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Photo: Brian Gratwicke derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Panama
Panama places highest on Fatal Occupational Injuries (top 2% worldwide) and lowest on PISA Mathematics Performance (bottom 9%).
Panama in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
4,458,759
people
since 1950
Land area
74,180
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
37,516
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
79.59
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.839
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
8.36
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Panama
Key facts about Panama
- Capital
- Panama City
- Official language
- Spanish
- Currencies
- Panamanian balboa (PAB), United States dollar (USD)
- ISO code
- PAN · PA
- Domain · dialling
- .pa · +507
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Panama’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
39thof 177
From 2 of 3 key statistics
66thof 194
From 3 of 3 key statistics
52ndof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint70thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
72ndof 201
From 3 of 4 key statistics
71stof 178
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint61stof 150
From 3 of 3 key statistics
84thof 193
From 5 of 5 key statistics
71stof 161
From 2 of 3 key statistics
joint99thof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
125thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint146thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Panama’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Panama in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Panama stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Panama sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Panama does best6
In the top third of all countries measured. 3 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 6th
Position · derived 85th of 90 · 1 = worst · 44.9 · 2025
world median 75.8 (better)
- 8thINFORM Severity Indextop 6%
Position · derived 74th of 81 · 1 = worst · 1.7 · 2025
world median 3.1 (better) · ▲ 17 pts since 2022
Not ranked by the publisher · 0.13 · 2023
world median 2.005 (better) · ▲ 11 pts since 2013
Position · derived 19th of 181 · 31,040 · 2022
world median 2,528 (better)
Where Panama struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 1 is within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 8thPISA Mathematics Performancebottom 9%
Position · derived 72nd of 79 · 356.57 · 2022
world median 442.09 (worse)
- Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Monthsbottom 13%
Position · derived 119th of 136 · 21.46 · 2024
world median 40.74 (worse)
- World Risk Indexbottom 14%
Position · derived 27th of 193 · 1 = worst · 18.25 · 2025
world median 4.17 (worse)
- Labour Income Sharebottom 14%
Position · derived 157th of 182 · 35.59 · 2025
world median 46.23 (worse) · ▲ 7 pts since 2015
- Government Funding per Primary Studentbottom 15%
Position · derived 58th of 68 · 10.2 · 2022
world median 17.81 (worse) · ▲ 5 pts since 2014
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Panama can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
57th
of 141 · 1990
59th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
82nd
of 173 · 2012
116th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
54th
of 79 · 1990
94th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
81st
of 132 · 2022
82nd
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
56th
of 140 · 1995
57th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
86th
of 172 · 2020
102nd
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Panama has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Crop Production Index+45 pts since 2012
- Cereal Yield+25 pts since 2013
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate+17 pts since 2014
Losing ground
Where Panama has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Unemployment Rate-44 pts since 2015
- ICT Goods Exports-42 pts since 2014
- Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI-39 pts since 2013
05In context
Panama and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Central America
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
- 40
Costa Rica - 58Panama
- 70
Mexico - =92
Belize - =105
El Salvador - =105
Guatemala - =118
Honduras - 132
Nicaragua
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Panama
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions19
Agriculture Orientation Index20th of 132position · derived0.88Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
Top fifth · top 15% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Panama 0.88 · world median 0.305 (better)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2014
Civic Space Ratings56th of 198position · derived73.2Civic space score (0–100)2025
Upper middle · top 28% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Panama 73.2 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 44%96.7Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
Middle · bottom 44% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Panama 96.7 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index116th of 181rank33CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Panama 33 · world median 39 (worse)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index102nd of 195rank39.3AI readiness score (0–100)2025
Middle · bottom 48% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Panama 39.3 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness86th of 209position · derived0.245Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
Middle · top 41% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Panama 0.245 · world median 0.01 (better)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Government Funding per Primary Student58th of 68position · derived10.2Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 68 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)
Panama 10.2 · world median 17.81 (worse)
Best in the world 34.57 (South Korea)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Government Spending on Education99th of 123position · derived2.472Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 20% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Panama 2.472 · world median 3.709 (worse)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Open Data Inventory68th of 168rank62ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
Middle · top 41% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Panama 62 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▼ -24 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Employment57th of 135position · derived17.98Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
Middle · top 42% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Panama 17.98 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill93rd of 168position · derived7.506Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
Middle · bottom 45% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Panama 7.506 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality104th of 209position · derived-0.074Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Middle · top 50% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Panama -0.074 · world median -0.09 (better)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2014
Rule of Law120th of 211position · derived-0.263Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Middle · bottom 43% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Panama -0.263 · world median -0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators73rd of 188position · derived77.73SPI overall score (0–100)2024
Upper middle · top 39% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Panama 77.73 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density34th of 139position · derived26.32Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
Upper middle · top 24% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Panama 26.32 · world median 16.68 (better)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index50th of 176position · derived0.728Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
Upper middle · top 28% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Panama 0.728 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability71st of 208position · derived0.441Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Upper middle · top 34% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Panama 0.441 · world median -0.02 (better)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
Women, Business and the Law106th of 190position · derived79.38WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
