The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of the following individuals who, under the chairmanship of Richard F. Nyrop, wrote the 1980 edition of Panama: A Country Study. The authors of the 1980 edition were as follows: Jan Knippers Black, "Historical Setting"; Richard F. Nyrop, "The Society and Its Environment"; Darrel R. Eglin, "The Economy"; James D. Rudolph, "Government and Politics"; and Eugene K. Keefe, "National Security." Their work provided the organization and structure of much of the present volume, as well as substantial portions of the text.

The authors are grateful to individuals in various agencies of the United States government and in international and private institutions who gave of their time, research materials, and special knowledge to provide information and perspective. Officials at the World Bank were especially helpful in providing economic data. Similarly, officials of the United States Department of Defense, both in Washington and Panama, supplied up-to-date information on Panama's defense forces.

The authors also wish to thank those who contributed directly to the preparation of the manuscript. These include Richard F. Nyrop, who reviewed all drafts and served as liaison with the sponsoring agency; Barbara Auerbach, Ruth Nieland, Michael Pleasants, and Gage Ricard, who edited the chapters; Martha E. Hopkins, who managed editing and production; and Barbara Edgerton, Janie L. Gilchrist, Monica Shimmin, and Izella Watson, who did the word processing. Catherine Schwartzstein performed the final prepublication editorial review, and Margaret Varghese, of Communicators Connections compiled the index. Diann Johnson of the Library of Congress Printing and Processing Section performed phototypesetting, under the supervision of Peggy Pixley.

David P. Cabitto, who was assisted by Sandra K. Cotugno and Kimberly A. Lord, provided invaluable graphics support. Susan M. Lender reviewed the map drafts, which were prepared by Harriett R. Blood, Kimberly A. Lord, and Greenhorne and O'Mara, Inc. Paulette Marshall of the Library of Congress deserves special thanks for designing the illustrations for the book's cover and the title page of each chapter.

The authors also would like to thank several individuals who provided research support. Sisto Flores supplied information on ranks and insignia, Joan C. Barch wrote the section on geography, and Richard A. Haggerty supplied a variety of information for inclusion in both the text and the bibliography.

Finally, the authors acknowledge the generosity of the individuals and public and private agencies who allowed their photographs to be used in this study. We are indebted especially to those who contributed original work not previously published.

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Source: U.S. Library of Congress