Chiriquí

Chiriquí is a province of Panama in the western part of the country. It extends from the Pacific coast along the Gulf of Chiriquí to inland valleys and highlands. It borders Costa Rica to the west and lies adjacent to Veraguas and Panamá provinces to the east. The provincial capital is David, a regional economic center served by Enrique Malek International Airport.

Geography and environment: The province features coastal areas, cloud forests, and the volcanic Barú massif, which includes Volcán Barú, the highest point in Panama. The Gulf of Chiriquí and Coiba National Park lie off the coast, protecting diverse marine life; Coiba is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Protected areas are popular for diving, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing.

Economy: Agriculture is a major pillar, with coffee from Boquete and surrounding highlands, bananas, dairy, and cattle ranching. Tourism is significant, focusing on ecotourism, coffee tourism, and outdoor recreation. Fishing and light industry supplement the economy.

Demographics and culture: The population includes descendants of mixed European and Indigenous groups, with Ngäbe and Buglé communities concentrated in rural areas. Spanish is the predominant language, though indigenous languages persist in some communities. The region has a long agricultural heritage dating to the colonial era.

History: Indigenous inhabitants long preceded Spanish contact. In the modern era, Chiriquí developed as an agricultural and trading region and was established as a province within Panama’s administrative framework.

Administrative divisions: The province is subdivided into several districts and corregimientos, including the capital David, as well as towns such as Boquete and Bugaba.