Photo: Brian Gratwicke derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 03 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Panama: Work & Labour
Can people find work, and on what terms?
Panama is placed joint 146th of 182 countries on work & labour in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: Employment-to-Population Ratio 60.76 (2025); Labour Income Share 35.59 (2025).
Share
Work & Labour
joint146th
of 182 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place Panama on work & labour — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
Key 1 of 4
Employment-to-Population Ratio
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
60.76
Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Higher is better
Panama: 60.76. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 21.21 (São Tomé and Príncipe) to 86.9 (Qatar); the world median is 57.72.
- World median
- 57.72
- Best in Central America
- 62.74 Nicaragua
- Land neighbours
- Colombia 58.14 · Costa Rica 53.71
Key 3 of 4
Unemployment Rate
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
8.36
Unemployment (% of labour force)
Lower is better
Panama: 8.36. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 0.13 (Qatar) to 34.2 (Eswatini); the world median is 5.084.
- World median
- 5.084
- Best in Central America
- 2.604 Guatemala
- Land neighbours
- Colombia 8.29 · Costa Rica 6.843
Key 4 of 4
Vulnerable Employment
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
37.87
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Lower is better
Panama: 37.87. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 0.456 (Qatar) to 90.22 (Chad); the world median is 28.67.
- World median
- 28.67
- Best in Central America
- 23.36 Costa Rica
- Land neighbours
- Colombia 42.96 · Costa Rica 23.36
02Over time
Which way Panama is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
Employment-to-Population Ratio
Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%) · higher is better
PanamaWorld median
Panama rose from 59.1 in 2000 to 60.76 in 2025; the world median went from 55.86 to 57.72.
Every year’s figures
Year Panama World median 2025 60.76 57.720 2024 60.72 57.694 2023 60.88 58.158 2022 60.95 57.688 2021 56.41 56.066 2020 56.66 55.691 2019 64.22 57.871 2018 64.08 56.911 2017 62.36 56.738 2016 63.06 56.845 2015 62.81 56.788 2014 62.81 56.774 2013 63.33 56.229 2012 62.56 56.289 2011 60.47 56.297 2010 61.09 56.212 2009 59.80 56.255 2008 61.95 57.308 2007 60.45 56.933 2006 60.02 56.685 2005 60.69 56.129 2004 60.46 55.465 2003 59.78 55.630 2002 59.63 55.843 2001 59.34 56.018 2000 59.10 55.861 Labour Income Share
Labour income share of GDP (%) · higher is better
PanamaWorld median
Panama fell from 43.99 in 2004 to 35.59 in 2025; the world median went from 46.01 to 46.23.
Every year’s figures
Year Panama World median 2025 35.59 46.230 2024 35.76 46.060 2023 34.53 45.900 2022 35.02 45.615 2021 37.14 45.433 2020 34.43 47.267 2019 39.24 46.277 2018 36.91 46.187 2017 32.10 46.467 2016 32.36 46.798 2015 31.75 46.876 2014 31.12 47.281 2013 31.40 46.887 2012 33.90 46.231 2011 35.72 45.679 2010 37.36 46.024 2009 36.60 47.071 2008 36.92 45.312 2007 40.56 45.246 2006 42.40 45.670 2005 42.21 46.265 2004 43.99 46.012 Unemployment Rate
Unemployment (% of labour force) · lower is better
PanamaWorld median
Panama rose from 6.188 in 2000 to 8.36 in 2025; the world median went from 6.918 to 5.084.
Every year’s figures
Year Panama World median 2025 8.360 5.08 2024 8.451 5.15 2023 6.544 5.21 2022 8.086 5.34 2021 10.177 6.04 2020 14.663 6.38 2019 6.256 5.36 2018 5.161 5.35 2017 5.338 5.59 2016 4.717 5.90 2015 4.335 6.41 2014 4.391 6.58 2013 3.674 6.71 2012 3.691 6.79 2011 4.030 6.90 2010 5.845 7.04 2009 5.857 6.67 2008 5.639 5.79 2007 5.665 6.00 2006 5.792 6.50 2005 5.967 7.09 2004 6.097 6.80 2003 6.303 6.95 2002 6.302 6.91 2001 6.293 6.96 2000 6.188 6.92 Vulnerable Employment
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment) · lower is better
PanamaWorld median
Panama rose from 34.41 in 2000 to 37.87 in 2025; the world median went from 35.67 to 28.67.
Every year’s figures
Year Panama World median 2025 37.87 28.67 2024 37.92 29.04 2023 36.07 29.33 2022 42.12 29.67 2021 37.77 30.01 2020 38.20 30.54 2019 38.08 29.98 2018 36.05 30.15 2017 34.25 29.93 2016 34.01 29.91 2015 32.45 30.26 2014 31.66 30.47 2013 31.64 31.14 2012 31.00 31.00 2011 30.75 31.41 2010 32.68 32.37 2009 32.99 32.59 2008 27.27 31.76 2007 32.39 33.47 2006 34.73 34.27 2005 35.07 34.66 2004 35.38 35.51 2003 35.71 35.90 2002 35.32 35.96 2001 34.89 35.27 2000 34.41 35.67
03In context
Panama beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 182 countries on work & labour, never a place within the region.
