So, you like Boquete? but do you know about the "people" in Boquete? I mean the locals, the Boqueteños. I will describe them in a nutshell so you can understand a little bit more about us.
Let´s go back in time about a hundred years ago. The first inhabitants of these wonderful mountains were the noble Gnäbe Bugle people, proud warriors of several tribes who worked and lived in the area. The first pilgrims in Boquete came from the surrounding Dolega and David and other parts of the country, as well as many foreigners from South and North America and many from Western Europe. This fabulous mix of Indigenous, Mulatto, Spaniard and Caucasians gave birth to every one of us. Boqueteños!
Boqueteños have an enormous pride. On the land, on the mountains, on the weather..... The largest production are coffee and agricultural products. Early birds, Boqueteños usually wake up early, to start working the land. By 4:00pm they are done. Then you will find them in "El Pueblo" (downtown) sharing the day´s experiences, making jokes and exchanging local gossip.
Groceries are usually done in the afternoon (don´t know why, we just do!) Laundry is done in the mornings while children are in school and the weather allows it. Fresh produce and fresh meat is bought usually on Saturdays in the local farmers market.
If you notice and unusual amount of people in "El Pueblo" on Wednesdays and Sundays... Well, people are buying Lottery tickets those days. Boqueteños take Lottery very seriously!
Boqueteños are very religious oriented people. Historically the Catholic Church has the most devotes, but you can find virtually any church in Boquete. Usually religious services are held on Saturdays and Sundays. Most catholic children are required to attend their first communion classes on the weekends, so you will see many of them around during weekends.
Community Taxis and small buses are the main transportation method for Boqueteños, in downtown, you can take them in "Casa Bruña" (grocery store in the main street) or in the plaza; depending on the route you need to take.
Hardworking people we are! local unemployment is among the lowest in the country. It´s quite hard to find unemployed Boqueteños, we are always on the move. We have several Public schools, children are required by law to attend at least basic education. Education 1-12 grades is free. At night, we have a Community College running in the local public High School, that gives many youngster to complete their college education after work and locally.
Now, some "cold" numbers about Boqueteños:
Total Population: 20,199
54% - Men
46% - Women
26% are under 15 years old
64% are between 15-64 years old
10% are older than 64 years old
There are 4,500 house holds in Boquete
There are more than 10,000 foreigner residing in Boquete. From 21 different countries around the world.
Literacy is 94%
Human Development is the highest of the Province and is in the top 5 of the Country
Poverty is at 23.04%
Agricultural workers: 44%
Commerce: 11.3%
Construction: 7.5%
Industry: 6.8%
Home Care: 5.4%
Transportation: 4.6%
There you have it! facts in a nut shell. But, to really get to know us, mingle, talk to us and embrace our culture. You will enjoy the ride!.
Let´s go back in time about a hundred years ago. The first inhabitants of these wonderful mountains were the noble Gnäbe Bugle people, proud warriors of several tribes who worked and lived in the area. The first pilgrims in Boquete came from the surrounding Dolega and David and other parts of the country, as well as many foreigners from South and North America and many from Western Europe. This fabulous mix of Indigenous, Mulatto, Spaniard and Caucasians gave birth to every one of us. Boqueteños!
Boqueteños have an enormous pride. On the land, on the mountains, on the weather..... The largest production are coffee and agricultural products. Early birds, Boqueteños usually wake up early, to start working the land. By 4:00pm they are done. Then you will find them in "El Pueblo" (downtown) sharing the day´s experiences, making jokes and exchanging local gossip.
Groceries are usually done in the afternoon (don´t know why, we just do!) Laundry is done in the mornings while children are in school and the weather allows it. Fresh produce and fresh meat is bought usually on Saturdays in the local farmers market.
If you notice and unusual amount of people in "El Pueblo" on Wednesdays and Sundays... Well, people are buying Lottery tickets those days. Boqueteños take Lottery very seriously!
Boqueteños are very religious oriented people. Historically the Catholic Church has the most devotes, but you can find virtually any church in Boquete. Usually religious services are held on Saturdays and Sundays. Most catholic children are required to attend their first communion classes on the weekends, so you will see many of them around during weekends.
Community Taxis and small buses are the main transportation method for Boqueteños, in downtown, you can take them in "Casa Bruña" (grocery store in the main street) or in the plaza; depending on the route you need to take.
Hardworking people we are! local unemployment is among the lowest in the country. It´s quite hard to find unemployed Boqueteños, we are always on the move. We have several Public schools, children are required by law to attend at least basic education. Education 1-12 grades is free. At night, we have a Community College running in the local public High School, that gives many youngster to complete their college education after work and locally.
Now, some "cold" numbers about Boqueteños:
Total Population: 20,199
54% - Men
46% - Women
26% are under 15 years old
64% are between 15-64 years old
10% are older than 64 years old
There are 4,500 house holds in Boquete
There are more than 10,000 foreigner residing in Boquete. From 21 different countries around the world.
Literacy is 94%
Human Development is the highest of the Province and is in the top 5 of the Country
Poverty is at 23.04%
Agricultural workers: 44%
Commerce: 11.3%
Construction: 7.5%
Industry: 6.8%
Home Care: 5.4%
Transportation: 4.6%
There you have it! facts in a nut shell. But, to really get to know us, mingle, talk to us and embrace our culture. You will enjoy the ride!.
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