AREA HANDBOOK PANAMA Co-Authors Thomas E. Weil Jan Knippers Black David S. McMorris Charles Townsend Research and writing were completed October 1971 Published 1972 (This handbook supersedes DA Pam 550-46, March 1962) DA Pam 550-46 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 72-600052 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office FOREWORD This volume is one of a series of handbooks prepared by Foreign Area Studies (FAS) of The American University, designed to be useful to military and other personnel who need a convenient compilation of basic facts about the social, economic, political, and military institutions and practices of various countries. The emphasis is on objective description of the nation's present society and the kinds of possible or probable changes that might be expected in the future. The handbook seeks to present as full and as balanced an integrated exposition as limitations on space and research time permit. It was compiled from information available in openly published material. An extensive bibliography is provided to permit recourse to other published sources for more detailed information. There has been no attempt to express any specific point of view or to make policy recommendations. The contents of the handbook represent the work of the authors and FAS and do not represent the official view of the United States government. An effort has been made to make the handbook as comprehensive as possible. It can be expected, however, that the material, interpretations, and conclusions are subject to modification in the light of new information and developments. Such corrections, additions, and suggestions for factual, interpretive, or other changes as readers may have will be welcomed for use in future revisions. Comments may be addressed to The Director Foreign Area Studies The American University PREFACE The need for a revision of the Area Handbook for Panama is underlined not only by the continuing importance of the Republic's location at one of the world's great crossroads but also by new trends in economic development, in education, and in government. Of particular significance are the establishment, in 1968, of the Provisional Junta Government, the subsequent intensification of national consciousness, and renewed discussions with the United States on the status of the Panama Canal Zone. This book supersedes the Area Handbook for Panama published in March 1962, researched and written by Wendell Blanchard, Edwin E. Erickson, Bela C. Maday, Nathan S. Popkin, Suzanne Teleki, and Ernest A. Will, under the chairmanship of Lyman H. Letgers. It represents an effort to provide a compact and objective exposition and analysis of the dominant social, political, and economic characteristics of Panamanian society. It is designed to give readers both within and outside the government an understanding of the dynamics of the elements of the society and an insight into the needs, goals, and achievements of the people. Consultants with firsthand knowledge of the country have provided data not available in printed sources. The authors alone are responsible for the final draft. English usage follows Webster's Third New International Dictionary (unabridged). Spanish words and phrases, used only when adequate English equivalents were lacking, are defined at first appearance. If employed frequently, they are listed in the Glossary. Spanish is based on Appleton's New Cuyás Dictionary, fifth edition. Unless otherwise stated, tons used in production and commodity figures are metric tons. |