Panama and the countries it borders
Standing among all 182; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | Employment-to-Population RatioEmployed share of the population aged 15+ (%) | Labour Income ShareLabour income share of GDP (%) | Unemployment RateUnemployment (% of labour force) | Vulnerable EmploymentVulnerable employment (% of total employment) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Costa Rica | =92nd | 53.71 | 55.39 | 6.843 | 23.36 |
 Colombia | 121st | 58.14 | 50.54 | 8.29 | 42.96 |
| Panama | =146th | 60.76 | 35.59 | 8.36 | 37.87 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Central America
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 182.
Placed either side on work & labour
The countries immediately above and below Panama in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Panama is ahead of the world, and behind
34 more statistics filed under work & labour, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median13
Statistics on which Panama does better than the middle country measured.
Fatal Occupational InjuriesILO · 2023 · world median 2.0050.132.005▲ Improved since 2013
Panama: 0.13 · world median 2.005 · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.12 to 8.409; lower is better.
Female Share of Senior and Middle ManagementILO · 2024 · world median 35.8646.0535.86▼ Worsened since 2014
Panama: 46.05 · world median 35.86 · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 7.226 to 56.69; higher is better.
Position 11th of 86 · derived.
Firms with a Female Top ManagerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 19.1628.4219.16No earlier reading
Panama: 28.42 · world median 19.16 · Firms with a female top manager (%). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.429 to 62.9; higher is better.
Position 28th of 179 · derived.
Trade Union DensityILO · 2020 · world median 16.6826.3216.68No earlier reading
Panama: 26.32 · world median 16.68 · Employees who are trade union members (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 0.2 to 91.42; higher is better.
Position 34th of 139 · derived.
Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 61.6666.361.66▲ Improved since 2015
Panama: 66.3 · world median 61.66 · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 23.34 to 87.01; higher is better.
Position 50th of 182 · derived.
Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 22.1643.5522.16▲ Improved since 2015
Panama: 43.55 · world median 22.16 · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.92 to 164.65; higher is better.
Position 51st of 182 · derived.
GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 47,38481,80847,384No real change since 2015
Panama: 81,808 · world median 47,384 · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2,456 to 262,554; higher is better.
Position 49th of 168 · derived.
Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 25,23074,11425,230▼ Worsened since 2010
Panama: 74,114 · world median 25,230 · Human capital per person — present value of future earnings (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 700.38 to 735,422; higher is better.
Position 46th of 151 · derived.
Low Pay RateILO · 2024 · world median 17.8916.4117.89▼ Worsened since 2014
Panama: 16.41 · world median 17.89 · Employees paid less than two-thirds of the median hourly earnings (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 3.395 to 41.69; lower is better.
Position 46th of 71 · derived, 1st = worst.
Working Poverty RateILO · 2025 · world median 4.8851.4864.885▼ Worsened since 2015
Panama: 1.486 · world median 4.885 · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.007 to 86.02; lower is better.
Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 45.961.545.9No earlier reading
Panama: 61.5 · world median 45.9 · Labour force covered in the event of a work injury (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 53.3654.9453.36▲ Improved since 2015
Panama: 54.94 · world median 53.36 · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 4.663 to 82.91; higher is better.
Position 82nd of 182 · derived.
Average Monthly Earnings of EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 1,6361,7271,636No real change since 2014
Panama: 1,727 · world median 1,636 · Average monthly earnings of employees (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 193.28 to 9,307; higher is better.
Position 37th of 75 · derived.
Behind the world median9
Statistics on which Panama does worse than the middle country measured.
Youth Not in Education, Employment or TrainingILO · 2024 · world median 14.3114.714.31No real change since 2014
Panama: 14.7 · world median 14.31 · Youth not in education, employment or training (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 3.975 to 65.73; lower is better.
Position 47th of 97 · derived, 1st = worst.
Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed PersonsILO · 2024 · world median 0.5750.540.575No earlier reading
Panama: 0.54 · world median 0.575 · Labour inspectors per 10,000 employed persons. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.07 to 3.89; higher is better.
Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 41.8148.7541.81No earlier reading
Panama: 48.75 · world median 41.81 · Firms competing against unregistered or informal firms (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.926 to 90.5; lower is better.
Position 72nd of 181 · derived, 1st = worst.
Informal Employment RateILO · 2025 · world median 36.7655.7336.76No earlier reading
Panama: 55.73 · world median 36.76 · Informal employment (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.857 to 94.44; lower is better.
Position 37th of 97 · derived, 1st = worst.
