Once an informer for the CIA, Noriega was arrested by US troops after their invasion of Panama in 1989.

BBC: Panama's Manuel Noriega convicted by French court

With some planning, an open mind and a willingness to problem solve, camping is a rewarding way to see this incredibly diverse region, which stretches from Mexico's wide northern border with the US to the skinny southern tip of Panama.

BBC: Camping through Mexico and Central America

Hydroelectric power accounted for almost 60% of Panama's electricity generation in 2010, according to the US Energy Information System.

BBC: Panama orders power rationing as drought continues

Jamaica and Panama were widely fingered as the two potential spoilers this time around but early performances might lead us to question such a rush to judgement.

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His schools now extend to computer classes and various second language classes, some even outside Brazil (already in China, the US, Japan, Mexico and four other countries, they most recently announced another school opening in Panama).

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The six of us arrived at Washington DC's Reagan National Airport, bleary-eyed, flip-flopped and Panama-hatted, ready to set out on what we had dubbed the "Sun, Sand and Stupidity Tour 2010".

BBC: Lobster diving in the Abacos

World number one Dwight Phillips of the US won with a mark of 8.54m, but reigning world and Olympic champion Irving Saladino of Panama failed to record a legal jump in three attempts.

BBC: GB quartet seal stunning bronze