Painting toenails for a living

Making a living in hard times

Panama has no unemployment insurance, and hardly any welfare system to speak of. Those who don't have regular jobs better have some good or service to sell, and nearly 40 percent of the work force does so, making their livings in the incredibly diverse informal economy.

Down on Avenida Central, there are women who paint other people's toenails for a living. Some of them are brilliant artists in this miniature medium.

It's painstaking work, for which nobody gets rich. But it puts food on the table and is as honorable as any other creative pursuit in Panama's informal economy.

Photo by Eric Jackson

Also in this section:
Opposition to US-Panama FTA gains strength in Congress
Panama Ports shuts down Cristobal Yacht Club
Painting toenails for a living
Baby Boomers' wealth after the housing bubble burst
Business & Economy Briefs

The Panama Report: What's best and where to go in Panama --- http://www.thepanamareport.com
Make the Executive Hotel your headquarters in Panama City --- http://ww.executivehotel-panama.com
Find the boat of your dreams through Evermarine --- http://www.evermarine.com