Panama's history and importance in the world derives from its unique geographic position, being the point where Atlantic and Pacific come closest together between Tierre del Fuego and the Arctic.
The great majority of its beach development has occurred on the Pacific side, for reasons that are easy to understand. First, Panama City is on the Pacific. This puts the great concentration of beachgoers and international visitors on the Pacific.
Second, the Pan-American highway runs from Panama City to Costa Rica close to the Pacific coastline. Long stretches of the Caribbean / Atlantic side are without road access.
Third, the Pacific has many beaches that are sandy and safe for human feet, rather than coral,which is both fragile and dangerous. Except for Bocas del Toro, which has sandy beaches, the Pacific side stands out as more inviting to tourists.
