Panama

Capital: Panama City

Major Language: Spanish

Area: 75,417 km2

Population: 4.4 million

HDI Rank: 57 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 2.4 million (55%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 1.1 million (25%)

Other: 0.9 million (20%)

General Information:

Panama was mainly inhabited by the indigenous people. The Spanish colonialists arrived in the 16th century and ruled for nearly three centuries. Panama broke with Spain in 1821. The majority of the residents of Panama are Mestizos. It’s the only country where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic from the same spot. Panama is a piece of land known as a ‘land bridge’, or 'isthmus', as it connects Central and South America. The country is home to the famous Panama Canal and the oldest operating railroad in the world. Most loved sport is baseball.

Religious Background:

Panama’s Constitution guarantees freedom of worship, and the society in Panama is generally tolerant towards all religions. Catholicism is the most popular religion in the country, accounting for more than half of the population, and enjoys certain special privileges in the country. Some Panamanians practice the syncretic religion Santería, a combination of Catholic and traditional West African beliefs and customs. Evangelical Christians are about 25% and growing. Most of Panama’s national holidays are joyful, music-rich religious festivals.

Catholic background:

The Diocese of Panama, which was established in 1514, is one of the oldest in the Americas. In 1514 Franciscans, and six years later Dominicans entered the region to convert the indigenous tribes. Jesuits began their missionary work in mid-16th century. Catholicism is recognized by the Constitution of 1972. In the last few decades, Catholicism has lost much impetus to the more dynamic Evangelicals, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and Muslims. The Church is composed of one archdiocese, 5 dioceses and 186 parishes. Patron saint: Santa María la Antigua.

Prayer Points

1. Panamanians to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 2.4 million Catholics in Panama.
Catholicism is on the decline, and nominalism is widespread. Pray that they would understand that true Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Ask God for an increasing outpouring of the Holy Spirit to bring many to salvation through Christ alone.
Pray that Catholics would realize that trusting in anything other than God and His word is evidence of deception. Ask God that they will base their lives and eternal destiny on the eternal truths of God's word.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 186 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 396 priests, 270 brothers and 447 sisters.
Pray that every Catholic bound to sin and suffering will be set free by the power of the Holy Spirit, and find forgiveness and hope in Christ.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelicals continue to grow. Their work particularly among the poor and the young is remarkable. The challenge is for churches to grow in unity. Pray that Evangelicals would be united, and that they work together to reach the nation for Christ. Pray that Evangelicals will learn to use simple evangelistic tools to share the gospel.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Corruption is Panama’s biggest challenge. Problems like divorce, illegitimate children, domestic violence, street crimes, and drug use plague the country. Pray that God would open the hearts and minds and draw many into His Light.

5. Other Religions

Jehovah’s Witness, Mormonism, Bahá'í Faith, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism inhabit Panama. Indigenous religions include Ibeorgun and Mama Tata. Pray for the salvation of these souls.