Veracruz, Panama

This small town of 18,589 people offers little to distinguish it from the rest of Panama. The population has grown substantially over the past two decades, from just 8,224 in 1990 to 16,748 in 2000. However, this rapid expansion has not translated into significant development or amenities. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with red tape and slow-moving government agencies the norm. The lone bright spot is the presence of Lycée Français Paul Gauguin de Panama, the country's French international school, located in the Panama Pacifico district. Overall, Veracruz is a sleepy, unremarkable suburb best suited for families seeking a quiet, affordable alternative to Panama City.