Although Panama’s relations with the United States are not hostile, the political disputes have made the two countries a trifle bitter over the years. Panama has been fighting for regained possession of the canal from the United States for thirty-six years. Finally, after many years of discrepancies and war, the United States ceded the canal January 1, 2001. . Because of the recent lack of tourism the number of street police officers has reduced in areas such as the “El Distrito de Chorillo,” and “La Provincia de Darien,” which is very dangerous due to bandits and guerillas. Therefore one should stay in typical tourist areas such as Panama City.