Comarca Madugandi

Comarca Madungandí
A Home for the Guna Culture

Main Community: Akua Yala

The Guna Comarca of Madungandí is an indigenous territory in Panama, established by Law 24 on January 12, 1996. Formed from lands separated from the Chepo district, this region is located east of Panama province and serves as home to the Guna people, who preserve their ancestral traditions and vibrant culture.

General Features

• Area: The comarca spans an area of 2,318.8 km², encompassing a vast territory that includes natural landscapes and organized communities.
• Geographical Boundaries: It borders the Bayano River and Lake Bayano, two vital water sources that sustain the Guna’s traditional lifestyle and enrich the region’s biodiversity.

Territorial Organization

Although the comarca is not divided into districts and does not have an officially designated capital, Akua Yala is considered its main community. In total, 12 communities are located within the comarca, each with its own identity and governance:

1. Akua Yala
2. Ibedí
3. Pintupu
4. Icandí
5. Piria
6. Cuinupdi
7. Nargandí
8. Ogobnawila
9. Diwar Sikua
10. Capandi
11. Tabardi

A Cultural and Natural Refuge

Madungandí is not just a geographical area but a stronghold of identity for the Guna people, who uphold their customs, language, and traditional knowledge. Additionally, the comarca’s natural wealth, including its rivers, lakes, and forests, makes it an essential cultural and environmental site in Panama.