National Census in Panama This Sunday, 16 May 2010

(Panama-Guide) - La Prensa -On Sunday, 16 May 2010, the authorities of the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) of the Comptroller General of the Republic will conduct a national census, in one single day, to count the 3.5 million people residing in the national territory and territorial waters. To achieve the goal set for that date during which the XI (Eleventh) Census of Population and VII (Seventh) of Housing, no one may leave their residences without first having been counted. Such action would lead to a penalty in accordance with Executive Order No. 726 of October 15, 2009 and Law No. 10 of January 22, 2009. These laws also establish the obligation to provide the data to the census takers. Fines have been established ranging from $10 to $10,000 dollars for anyone who violates the applicable laws, depending on the infraction, such as going out without first having been counted or for lying when giving information.