, cultures and beliefs in that messy, musical arrangement that's everyday life in Latin America.