A country synonymous with the famous landmark canal and, of course, the straw hat (which in fact originates from Ecuador), Panama is an isthmus with a landmass smaller than that of Ireland.
It is a nation which, until recently, has been largely ignored by the travel press. Yet Panama is a surprising country, rich in cultural tradition and history, not to mention its outstanding natural beauty; untouched islands, picturesque volcanic craters and tropical rainforest which is said to be the most complex eco-system on the planet.