Ukupseni

Ukupseni, also called Playón Chico, is one of the most populous islands in the Kuna Yala territory of Panama, 200 yards from the mainland. The literal translation for Ukupseni is "little beach" in English, or "playa chica" in Spanish, thus "Playón Chico" is a mistranslation, which means roughly "Big Little Beach".

Ukupseni is a small island, roughly ¼–⅓ mi², or 300–400 yd². The population of the island is about 3,000, which gives Ukupseni a population density of 8,000–12,000 people per square mile.

Housing

Ukupseni is populated by Kuna Indians. The typical housing structure is a "pole"-style thatch hut, which will house an entire family. Building materials are tree trunks for the main pillars, bamboo poles for support, and various types of leaves for the roof. Walls are typically lashed bamboo or "caña blanca" (cane). A well-constructed hut can stand for as long as 30 years.

The elderly will often be cared for by their children, and so one family dwelling will often house several generations.

Transportation

Ukupseni lays approximately 200 yards from the Panama mainland. There is a landing strip located on the mainland adjacent to the island. Ukupseni is only reachable by plane, boat, or by foot.

There is no road to Ukupseni. There is now a bridge connecting Ukupseni to the mainland. This is extremely useful, as the majority of local agriculture, schooling, the airport, and potable water are on the mainland.

Aside from the bridge, the second most popular form of transportation is the "kayuco" (hollowed-out tree canoe). Kayucos range in sizes and styles. Extremely large kayucos, some more than 4 ft wide are used, and others vary in size down to one-person boats.

A typical kayuco is similar to a Western-style canoe. Even though kayukos travel in the ocean they do not have a lateral brace and balance as found on Polynesian ocean-going craft. A distinct, low-profile kayuco is used for navigating rivers.

Economy

Ukupseni is mostly automonous, in that it grows most of its own food. Columbian ships travel through Kuna Yala, and Kunas sell coconuts in exchange for goods, including hammocks and other supplies. Lobster, crab, and fish are sold to seafood airplanes on the Ukupseni airstrip.

Community projects are conducted by the local government for various needs through out the year, and every citizen is required to help.

Geography

Ukupseni, along with the vast majority of the rest of San Blas islands lies atop a coral reef that has broken the surface of the ocean. This island is enlarged constantly by people depositing earth, rock, waste, or other debris in order to create a large living area on the island. The elevation of these islands is about 1½ feet above sea level.

Local tides in the area fluctuate the level of the water by 4–11 inches. Occasionally a "super-high tide" of about 18 inches will saturate the outer parts of the island.

There are several reef islands in close proximity to Ukupseni. Most are not inhabited, but some have tourist hotels on them. The closest populated island is San Ignacio de Tupile, a few miles due east. The mainland communities of Irgandi and Ukupa lie to the northwest.