The official language of Panama is Spanish. This reflects the country’s colonial history, as Panama was part of the Spanish Empire for several centuries. Spanish is used in government, education, and media, making it essential for cultural and day-to-day communication. Despite Spanish being the dominant language, Panama is home to various indigenous communities that speak their languages, such as Ngäbere and Kuna. The linguistic diversity contributes to Panama's rich cultural heritage, but for business and tourism, proficiency in Spanish is usually necessary, as it is the primary means of communication.