INFORMATION ON SANTIAGO:

• INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SANTIAGO:
  • Santiago is the captial city of the province: Veraguas.
  • Santiago is the largest city by population in the province of Veraguas.
  • Santiago District is the ninth largest district by population in Republic of Panama. 
  • Santiago District total area = 374.9 sq mi (971 sq km).
  • Santiago is on Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5).  No Daylight Savings time.
  • Santiago is named after the Apostol Santiago (Saint James)
  • Santiago is one of Panama oldest settlements.
• ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS IN SANTIAGO
  • The Museo Regional de Veraguas (museum) is in Santiago.
    • Building was constructed for a prision in 1855.  Later became police station.  Damaged by fire and restore in 2001.  Open as a museum on November 8, 2004.
    • Pre-Columbia collections of gold, ceramic jewelry, pottery, stone carvings, fossils, lithics and photos
    • Hours 8 AM to 4 PM with Free Admission.
  • The Juan Demostenes Arosemena Park is located in Santigao next to Museo Regional de Veraguas.
    • Park has a statue of Juan D. Arosemena (17th President of Panama).
    • Park renovations were completed in 2010.
    • Park has gazebo, fountain, plants, sitting areas and beautifully decorated with Xmas lights during Christmas.
  • Mercado Publico is a Fresh Produce Market in Santiago
    • Bargain prices for fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and live chickens.
    • Hours early morning to about 4 PM.
    • Located 1 block north of Avennida Central between 4th & 5th Streets.
  • Santa Catalina is about 50 miles from Santiago and is a major surfing attraction.
  • Torio is about 30 miles from Santiago and has a nice beach for snorkeling and relaxing.
  • Santiago celebrates Apostol´s Day on July 25th with walks, parades, fiesta and fireworks.
  • Minor Basilica of Jesus Nazareno of Atalaya
    • In 1964 Vatican designated this church as Minor Basilica
    • Atalaya is only 5 miles from Santiago
    • Believers think the Statue of Jesus has answered prayers and perform miracles.
    • Some 200,000 visit the Statue of Jesus between Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday.
    • Many journey by foot to pay homage in hopes that their prayers will be answered.
  • Festival of Miraculous Medallion 
    • Last weekend of Novermber.
    • Sunday parade are processions from each parrish carrying their Virigin Mother beautifully decorated in many colors.
    • Marching bands, performers dressd in cultual heritage and fireworks. 
  • Carnival/Mardi Gras and (Video of Parade)
    • Saturday thru Tuesday immediately before Ash Wednesday.
    • Santiago block off Avenida Central for the largest annual street party.
    • Water trucks spray the crowds in fun, bands, performances, dances, parties, fireworks
    • Hundreds of street vendors to sale beer, foods, souvenirs, etc.
• SANTIAGO EXCELLENT WEATHER (8 YRS AVERAGE):
  • Hottest months Mar-Apr and Coldest months (Oct-Nov)
  • Average monthy temperature 26°C/79°F (Oct-Nov) to 29°C/85°F (Mar-Apr)
  • Average high temperature 30°C/87°F (Oct-Nov) to to 35°C/95°F (Mar-Apr)
  • Average low temperature 20°C/68°F to 22°C/73°F
  • Average rain days 9-12 (May-Nov) 0-4 (Dec-Apr)
  • Average annual number of snow days - none
  • Average annual number of hurricanes - none
• SANTIAGO 12 DISTRICTS POPULATION (2010 CENSUS) 
  • 12 Districts Totals = 88,997 with 49% men and 51% women
  • Santiago = 31,065 with 48% men and 52% women
  • La Colorada = 2,128 with 52% men and 48% women
  • La Peña = 3,990 with 51% men and 49% women
  • La Raya de Santa María = 3,268 with 50% men and 50% women
  • Ponuga = 2,798 with 54% men and 46% women
  • San Pedro del Espino = 1,629 with 52% men and 48% women 
  • Canto del Llano = 13,331 with 49% men and 52% women
  • Los Algarrobos  5,490 with 51% men and 49% women
  • Carlos Santana Ávila = 4,059 with 50% men and 50% women
  • Edwin Fábrega = 3,434 with 50% men and 50% women
  • San Martín de Porres = 16,406 with 48% men and 52% women
  • Urracá = 1,399 with 52% men and 48% women 
• SANTIAGO LOCATION AND ELEVATION
  • Santiago coordinates: N 8.1°  W 80.98°. 
  • Santiago elevation is 82m at the airport in Santiago.
  • Google map showing Santiago with photos.
  • Santiago is about half way between Panama City and David.
  • Santiago is about 50 miles from the Carribean Sea (Atlantic Ocean)
  • Santiago is about 30 miles from Torio nice beach on Pacific Ocean
  • Santiago is about 50 miles from Santa Catalina on Pacific Ocean 
• SANTIAGO TRANSPORTATION
  • Santiago has an airport .
  • Santiago have three bus terminals.
  • Buses to Panama City every 30 minutes during the daytime
  • Santiago is on the Pan-American highway
• EDUCATION IN SANTIAGO
  • Universidad de Panama has a branch campus in Santiago.
  • Universidad Latina de Panama has a branch campus in Sanitago.
  • Escuela Normal Juan Demostenes Arosemena located in Santiago founded in 1938, which is a "normal school" use to educate children and educate new teachers in actual classrooms.
  • The Oxford School in Santiago (1992) uses National Curriculum of England with classes in English.