Praise Points: There is new hope for the future after rapid recovery in the 1990s from the desperate days of Noriega's misrule, corruption and drug running. The Diocese of Panama is expanding social ministries and church planting. Since 1997 there has been a spreading prayer movement among pastors seeking God's face for revival.

Geography:

• Area: 77,381 sq. km. (29,762 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than South Carolina. Panama occupies the southeastern end of the isthmus forming the land bridge between North and South America.
• Cities: Capital--Panama City (827,828). Other cities--Colon (140,908), David (102,678).
• Terrain: Mountainous (highest elevation Cerro Volcan, 3,475 m.--11,468 ft.); coastline 2,857 km. (1,786 mi.).
• Climate: Tropical, with average daily rainfall 28 mm. (1 in.) in winter.

Fast Facts:

• It is the narrowest point of the Central American isthmus, and bisected by the Panama Canal.
• Over half the population lives near the canal.
• 79.2% of the population are Spanish-speaking.
• The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers built the Panama Canal between 1904 and 1914. An agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the U.S. to Panama, which was accomplished by the end of 1999.

Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Julio Murray

SAMS - USA Missionaries: