Panama is a country located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. It is known for its famous canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, diverse wildlife in areas like the Darien Gap, beautiful beaches along its coastlines, and vibrant culture influenced by native and African traditions.
This article features 31 riddles about different aspects of Panama, ranging from geography and landmarks to culture and wildlife. Each riddle helps provide a fun way to learn more about this unique isthmus country. Scroll down to see the riddles and reveals the answers!
Riddles about Panama’s Geography
Riddle 1
I’m a narrow piece of land with water on either side, I connect two massive oceans divide two great continents. What am I?
Answer
The Isthmus of Panama
Riddle 2
I’m Central America’s southernmost country, with coastlines along two oceans blue. Colombia’s to my east, Costa Rica’s to my west, and beyond both oceans vast continents do rest. What country am I?
Answer
Panama
Riddle 3
My highest point in the land they call Panama is a volcano that tops 11,000 feet. Part of a chain of volcanoes along the isthmus’ spine, experiencing my views is an adventurous treat! What am I?
Answer
Volcán Barú
Riddles about Panama Canal
Riddle 4
I connect the Atlantic and Pacific for ships eager to pass. Over 50 miles long, with impressive locks, I’m a canal route no ship would want to bypass! What am I?
Answer
The Panama Canal
Riddle 5
I’m one of the largest man-made lakes along the Panama Canal route. Ships traverse my waters via four sets of double locks to be raised 85 feet high. What body of water am I?
Answer
Gatun Lake
Riddle 6
We are the water gates that act as essential steps, allowing ships to traverse the isthmus’ mountainous middle. We fill and empty giant chambers, lifting vessels to cross this skinny land so pivotal. What are we?
Answer
The Panama Canal locks
Riddles about Panamanian Culture
Riddle 7
My roots trace back to Africa, brought long ago. Dance in lines to my rhythms, fast tempo with energy that really goes! What am I?
Answer
Panamanian Congo dance and drums
Riddle 8
Woven intricately, I come in bright rainbow hues. Worn by women in Guna Yala, my patterns and colors never fail to amuse. What Panama cultural icon am I?
Answer
Guna molas
Riddle 9
Sewn with pride by Panama’s native Guna people, I depict creatures, culture, and botanical themes galore. Showcased as shirts, blouses, and banners unfurled, vibrant panels with dynamic designs my purpose do store. What traditional Guna handicraft am I?
Answer
Guna molas
Riddles about Panamanian Plants and Animals
Riddle 10
Brightly colored and winged, more than 900 species we number. Flitting over Panama’s rainforests, through gardens, and jungle understory. What are we?
Answer
Panamanian butterflies
Riddle 11
My furry relatives you’ll find much farther north, but here I roam Panama’s tropical forests bold. Using my dexterous tail and strong hind legs, I can hop fast than you might expect for this local marsupial of old! What am I?
Answer
The Panamanian opossum
Riddle 12
Buds unfold, revealing flowers white as snow. Emanating a fragrance light and sweet that scent connoisseurs all seek to know! I thrive on hillsides near Cerro Punta Town, this famous Panamanian flower of renown. What fragrant blossom am I?
Answer
Panama’s national flower, the Holy Ghost orchid
Riddles about Panama Landmarks
Riddle 13
Found off Panama’s Pacific coast, I’m a group of over 200 islands with unique ecosystems galore. Explore my islands’ riches – reefs, rainforests, wildlife and more! What Panamanian island group am I?
Answer
The Pearl Islands archipelago
Riddle 14
I’m a colorful quarter in Panama City, with history and culture found on every street. From public art murals to lively nightlife, here tourists love to roam on feet! What district am I?
Answer
Casco Viejo
Riddle 15
On Panama City’s shore, our tent-like structure pays tribute to indigenous roots. Symbolizing strength and wisdom through the years, here visitors take in exhibits, art, and amazing views. What famous museum are we?
Answer
The Biodiversity Museum designed by Frank Gehry
Riddles about Panamanian History
Riddle 16
Spanish conquistadors sought mythical riches I may hide. “El Dorado” they called me, though my reality was obscured by pride. Who am I?
