David was founded in 1602 and is strategically located in the center of the western-most Province of Panama – Chiriquí (pronounced chee-ree-KEY). Chiriquí is one of the richest provinces and David reaps the benefits as a bustling commercial, distribution, and government center. The second biggest city in Panama, it is the focus of Chiriquí’s strong regional identity and it retains a sedate provincial atmosphere.

David is situated on gently rolling plains about half way between the Pacific Ocean, to the south and the Cordillera Talamanca Highlands to the North. On the ocean, a short drive away, you will find the city of Puerto Armuelles and the beaches of La Barqueta and Las Lajas. Near David you will find the small mountain town of Boquete and a little further away is Volcán. Both are in the shadow of the extinct volcano, Volcán Barú and are known for their fresh mountain air, beautiful views, mountain grown coffee and fresh vegetables. As a bustling agricultural center, David is home to an annual international trade and agricultural fair hosted in March of every year.

Approximately 125,000 people live within greater David and the provincial population is about 350,000. The overall standard of living is relatively high yet the cost of living low, even for Panama. There is a high level of employment and the city is generally quite well maintained. Like most of Panama, the infrastructure in David is better than you will find in any other Central American city and is on par with North American standards in many areas.

Most streets and highways are in good repair; electricity and good potable water (claimed to be world’s purest) are plentiful, there is inexpensive, regularly scheduled bus service to any part of the city and there is twice weekly garbage collection throughout the city. David has excellent communication services also. There is one telephone network, two cellular companies, cheap long distance service, two cable providers, two high-speed Internet providers, numerous radio stations and Direct TV service.

Shopping in David gives you access to every type of merchandise you might desire. There are seven auto dealers, two department stores and several mini department stores, six major appliance and electronics stores, a shopping mall, good bakeries and pastry shops, a dozen large supermarkets, two theaters (with English movies), numerous dry-cleaners, a Blockbusters and a dozen other video stores, a Price Smart (Costco), bowling lanes, several good hospitals, numerous paint and building materials stores, quality tool houses and well stocked hardware, automotive and industrial supply stores, etc.

You can find everything you are used to at home.

Another thing you will appreciate are the friendly people. Panamanians are fun loving by nature, and among the friendliest people on earth. They will go out of their way to help you and generally expect little in return. They are generally well educated (David has one major and six smaller universities) and they have a culture that cherishes family, is almost without racial prejudices and that appreciates and treats everyone as equals, foreigners included. You will meet a great number of people who speak and understand some English and they are very accommodating to visitors trying to learn their language.