For over 100 years, ever since the American government assisted Panama in gaining independence from Colombia, and subsequently building the Panama Canal, Americans have had a presence in Panama. They have been living, working and enjoying all of the wonderful benefits that Panama has to offer such as its natural beauty, comfortable topical weather and a low cost-of-living. Over the course of the years, the Americans certainly managed to leave their mark too. Among other things, the US Dollar is the national currency of Panama, English is a widely spoken second language and many of the country´s professionals including doctors, lawyers and business people are commonly educated in the United States. However, it has only been since very recently and with the generation of Baby Boomers nearing retirement that we have seen Americans, raised in the continental United States, actively seek out lifestyle options and alternatives in Panama, and with good reason.

Recognizing the opportunity that this demographic offers, the Panamanian Government has made every effort to put in place laws that offer these "retirees" everything from tax incentives to discounts on transportation, healthcare, professional services and general day-to-day living expenses like those accrued at restaurants, movie theatres and concert halls. The government has put in place similar laws and incentives to attract foreign investors willing to develop its rapidly growing tourism industry. Today, there are more than 30,000 American citizens that call Panama their second home and the numbers are growing every day.