Panama City, Panama

Capital City

With a population of 1,540,000, Panama City is a bustling hub of commerce and banking. But beneath the glitzy skyline lies a persistent bureaucratic headache - the city's status as an international money-laundering center has brought heavy regulation that can frustrate residents and visitors alike. And while the tropical climate is pleasant, the near-constant cloud cover is a far cry from the sunshine-filled paradise some may expect. Overall, Panama City is best suited for those drawn to its economic opportunities, rather than those seeking an easy, carefree expat lifestyle.