Panama
Republic of Panama
Central America and Caribbean Panama City
Population
4.54M
Area
75,420 km²
GDP
$86.26B
GDP Per Capita
$36,400
Pop. Density
60/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
B/.Panamanian balboa(PAB)
Calling Code
+507
Timezone
UTC-05:00
Languages
Spanish
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Panamanian
Background
Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela that was named the Republic of Gran Colombia. When the union dissolved in 1830, Panama remained part of Colombia. With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land known as the Panama Canal Zone on either side of the structure. The US Army Corps of Engineers built the Panama Canal between 1904 and 1914. In 1977, an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama by the end of the century. Certain portions of the Zone and increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over in the subsequent decades. With US help, Panamanian dictator Manuel NORIEGA was deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the Canal, and remaining US military bases were transferred to Panama by the end of 1999. An ambitious expansion project to more than double the Canal's capacity by allowing for more Canal transits and larger ships was carried out between 2007 and 2016.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑363.7% since 2006$19B (2006)$87B (2024)
Population
↑33.8% since 20063.4M (2006)4.5M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 79.6 years2006: 75.4 years2023: 79.6 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography18
Location
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica
Geographic coordinates
9 00 N, 80 00 W
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Area
total : 75,420 sq km
land: 74,340 sq km
water: 1,080 sq km
land: 74,340 sq km
water: 1,080 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than South Carolina
Land boundaries
total: 687 km
border countries: Colombia 339 km; Costa Rica 348 km
border countries: Colombia 339 km; Costa Rica 348 km
Coastline
2,490 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or edge of continental margin
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or edge of continental margin
Climate
tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)
Terrain
interior mostly steep, rugged mountains with dissected, upland plains; coastal plains with rolling hills
Elevation
highest point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 360 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 360 m
Natural resources
copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land
29.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 7.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 20.3% (2023 est.)
forest
62.3% (2023 est.)
other
8.2% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
394 sq km (2022)
Major lakes (area sq km)
salt water lake(s): Laguna de Chiriqui - 900 sq km
Population distribution
population is concentrated towards the center of the country, particularly around the Canal, but a sizeable segment of the populace also lives in the far west around David; the eastern third of the country is sparsely inhabited
Natural hazards
occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area
Geography - note
strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge that connects North and South America; controls the Panama Canal, which links the North Atlantic Ocean with the North Pacific Ocean via the Caribbean Sea
People & Society34
Population
total: 4,536,008 (2025 est.)
male: 2,284,105
female: 2,251,903
male: 2,284,105
female: 2,251,903
Nationality
noun: Panamanian(s)
adjective: Panamanian
adjective: Panamanian
Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and White) 65%, Indigenous 12.3% (Ngabe 7.6%, Kuna 2.4%, Embera 0.9%, Bugle 0.8%, other 0.4%, unspecified 0.2%), Black or African descent 9.2%, Mulatto 6.8%, White 6.7% (2010 est.)
Languages
Languages: Spanish (official), Indigenous languages (including Ngabere (Guaymi), Buglere, Kuna, Embera, Wounaan, Naso (Teribe), and Bri Bri), Panamanian English Creole (a mixture of English and Spanish with elements of Ngabere, also known as Guari Guari and Colon Creole), English, Chinese (Yue and Hakka), Arabic, French Creole, other (Yiddish, Hebrew, Korean, Japanese)
major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Evangelical 55%, Roman Catholic 33.4%, none 10.1%, unspecified 1.5% (2023 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 25% (male 574,336/female 544,180)
15-64 years: 64.8% (male 1,465,907/female 1,433,023)
65 years and over: 10.1% (2024 est.) (male 211,014/female 241,781)
15-64 years: 64.8% (male 1,465,907/female 1,433,023)
65 years and over: 10.1% (2024 est.) (male 211,014/female 241,781)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 54.4 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 38.4 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 16 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.3 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 38.4 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 16 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.3 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 31.7 years (2025 est.)
male: 31 years
female: 31.9 years
male: 31 years
female: 31.9 years
Population growth rate
1.44% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
17.11 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.48 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
2.82 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
population is concentrated towards the center of the country, particularly around the Canal, but a sizeable segment of the populace also lives in the far west around David; the eastern third of the country is sparsely inhabited
Urbanization
urban population: 69.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.92% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 1.92% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.977 million PANAMA CITY (capital) (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
37 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 13.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 15.4 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.9 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 15.4 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 79.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 76.4 years
female: 82.2 years
male: 76.4 years
female: 82.2 years
Total fertility rate
2.33 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.13 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 98.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 86.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 94.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 1.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 13.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 5.3% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 22.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 22.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.63 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
1.9 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 96.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 70.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 88% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 3.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 29.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 12% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.7% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 6.54 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 5.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 5.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 4.5% (2025 est.)
male: 7.4% (2025 est.)
female: 1.7% (2025 est.)
male: 7.4% (2025 est.)
female: 1.7% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
2.9% (2019 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
53.2% (2023 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 2.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 16.3% national budget (2024 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 16.3% national budget (2024 est.)
