Religion

Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Panama, and is followed by Protestantism in terms of followers and adherents. There are other religions or religious denominations and communities in many parts of the country, allowed by the Constitution that guarantees freedom of religion. This freedom is taken to mean the authorized practice of all forms of religion among the inhabitants.

Roman Catholicism is said to have 2.5 million members in the country divided into six dioceses. The Diocese of Panama is the oldest in the Americas, founded in 1514 by Franciscan missionaries and other groups of missionaries who influenced much of the country's religious beliefs, primarily Roman Catholicism. Numerous festivals and celebrations mark the religion, such as the Carnaval, which takes place before Lent, and the festivals held in the country's various regions and towns.

The other religions of Panama are known to include the Bahai Faith Community, which maintains seven houses of worship in the country; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) with over 40,000 members, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Episcopalians with 7,000 to 10,000 members each; and the Jewish, Muslim, Hindus, and Buddhist communities, each having 10,000 members. The Muslims are said to be of Lebanese, Palestinian and Indian descent.