Bocas del Toro: Panama's Caribbean Archipelago Province

Bocas del Toro is a province of Panama encompassing an archipelago of islands and a mainland segment on the Caribbean coast.

Key Facts

• Capital: Bocas del Toro City (on Isla Colón)
• Area: 390 sq mi (572 km²)
• Population (2010 census): 125,461
• Location: Northwest Panama, bordering Costa Rica to the west and the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca to the south.

Character

The province is renowned for its marine biodiversity (coral reefs, mangroves, sea turtles), Afro-Caribbean culture, and tourism (surfing, snorkeling, island hopping). The Bastimentos Island National Marine Park protects critical habitats. The economy relies on tourism, banana plantations, and fishing.