Language

Spanish is the official language, but other languages are spoken in pockets around Panama. The country's seven indigenous groups speak a variety of dialects of Wounaan, Teribe, Emberá, Kuna, and Ngöbe-Buglé (Guayamí), the latter two being the most common given that they are the largest indigenous communities in Panama. In the Bocas del Toro region, descendants of Jamaican immigrants who came to work on banana plantations speak what's known as "Guari Guari," alternatively spelled "Wari Wari." It is also sometimes referred to as creole English, but really the language is patois English blended with Spanish and Guayamí (Ngobe-Buglé) words. Native English speakers have a difficult time understanding Guari Guari. A good place to hear Guari Guari is at Old Bank on Isla Bastimentos.

San Miguel creole French, spoken by immigrants from Santa Lucía during the 19th century, is a dying language in Panama that's rarely heard any longer. On the other hand, Chinese immigrants, many of whom work as merchants running corner stores and small markets called chinitos, continue to speak their native tongue. Adding to this mélange is Arabic, spoken by immigrants from the Middle East.