Answer
The mythical City of Gold that drew the Spanish to Panama seeking wealth
Riddle 17
Tho no City of Gold was mine to claim, another precious cargo in ships I stowed. Sailed from South America towards Spain until English pirates took their toll. What narrow strait am I?
Answer
The Camino Real cruising route and Strait of Panama frequented by English privateers
Riddle 18
We attempted an ambitious canal to traverse Panama years before the Americans. Led by our country’s famous diplomat, in the 1880s we made good headway before disease outbreaks forced abandonment. What country spearheaded this initial effort?
Answer
The French canal project led by Ferdinand de Lesseps
Riddles about Panama’s Economy
Riddle 19
Coffee cultivation once dominated slopes surrounding my lands. Now an ecotourism hotspot I’ve become, where visitors book stays at resorts, lodges, beach homes and bungalows off the beaten path. What mountain town am I?
Answer
Boquete
Riddle 20
We guard Panama’s banking industry and thrive offshore, with laws ensuring secrecy and allowing funds to grow over time. What are we?
Answer
Panamanian tax shelters
Riddle 21
Shaped like an S, we form a key shipping lane. Traffic passes through our curves carrying valuable cargo galore – the lifeblood of Panama’s economy! What are we?
Answer
The Panama Canal
Fun Riddles about Panama
Riddle 22
Cut me in half and I sound like an animal. Whole, I’m what Panama does as an isthmus transit hub central. What word am I?
Answer
Canal
Riddle 23
Flip the third, fourth and fifth letters of my name, you get the country to Panama’s west. Who am I?
Answer
Panama (flip maa = Costa)
Riddle 24
Re-arrange my letters, you get an animal in the seas. Add an s and you get a country sharing a border with Panama. Who am I?
Answer
Whale (anagrams to Lewa = Colombia)
Even More Riddles about Panama
Riddle 25
I’m a narrow body of land with blue waters on my sides. Shaped somewhat like an S, I link sprawling continents far and wide. What word describes the type of land formation I exemplify?
Answer
An isthmus
Riddle 26
I connect the Atlantic to Pacific to forge trade and travel new routes. My monumental path lets ships transverse this land between two oceans through. Though many attempts failed to build me before, a certain country finally succeeded and saw the vision through! Who am I?
Answer
The Panama Canal
Riddle 27
Red, yellow and black, I bear this trio of colors with pride. Woven into tapestries, clothes and more, my unique patterns the Guna people provide. Who am I?
Answer
The mola
Riddle 28
Green metallic brethren in Brazil are a sight most acclaimed, but we dazzling blue Morphos color Panama’s skies unashamed! Though biggest wingspan the Atlas holds, diversity here still astounds avid lepidopterist folks of old! What group of winged creatures are we?
Answer
Panama butterflies
Riddle 29
Float along as I describe this country anew – Spanish conquerors crossed my sea-filled path pursuing golden myths that proved untrue. Exploits of English pirates through my narrow waters well documented. Shaped like an S, now ships traverse my length, economic boon as tolls are supplemented! What country lies between two oceans with this sea-filled canal asset?
Answer
Panama
Riddle 30
Probe this Central American nation holding global strategic significance. Although Atlantic and Pacific coastlines provide hints, unique geography warrants more emphasis. Traffic flows thanks to its slim but pivotal form: Name this S-shaped land bridge please and be informed!
Answer
Panama
Riddle 31
My native name meant “abundance of butterflies” it’s true. Though a Spanish explorer renamed me after dense fishing weirs spotted on my coastline view. Today I boast rainforests teeming with wildlife within my varied borders. Connecting two oceans as a bridge – now what do you call my isthmus quarters?
Answer
Panama
Conclusion
How did you enjoy these 31 riddles shining a light on fascinating aspects of Panama? From pivotal sea routes, the canal and diverse wildlife, to native Guna culture, sprawling rainforests and bustling modern sites, this Central American country offers amazing diversity within such a slim land bridge. I hope these riddles provided a fun, interactive way to pick up some key trivia about Panama’s environment, landmarks, economy, plants and animals. Let me know which riddle was your favorite or most intriguing! Feel free to use any to quiz friends and family on their Panama knowledge as well.