Middle · bottom 44% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Panama 79.38 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Economy & Innovation26
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution84th of 139position · derived64.1Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
Lower middle · bottom 40% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Panama 64.1 · world median 72.83 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Adjusted Net Savings17th of 118position · derived19.42Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
Top fifth · top 14% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
Panama 19.42 · world median 8.389 (better)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2011
Agricultural Land127th of 209position · derived29.52Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
Lower middle · bottom 39% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Panama 29.52 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)116th of 158position · derived2.618Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Panama 2.618 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Cereal Yield51st of 179position · derived4,477Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
Upper middle · top 28% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Panama 4,477 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2013
Container Port Traffic23rd of 103position · derived9,570,767Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
Upper middle · top 22% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
Panama 9,570,767 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index22nd of 195position · derived130.95Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Top fifth · top 11% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Panama 130.95 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▲ +45 percentile points since 2012
Economic Complexity Index57th of 145rank0.361ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
Upper middle · top 39% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Panama 0.361 · world median 0.131 (better)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare76th of 188position · derived112.58Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
Upper middle · top 39% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Panama 112.58 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Food Production Index57th of 195position · derived115.45Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Upper middle · top 29% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Panama 115.45 · world median 106.08 (better)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth63rd of 186position · derived4.35GDP growth (annual %)2025
Upper middle · top 34% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Panama 4.35 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)52nd of 185position · derived37,516GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Upper middle · top 28% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Panama 37,516 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Global Innovation Index82nd of 139rank25.88GII score (0–100)2025
Middle · bottom 41% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Panama 25.88 · world median 28.52 (worse)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2022
Gross Savings (% of GDP)24th of 146position · derived33Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
Top fifth · top 16% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Panama 33 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
ICT Goods Exports70th of 119position · derived0.69ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
Middle · bottom 42% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Panama 0.69 · world median 0.975 (worse)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▼ -42 percentile points since 2014
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)77th of 158position · derived24.9Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
Middle · top 48% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Panama 24.9 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index70th of 169position · derived0.664IHDI (0–1)2023
Middle · top 41% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Panama 0.664 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index24th of 175rank220.29LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
Top fifth · top 14% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Panama 220.29 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
No real change since 2016
Livestock Density70th of 188position · derived0.7Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
Upper middle · top 37% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Panama 0.7 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Livestock Production Index100th of 194position · derived106.53Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Middle · bottom 49% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Panama 106.53 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index57th of 139rank3.1LPI score (1–5)2023
Middle · top 42% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Panama 3.1 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)117th of 132position · derived4.796Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 11% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Panama 4.796 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
Net Official Development Assistance Received101st of 130position · derived0.517Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
Lower middle · bottom 22% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Panama 0.517 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2013
Research and Development Spending71st of 84position · derived0.158Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 16% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
Panama 0.158 · world median 0.814 (worse)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2013
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)79th of 180position · derived3.665Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
Upper middle · top 40% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Panama 3.665 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▲ +33 percentile points since 2011
World Energy Trilemma Index38th of 99rank67Trilemma score (0–100)2023
Upper middle · top 37% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Panama 67 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour20
Average Weekly Hours Worked123rd of 182position · derived36Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
Lower middle · bottom 32% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Panama 36 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture87th of 182position · derived16.04Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
Middle · top 48% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Panama 16.04 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry114th of 182position · derived17.01Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Panama 17.01 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services71st of 182position · derived66.95Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
Upper middle · top 39% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Panama 66.95 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio66th of 182position · derived60.76Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
Upper middle · top 36% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Panama 60.76 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2015
Fatal Occupational Injuriestop 2%0.13Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers2023
Top fifth · top 2% of 52 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers
Panama 0.13 · world median 2.005 (better)
Best in the world 0.12 (Belgium)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2013
Female Labour Force Participation Rate82nd of 182position · derived54.94Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Middle · top 45% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Panama 54.94 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Female Share of Senior and Middle Management11th of 86position · derived46.05Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)2024
Top fifth · top 12% of 86 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)
Panama 46.05 · world median 35.86 (better)
Best in the world 56.69 (Nauru)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Firms with a Female Top Manager28th of 179position · derived28.42Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
