Geography of Soná

Location and Political-Administrative Structure

It is located in the southwest region of the province of Veraguas, forming an integral part of the southwestern sector of the Republic of Panama.

Its approximate geographic coordinates are 8°01′00″N 81°19′00″W.

The city of Soná, which also shares its name with the head district (corregimiento), serves as the administrative and urban center of the district. This strategic location places it approximately 226 kilometers in a straight line from Panama City and 371 kilometers from San José, Costa Rica.

Its land boundaries are defined as follows:

• North with the Santiago district
• South with the Pacific Ocean

• East with the Mariato district
• West with the Las Palmas district

Regarding its political-administrative structure, the Soná District consists of 12 corregimientos:

1. Soná
2. Bahía Honda
3. Calidonia
4. Cativé
5. El Marañón
6. Guarumal
7. La Soledad
8. Quebrada de Oro
9. Río Grande
10. Rodeo Viejo
11. Hicaco
12. La Trinchera.

The population of the Soná district, recorded at 28,244 inhabitants in 2023, has an average density of 18.6 inhabitants per square kilometer. The head corregimiento of Soná, the district capital, is the most densely populated area, with 12,242 inhabitants and a density of 176.1 inhabitants per square kilometer.

Historically, the geographical position of the district’s capital and the characteristics of the location of its corregimientos, particularly their connectivity (or lack thereof) with major urban centers, have limited socioeconomic development in some areas. This suggests that geographic barriers may hinder economic integration and growth.

Physical Geography

Topography and Relief

The Soná District is distinguished by remarkably diverse morphology, ranging from extensive coastal areas to fertile valleys and rolling hills, culminating in more rugged mountainous terrain.

Hydrography

The Soná District is exceptionally rich in water resources, traversed by numerous rivers that form vital hydrographic networks. Among the most prominent, and of great importance for the economy and ecosystems of the district, are the Tasabará, San Pedro, and San Pablo rivers.

The San Pablo River, in particular, is central as it flows through the head corregimiento of Soná and receives key tributaries such as the Tolérique, Tríbique, and Tobálico rivers.

The confluence of the Tríbique, San Pablo, and Cobre rivers near the site of the annual Veraguas fair highlights its local significance.

The Pacific coastline in Soná is more irregular and varied than that of the Caribbean, characterized by the vast Montijo Gulf, Bahía Honda, and the distinctive Las Palmas Peninsula, offering a variety of sandy, rocky, and muddy beaches.

Climate

The climate in Soná is predominantly humid tropical (Ami), characterized by high annual rainfall, typically exceeding 2,500 mm.

Although most months are rainy, there may be one or more months with precipitation below 60 mm.

Average temperatures in Soná hover around 25°C, with average maximums of 30°C and minimums of 22°C. Perceived humidity remains consistently high throughout the year, fluctuating between 5% and 95%.

The average temperature of the coolest month consistently remains above 18°C. A smaller portion of the district (approximately 5%) experiences a very humid upland temperate climate (Cfh), where rainfall is abundant throughout the year.

Soils

The soil composition in the head corregimiento of Soná features a surface horizon (epipedon) predominantly classified as Ochric (O), covering 98.84% of the area. A smaller proportion (1.16%) is classified as Umbric (U). The subsurface (endopedon) is characterized by Cambisol and Oxisol orders.

Historically, the main economic activity and dominant land use in Soná has been agricultural and livestock exploitation, earning it recognition as "The granary of Panama."

This indicates extensive and prolonged use of land for agriculture and livestock farming. The primary sector, encompassing agricultural and livestock activities, has the greatest economic impact not only in the head corregimiento of Soná but throughout the entire district.

Among the key agricultural products cultivated are:

• Basic crops such as rice, corn, and sugarcane, along with commercially important products like bananas and plantains.
• Fruits including citrus fruits, pineapple, soursop, mango, nispero, and vegetables such as potato, carrot, onion, strawberries, tomato, lettuce, cabbage, and peppers.
• Timber trees such as teak, cedar, and lignum vitae.

Protected Areas

Soná is home to or borders several critical protected areas, underscoring its significant ecological value and importance for conservation:

• Coiba National Park: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, this vast natural reserve spans 270,125 hectares (216,543 marine hectares) and is shared by the districts of Montijo and Soná. It is particularly renowned for hosting one of the best-preserved coral reefs in Panama's Pacific region, making it a crucial site for marine biodiversity.
• Montijo Gulf Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Site): This Ramsar site is of immense importance due to its extensive mangrove forests and serves as a vital wintering ground for numerous migratory bird species and other nationally threatened fauna.