[1] It is a relatively affluent city with a firmly established, dominant middle class and a very low unemployment and poverty index.

The development of the banking sector, public construction works such as the expansion of the airport and the David-Boquete highway alongside the growth of commercial activity in the city have increased its prominence as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

In those times, the city was divided into three regions, one fit for Spanish residence, and another two of lesser areas known as "San Antonio de Padra", "David" and "Nuestra Señora del Rosario".

It is speculated that the religious differences between them and the Royal Audience of Panama were the reason the latter refused to recognize them as such; however, in 1736, the city finally received recognition from the colonial government and was named "La Ermita San Jose de David".

International schools: San José de David (official name) is Panama's third largest urban area.

It functions as a hub for the province's commercial activities, mainly agriculture and cattle raising and supplies the rest of the country.

It is also a popular tourist destination due to its nightlife, entertainment, cuisine, shopping and relative proximity to the Pacific coast and the Panamanian highlands.

David is located in a basin in south central Chiriquí Province between the cities of Puerto Armuelles on the coast and Boquete in the mountains.

The city lies below the water break on the David River, at the foothills of the Cordillera de Talamanca mountain range.

Volcán Barú, a potentially active volcano and also the tallest mountain in Panama, is visible from northern parts of the city.

Mounts “Cerro Santa Cruz” and the “Pico de Loro” (literally: “Parrot’s Peak”) Sierra surround the north of David, being located in the San Carlos Area.

This port is the docking site for small private vessels and yachts owned by David's residents, and also serves as an attraction for fishers.

As Chiriquí province continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination, more hotels are being built to accommodate all budget ranges.