Literacy
total population: 96.3% (2024 est.)
male: 97.3% (2024 est.)
female: 95.9% (2024 est.)
male: 97.3% (2024 est.)
female: 95.9% (2024 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 13 years (2016 est.)
male: 12 years (2016 est.)
female: 14 years (2016 est.)
male: 12 years (2016 est.)
female: 14 years (2016 est.)
Government23
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Panama
conventional short form: Panama
local long form: República de Panama
local short form: Panama
etymology: origin is unclear; may come from a Guarani word meaning "place of many fish"
conventional short form: Panama
local long form: República de Panama
local short form: Panama
etymology: origin is unclear; may come from a Guarani word meaning "place of many fish"
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Panama City
geographic coordinates: 8 58 N, 79 32 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: origin is unclear; may come from a Guaraní word meaning "place of many fish"
geographic coordinates: 8 58 N, 79 32 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: origin is unclear; may come from a Guaraní word meaning "place of many fish"
Administrative divisions
10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 4 indigenous regions* (comarcas); Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Coclé, Colon, Darien, Embera-Wounaan*, Guna Yala*, Herrera, Los Santos, Naso Tjer Di*, Ngabe-Bugle*, Panama, Panama Oeste, Veraguas
Legal system
civil law system; Supreme Court of Justice reviews legislative acts
Constitution
history: several previous; latest effective 11 October 1972
amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly, by the Cabinet, or by the Supreme Court of Justice; passage requires approval by one of two procedures: 1) absolute majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings and by absolute majority vote of the next elected Assembly in a single reading without textual modifications; 2) absolute majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings, followed by absolute majority vote of the next elected Assembly in each of three readings with textual modifications, and approval in a referendum
amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly, by the Cabinet, or by the Supreme Court of Justice; passage requires approval by one of two procedures: 1) absolute majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings and by absolute majority vote of the next elected Assembly in a single reading without textual modifications; 2) absolute majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings, followed by absolute majority vote of the next elected Assembly in each of three readings with textual modifications, and approval in a referendum
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state
President José Raúl MULINO Quintero (since 1 July 2024)
head of government
President José Raúl MULINO Quintero (since 1 July 2024)
cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president
election/appointment process
president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by simple-majority popular vote for a 5-year term; president eligible for a single non-consecutive term)
most recent election date
5 May 2024
election results
2024: José Raúl MULINO Quintero elected president; percent of vote - José Raúl MULINO Quintero (RM) 34.2%, Ricardo Alberto LOMBANA González (MOCA) 24.6%, Martín Erasto TORRIJOS Espino (PP) 16%, Alberto ROUX Moses (CD) 11.4%, Zulay RODRÍGUEZ Lu (independent) 6.6%, José Gabriel CARRIZO Jaén (PRD) 5.9%, other 1.3%
2019: Laurentino "Nito" CORTIZO Cohen elected president; percent of vote - Laurentino CORTIZO Cohen (PRD) 33.3%, Romulo ROUX (CD) 31%, Ricardo LOMBANA (independent) 18.8%, Jose BLANDON (Panameñista Party) 10.8%, Ana Matilde GOMEZ Ruiloba (independent) 4.8%, other 1.3%
expected date of next election
May 2029
Legislative branch
legislature name
National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional)
legislative structure
unicameral
number of seats
71 (all directly elected)
electoral system
mixed system
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
5/5/2024
parties elected and seats per party
Realizing Goals (RM) (14); Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) (13); Democratic Change (CD) (8); Panamenista Party (8); Independents (20); Other (8)
percentage of women in chamber
21.7%
expected date of next election
May 2029
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 9 magistrates and 9 alternates and divided into civil, criminal, administrative, and general business chambers)
judge selection and term of office: magistrates appointed by the president for staggered 10-year terms
subordinate courts: appellate courts or Tribunal Superior; Labor Supreme Courts; Court of Audit; circuit courts or Tribunal Circuital (2 each in 9 of the 10 provinces); municipal courts; electoral, family, maritime, and adolescent courts
judge selection and term of office: magistrates appointed by the president for staggered 10-year terms
subordinate courts: appellate courts or Tribunal Superior; Labor Supreme Courts; Court of Audit; circuit courts or Tribunal Circuital (2 each in 9 of the 10 provinces); municipal courts; electoral, family, maritime, and adolescent courts
Political parties
Alliance Party or PA
Alternative Independent Socialist Party or PAIS
Another Way Movement or MOCA
Democratic Change or CD
Democratic Revolutionary Party or PRD
Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement or MOLIRENA
Panameñista Party (formerly the Arnulfista Party)
Popular Party or PP (formerly Christian Democratic Party or PDC)
Realizing Goals Party or RM
Alternative Independent Socialist Party or PAIS
Another Way Movement or MOCA
Democratic Change or CD
Democratic Revolutionary Party or PRD
Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement or MOLIRENA
Panameñista Party (formerly the Arnulfista Party)
Popular Party or PP (formerly Christian Democratic Party or PDC)
Realizing Goals Party or RM
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador José Miguel ALEMÁN HEALY (since 18 September 2024)
chancery
2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 483-1407
FAX
[1] (202) 483-8413
email address and website
info@embassyofpanama.org
https://www.embassyofpanama.org/
consulate(s) general
Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Tampa
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Kevin Marino CABRERA (since 5 May 2025)
embassy
Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue, Clayton
mailing address
9100 Panama City PL, Washington, DC 20521-9100
telephone
[507] 317-5000
FAX
[507] 317-5568
email address and website
Panama-ACS@state.gov
https://pa.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACS, BCIE, CAN (observer), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, SICA, UN, UNASUR (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
3 November 1903 (from Colombia); 28 November 1821 (from Spain)
National holiday
Independence Day (Separation Day), 3 November (1903)
Flag
description: divided into four equal rectangles; one of the top quadrants is white (left side) with a five-pointed blue star in the center, and the other is plain red; one of the bottom quadrants is plain blue (left side), and the other is white with a five-pointed red star in the center
meaning: blue and red stand for the main political parties, and white for peace between them; the blue star stands for the civic virtues of purity and honesty, and the red star for authority and law
meaning: blue and red stand for the main political parties, and white for peace between them; the blue star stands for the civic virtues of purity and honesty, and the red star for authority and law
National symbol(s)
harpy eagle
National color(s)
blue, white, red
National anthem(s)
title: "Himno Istmeno" (Isthmus Hymn)
lyrics/music: Jeronimo DE LA OSSA/Santos A. JORGE
history: adopted 1925
lyrics/music: Jeronimo DE LA OSSA/Santos A. JORGE
history: adopted 1925
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 6 (3 cultural, 3 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Caribbean Fortifications (c); Darien National Park (n); Talamanca Range-La Amistad National Park (n); Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá (c); Coiba National Park (n); The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Caribbean Fortifications (c); Darien National Park (n); Talamanca Range-La Amistad National Park (n); Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá (c); Coiba National Park (n); The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá (c)
Economy31
Economic overview
upper middle-income Central American economy; increasing Chinese trade; US dollar user; canal expansion fueling broader infrastructure investment; services sector dominates economy; historic money-laundering and illegal drug hub
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $164.484 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $159.908 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $148.891 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $159.908 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $148.891 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 2.9% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 7.4% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 10.8% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 7.4% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 10.8% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $36,400 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $35,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $33,800 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $35,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $33,800 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$86.26 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 0.7% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 1.5% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 2.9% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 1.5% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 2.9% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 2.6% (2024 est.)
industry: 26.3% (2024 est.)
services: 68.8% (2024 est.)
industry: 26.3% (2024 est.)
services: 68.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
46.7% (2023 est.)
government consumption
12.2% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital
32.3% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories
5.4% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services
46.5% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services
-43.1% (2023 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, rice, bananas, oranges, oil palm fruit, chicken, plantains, maize, milk, pineapples (2023)
Industries
construction, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling
Industrial production growth rate
-2.6% (2024 est.)
