Climate

Rainfall reaches 1,700 to 2,000 mm (67 to 79 in) near the inlet of Garachiné, with a marked dry period between January and April (a tropical savanna climate, Aw on the Köppen climate classification). However, in the foothills and valleys of the province's interior precipitation can exceed 8,000 mm (310 in) per year with virtually no dry season (a tropical rainforest climate, KöppenAf); this ranks the area among the rainiest regions on earth. The temperature varies, by altitude, between 17 and 35 °C (63 and 95 °F). The soil types and their suitability for use are primarily associated with topographic variations and geological-material generators.

Culture

The population is primarily indigenous Afro-Descendants and settlers who migrated from other provinces (mainly Santeña, Herrerano and Veraguas) in search of land and opportunity.

The characteristic music of the people of Darién is the bullerengue, a drum dance from Africa. Groups who have migrated to the province are trying to preserve their customs and traditions which are distinct from Colombian culture. Radio stations play bullerengue; stations nearer the Colombian border favor vallenato music.

Common foods include guacho de mariscos (fish with coconut rice) and serendengue. Choca'o (stewed plantain) is a traditional drink.

Women usually wear hand-sewn dresses, while men dress for business. Primary crops grown in the province are maize, rice, plantains, bananas, cassava, yams and beans. In the Gulf of San Miguel shrimp, fish and lobster are abundant; a fishing fleet operates from Panama City. In the inland rivers of the province, fishing is mainly for subsistence. The lumber industry yields valuable woods such as cedar, balsa, balsam, mahogany and cocobolo