Panama

The population of Panama is approximately 4.6M (2024).

The capital of Panama is Panama City.

Panama's GDP per capita is $20.2K (2024).

Life expectancy in Panama is 79.78 years (2024).

Panama covers 75,417 km² (29,119 sq mi).

Panama has a moderate population density of 61 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

Panama's population is growing steadily at 1.3% per year, in line with global averages.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Panama falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $20.2K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Panama's intentional homicide rate is 11.7 per 100,000 people, above the global average.

The official language of Panama is Spanish.

Panama uses the Panamanian balboa (B/.) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Panama are January, February, based on climate data for the capital.

Recent projections show Panama has a GDP per capita of approximately 20,200 USD. This economic indicator places the country 1 out of 7 in Central America and 19 out of 45 in the Americas. The nation's economy is bolstered by its strategic canal and a global GDP rank of 79.

The life expectancy at birth in Panama is approximately 79.8 years. This high health standard earns the country a global rank of 54 out of 215. This longevity is supported by a stable healthcare infrastructure and social development programs that have improved quality of life across its diverse mestizo and indigenous populations.

Approximately 72.8% of the population in Panama are internet users, according to recent data. This digital connectivity ranks the nation 127 out of 212 globally. High levels of urban residency, with 66% of people living in cities, have facilitated the expansion of telecommunications and digital infrastructure throughout the country.

Panama maintains an adult literacy rate of 96.2%, reflecting a strong commitment to national education. The country ranks 67 out of 170 globally in this category. Education is predominantly delivered in Spanish, the official language, and is a key driver for the nation's service-oriented economy and logistics sector.

The current unemployment rate in Panama is 8.4%. In terms of labor market performance, the country ranks 51 out of 186 globally for lowest unemployment. This figure is influenced by the nation's reliance on the logistics, maritime trade, and financial sectors, which are central to its economic stability.

Current estimates show an estimated 2026 population of 4,630,658 people. This follows the latest official 2024 figure of 4,515,577. The population continues to grow steadily, supported by an annual growth rate of approximately 1.27%, which reflects a healthy balance of births and increasing life expectancy across the nation.

Panama is currently ranked 128 of 215 countries and territories globally by population. Within its region, it ranks 21 of 46 in the Americas and 6 of 7 within Central America. This mid-tier global position reflects its status as a smaller but economically significant nation on the global stage.

The current estimated population density is 62.4 people per km² (161.6 per sq mi). According to latest official data, the density has risen from 60.1 people per km² (155.7 per sq mi) in recent years. Population is unevenly distributed, with high concentrations in the capital and very low density in the eastern jungle regions.

Panama's population is currently growing at an annual rate of 1.266%. This growth is driven by approximately 196 births every day compared to 61 deaths. This results in a net daily increase of about 157 people, making Panama one of the more stable growing populations in the Central American subregion.

The current fertility rate is 2.106 births per woman, which is very close to the replacement level of 2.1. This latest figure ranks Panama 97 of 215 countries globally for fertility. While fertility has declined from historical levels, it remains high enough to support continued population growth when combined with low mortality rates.

Approximately 66% of Panama's population lives in urban areas, ranking it 101 of 215 globally for urbanization. Most urban residents are concentrated in the Panama City and Colón metropolitan areas. This trend is driven by the country's canal-based economy, which offers more employment opportunities in the service and logistics sectors.