Top fifth · top 15% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Panama 28.42 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed49th of 168position · derived81,808GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
Upper middle · top 29% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Panama 81,808 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Informal Employment Rate38th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst55.73Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 39% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
Panama 55.73 · world median 36.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate50th of 182position · derived66.3Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Upper middle · top 27% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Panama 66.3 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked51st of 182position · derived43.55Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
Upper middle · top 28% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Panama 43.55 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate75th of 182position · derived40.58Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
Middle · top 41% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Panama 40.58 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate47th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst8.36Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Panama 8.36 · world median 5.084 (worse)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -44 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment70th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst37.87Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Panama 37.87 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Working Poverty Ratetop 38%1.486Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
Upper middle · top 38% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Panama 1.486 · world median 4.885 (better)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training47th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst14.7Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
Middle · bottom 48% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
Panama 14.7 · world median 14.31 (worse)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
No real change since 2014
Youth Unemployment Rate49th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst19.77Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Panama 19.77 · world median 12.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -31 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge12
Adult Literacy Rate68th of 172position · derived96.23Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
Upper middle · top 39% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Panama 96.23 · world median 93.99 (better)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling100th of 195position · derived13.31Expected years of schooling2023
Middle · bottom 49% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Panama 13.31 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Mean Years of Schooling74th of 193position · derived10.83Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
Upper middle · top 38% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Panama 10.83 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary39th of 121position · derived · 1 = worst7.698Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 32% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
Panama 7.698 · world median 3.691 (worse)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
No real change since 2014
PISA Mathematics Performance72nd of 79position · derived356.57Mean mathematics score2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
Panama 356.57 · world median 442.09 (worse)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
No real change since 2018
PISA Reading Performance58th of 79position · derived391.95Mean reading score2022
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
Panama 391.95 · world median 440.35 (worse)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2018
PISA Science Performance64th of 79position · derived387.77Mean science score2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 19% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
Panama 387.77 · world median 446.93 (worse)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2018
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate66th of 120position · derived61.65Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
Middle · bottom 45% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
Panama 61.65 · world median 65.93 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2014
Primary Completion Rate96th of 165position · derived95.14Primary completion rate (%)2025
Middle · bottom 42% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Panama 95.14 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Upper Secondary Attainment60th of 95position · derived52.6Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
Lower middle · bottom 37% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
Panama 52.6 · world median 65.76 (worse)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
No real change since 2013
Upper Secondary Completion Rate84th of 164position · derived64.22Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
Middle · bottom 49% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Panama 64.22 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
No real change since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratetop 33%99.215–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
Upper middle · top 33% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Panama 99.2 · world median 98.22 (better)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing15
Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff64th of 86position · derived95Births attended by skilled health staff (%)2019
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 86 countries measured
UNICEF · Births attended by skilled health staff (%)
Panama 95 · world median 98.8 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (11 countries tied)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2009
Dietary Energy Supply63rd of 155position · derived3,129Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
Middle · top 40% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Panama 3,129 · world median 2,982 (better)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months119th of 136position · derived21.46Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 13% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Panama 21.46 · world median 40.74 (worse)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index94th of 172rank0.374GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
Middle · bottom 46% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Panama 0.374 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2013
Global Violent Deaths42nd of 206position · derived · 1 = worst14.64Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
Bottom fifth · bottom 20% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Panama 14.64 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index111th of 172position · derived0.502HCI score (0–1)2020
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Panama 0.502 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index59th of 193rank0.839HDI score (0–1)2023
Upper middle · top 30% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Panama 0.839 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Severity Index74th of 81position · derived · 1 = worst1.7INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
Top fifth · top 6% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
Panama 1.7 · world median 3.1 (better)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2022
Life Expectancy at Birth55th of 222position · derived79.59Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
Upper middle · top 24% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Panama 79.59 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio106th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst37.01Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
Middle · top 46% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Panama 37.01 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare11th of 178position · derived19.97Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
