Panama City is the only capital city in the world that boasts a tropical rainforest within its city limits (Metropolitan Natural Park). Founded in 1519, it was the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. The city is defined by the Panama Canal, a 82 km (51 mile) engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Geographically, Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise over the Pacific and set over the Atlantic from the same spot (the summit of Volcán Barú). Panama City's skyline is the most modern in Central America, often compared to Miami, yet it sits adjacent to 'Casco Viejo,' a historic district and UNESCO site. Interestingly, the famous 'Panama Hat' actually originated in Ecuador, but gained its name because it was sold to workers and travelers passing through the Isthmus of Panama.