Panama
Map:
Flag:
Language:
Spanish is the predominant language, but there are many indigenous tribes that live in the Panamanian rainforests that speak their indigenous language.
Religion:
About 75% of people identify as Roman Catholics, about 20% are Protestants, and the last 5% of the population include Mormons and indigenous religions.
Population:
As of 2017, about 4.1 million people live in Panama.
Unique Animals:
Sloths, anteaters, monkeys, and a large variety of birds!
Special Foods:
Ceviche, plantains, empanadas, and fried yucca fruit.
Cool Geography:
The tidal range is huge compared to areas in the US. Between high tide and low tide, the water in the Pacific can rise or lower up to 22 feet. This often causes the Pacific Ocean to be at a higher level than the Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico on the other side of the country, so this is why the lock system in the Panama Canal is necessary. In order to cross from one side to the other, boats have to be raised or lowered to the correct sea level using the canal lock system.
Fun things to do:
The Panama Canal! At the canal they have a museum and a place to sit and watch a boat go through the canal locks! Ships may have to wait four days in the Atlantic or Pacific to get a turn through the canal since only one ship can go through at a time.
Also, don’t forget about historical sites, such as old ruins or little towns still using historical infrastructure.
Prayer:
I pray that the people in Panama will learn (or be reminded) that salvation comes by grace alone through faith alone, not through works or earthly requirements. I pray Panama’s economic prosperity (a result of the Canal) is not a hindrance to the Gospel or a disguise of the also present poverty. Because of the Panama Canal, this country has one of the leading economies in Central America, which leads to drug trafficking. I pray God will set free those who feel trapped by drugs, whether because of their involvement in buying and selling drugs or because of a drug addiction. Also, I pray for the refugees who have fled to Panama from Colombia and Venezuela. Bring them peace and comfort as they search for a new home.