Labor force
2.206 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 6.6% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 6.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 8.1% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 6.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 8.1% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 16.8% (2024 est.)
male: 13.4% (2024 est.)
female: 22.1% (2024 est.)
male: 13.4% (2024 est.)
female: 22.1% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
21.8% (2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 48.9 (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 15.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 1.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 1.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.2% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 36.9% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 36.9% (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 0.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $7.57 billion (2021 est.)
expenditures: $12.046 billion (2021 est.)
expenditures: $12.046 billion (2021 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 37.4% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
7.5% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $1.672 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$2.581 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $28.769 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$2.581 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $28.769 million (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $37.376 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $37.905 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $35.717 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $37.905 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $35.717 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
China 25%, Japan 10%, USA 6%, Thailand 5%, Costa Rica 5% (2023)
Exports - commodities
copper ore, ships, refined petroleum, bananas, fish (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $30.887 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $35.927 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $32.646 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $35.927 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $32.646 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
USA 15%, Colombia 13%, China 13%, Ecuador 13%, Japan 11% (2023)
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, ships, refined petroleum, nitrogen compounds, cars (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $6.856 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $6.757 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $6.876 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $6.757 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $6.876 billion (2022 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
balboas (PAB) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
1 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
1 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
1 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
1 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
1 (2020 est.)
Energy7
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 95% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 99%
electrification - rural areas: 100%
electrification - urban areas: 99%
electrification - rural areas: 100%
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 4.485 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 11.777 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 404.9 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 234 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 924.16 million kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 11.777 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 404.9 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 234 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 924.16 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 38.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 6.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 47.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 6.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 47.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 863,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 863,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 863,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 131,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas
consumption: 564.786 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 564.786 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 564.786 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 78.01 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 811,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 6.98 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 157 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 157 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
multiple privately owned TV networks and a government-owned educational TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; more than 100 commercial radio stations (2019)
Internet country code
.pa
Internet users
percent of population: 78% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 809,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2023 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
HP
Airports
77 (2025)
Heliports
1 (2025)
Railways
total: 77 km (2014)
standard gauge: 77 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
standard gauge: 77 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 8,174 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 2732, container ship 671, general cargo 1,428, oil tanker 866, other 2,477
by type: bulk carrier 2732, container ship 671, general cargo 1,428, oil tanker 866, other 2,477
Ports
total ports
12 (2024)
large
0
medium
3
small
3
very small
5
size unknown
1
ports with oil terminals
5
key ports
Bahia de las Minas, Balboa, Pedregal, Puerto Armuelles, Puerto Colon, Puerto Cristobal
Military & Security4
Military and security forces
no regular military forces
Ministry of Public Security: National Police (Policía Nacional, PN), National Aeronaval Service (Servicio Nacional Aeronaval, SENAN), National Border Service (Servicio Nacional de Fronteras, SENAFRONT) (2025)
Ministry of Public Security: National Police (Policía Nacional, PN), National Aeronaval Service (Servicio Nacional Aeronaval, SENAN), National Border Service (Servicio Nacional de Fronteras, SENAFRONT) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 30,000 Ministry of Public Security personnel (2025)
Military - note
the Panamanian Public Forces focus on law enforcement, border control, and maritime security; the National Police are responsible for internal law enforcement and public order, while the National Border Service (SENAFRONT) handles border security; the Aeronaval Service is responsible for carrying out air and naval operations that include some internal security responsibilities; key areas of focus are countering narcotics trafficking and securing the border, particularly along the frontier with Colombia where SENAFRONT maintains a significant presence
Panama created a paramilitary National Guard (Guardia Nacional de Panamá) in the 1950s from the former National Police (established 1904); the National Guard subsequently evolved into more of a military force with some police responsibilities; it seized power in a coup in 1968 and military officers ran the country until 1989; in 1983, the National Guard was renamed the Panama Defense Force (PDF); the PDF was disbanded after the 1989 US invasion and the current national police forces were formed in 1990; the armed forces were officially abolished under the 1994 Constitution (2025)
Panama created a paramilitary National Guard (Guardia Nacional de Panamá) in the 1950s from the former National Police (established 1904); the National Guard subsequently evolved into more of a military force with some police responsibilities; it seized power in a coup in 1968 and military officers ran the country until 1989; in 1983, the National Guard was renamed the Panama Defense Force (PDF); the PDF was disbanded after the 1989 US invasion and the current national police forces were formed in 1990; the armed forces were officially abolished under the 1994 Constitution (2025)
Transnational Issues2
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 10,801 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 928 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 928 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs
USG identification:
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)