Top fifth · top 6% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Panama 19.97 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▲ +28 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Undernourishment78th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst5.7Population undernourished (%)2023
Middle · bottom 47% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Panama 5.7 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five73rd of 162position · derived · 1 = worst15.89Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
Middle · bottom 45% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Panama 15.89 · world median 13.8 (worse)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate98th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst15.28Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
Middle · bottom 49% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Panama 15.28 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children85th of 90position · derived · 1 = worst44.9Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
Top fifth · top 6% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Panama 44.9 · world median 75.8 (better)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital12
Access to Electricitybottom 31%96Population with electricity access (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 31% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Panama 96 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Agricultural Irrigated Land74th of 121position · derived1.801Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
Lower middle · bottom 39% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Panama 1.801 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Arable Land per Person94th of 206position · derived0.127Arable land (hectares per person)2023
Middle · top 45% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Panama 0.127 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 39%61.9Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
Upper middle · top 39% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Panama 61.9 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2012
Child Marriage45th of 143position · derived · 1 = worst26.4Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 31% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Panama 26.4 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality77th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst19.6Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
Middle · bottom 45% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Panama 19.6 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Cost of Sending Remittances58th of 93position · derived · 1 = worst2.49Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
Upper middle · top 38% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Panama 2.49 · world median 3.225 (better)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2016
Gender Development Index51st of 184position · derived1.014Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
Upper middle · top 28% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Panama 1.014 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▼ -27 percentile points since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production134th of 179position · derived110,169Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
Lower middle · bottom 26% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Panama 110,169 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Organic Agricultural Area98th of 150position · derived0.31Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 37% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Panama 0.31 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2014
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI94th of 156position · derived0.643PHDI (0–1)2023
Lower middle · bottom 40% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Panama 0.643 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▼ -39 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector113th of 171position · derived36.83Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
Lower middle · bottom 35% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Panama 36.83 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Environment & Sustainability7
Agricultural Emissions121st of 193position · derived5,310Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
Lower middle · bottom 39% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Panama 5,310 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Forest Area34th of 210position · derived56.34Forest area (% of land area)2023
Top fifth · top 16% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Panama 56.34 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster97th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst2,100New displacements by disaster (people)2024
Upper middle · top 39% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Panama 2,100 · world median 4,750 (better)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -29 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita19th of 181position · derived31,040Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
Top fifth · top 10% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Panama 31,040 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation46th of 190position · derived67.98Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
Upper middle · top 23% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Panama 67.98 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Water Stress161st of 177position · derived · 1 = worst0.9Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
Top fifth · top 9% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Panama 0.9 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
World Risk Index27th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst18.25WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 14% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Panama 18.25 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality1
Social Institutions and Gender Index110th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst15.2SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
Upper middle · top 21% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Panama 15.2 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Peace & Security4
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
Upper middle · top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Panama 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
INFORM Risk Index84th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst4INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
Middle · bottom 44% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Panama 4 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2016
Physical Violence Index41st of 176position · derived0.936Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
Upper middle · top 23% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Panama 0.936 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Political Stability and Absence of Violence95th of 211position · derived0.265Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Middle · top 45% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Panama 0.265 · world median 0.04 (better)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
No real change since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Panama. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Debt Service on External Debt
- Ecological Footprint
- Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Gender Social Norms Index
- General Government Consumption · last seen 2024
- Gini Index · last seen 2021
- Global Militarisation Index · last seen 2002
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Household Consumption · last seen 2024
- Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2023
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2021
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2021
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2021
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2021
- Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2021
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2016
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2017
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2023
- Trade (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Panama can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 28 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Panama on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Panama: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/panama