Composite Rate of Labour Underutilisation (LU4)ILO · 2024 · world median 12.5616.8312.56▼ Worsened since 2014
Panama: 16.83 · world median 12.56 · Composite rate of labour underutilisation, LU4 (% of the extended labour force). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.495 to 49.82; lower is better.
Position 24th of 76 · derived, 1st = worst.
Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · world median 12.8319.7712.83▼ Worsened since 2015
Panama: 19.77 · world median 12.83 · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.457 to 76.77; lower is better.
Position 49th of 182 · derived, 1st = worst.
Gini Index of Monthly EarningsILO · 2024 · world median 0.3370.3970.337▼ Worsened since 2014
Panama: 0.397 · world median 0.337 · Gini index of employees’ monthly earnings (0 = all paid the same, 1 = maximum inequality). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.182 to 0.643; lower is better.
Position 19th of 75 · derived, 1st = worst.
Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · world median 1.614.321.61▲ Improved since 2015
Panama: 4.32 · world median 1.61 · Compliance with freedom of association and collective bargaining rights (0 = best, 10 = worst). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 10; lower is better.
Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 32.0714.9632.07No earlier reading
Panama: 14.96 · world median 32.07 · Firms offering formal training to permanent full-time workers (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.42 to 79.12; higher is better.
Level with the median, or no median to compare4
Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 333▲ Improved since 2015
Panama: 3 · world median 3 · Paid paternity leave set in law (calendar days). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 196; higher is better.
Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 989898▼ Worsened since 2015
Panama: 98 · world median 98 · Paid maternity leave set in law (calendar days). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 410; higher is better.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per WorkerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 6,7426,7426,742No real change since 2015
Panama: 6,742 · world median 6,742 · Agricultural value added per worker (constant 2015 US$). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 210.77 to 150,632; higher is better.
Position 76th of 151 · derived.
Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 000No earlier reading
Panama: 0 · world median 0 · Unemployed people receiving unemployment benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
No better end8
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · world median 657.95943.46657.95Moved since 2014
Panama: 943.46 · world median 657.95 · Statutory minimum wage per month (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 4.038 to 3,804.
Share of Temporary EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 13.4518.513.45Moved since 2022
Panama: 18.5 · world median 13.45 · Employees on temporary contracts (% of employees). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.337 to 72.78.
Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · world median 59.5166.9559.51Moved since 2015
Panama: 66.95 · world median 59.51 · Employment in services (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 11.56 to 92.17.
Position 71st of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · world median 31.8440.5831.84Moved since 2015
Panama: 40.58 · world median 31.84 · Self-employed (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.832 to 91.56.
Position 75th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 15.0117.9815.01No earlier reading
Panama: 17.98 · world median 15.01 · Public sector employment (% of total employment). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 1.672 to 47.1.
Position 57th of 135 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · world median 14.3816.0414.38Moved since 2015
Panama: 16.04 · world median 14.38 · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.095 to 85.34.
Position 87th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · world median 18.8817.0118.88Moved since 2015
Panama: 17.01 · world median 18.88 · Employment in industry (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 3.103 to 39.44.
Position 114th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 38.893638.89Moved since 2015
Panama: 36 · world median 38.89 · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 23.64 to 54.7.
Position 123rd of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Work & Labour among Panama’s 16 topics
Work & Labour is Panama’s 15th best-placed topic of 16. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Energyjoint 42nd of 1653/3 keys
- Peace & Security50th of 1773/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Liberties60th of 1984/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainability58th of 1863/4 keys
- Food & Agriculturejoint 61st of 1844/4 keys
- Development & Human Capital69th of 1963/3 keys
- Economy & Innovation63rd of 1764/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade64th of 1774/4 keys
- Gender & Equality67th of 1834/4 keys
- Governance & Institutions83rd of 1944/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing87th of 2003/4 keys
- Digital & Technology100th of 1984/4 keys
- Risk & Resilience141st of 1934/4 keys
- Education & Knowledgejoint 152nd of 1984/4 keys
- Work & Labourjoint 146th of 1824/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality130th of 1593/3 keys
06The top of the list
Who leads on work & labour
The three countries placed highest of 182, and the leaders Panama can most readily be measured against.
1
IcelandNorthern Europe
1st of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Hansueli Krapf · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
2
JapanEastern Asia
2nd of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: JurriaanH · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
3
South KoreaEastern Asia
3rd of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 2.0, greyscale
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Americas
United States14th4/4 keysHighest in Central America
El Salvador50th4/4 keysThis page
Panama=146th4/4 keys
Positions out of 182 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Analysis
Charts and analysis about Panama and work & labour
On work & labour
Countries in Asia with the highest average salaries 2024
Thirteen Asian countries by gross average monthly wage, each carrying its WORLD rank rather than an Asian one — so the numbers skip, from 11th place to 45th.
On work & labour
Countries With The Highest Average Salaries in 2024
The ten highest-paying countries of 2024, their bars coloured by continent, and six more added for comparison — from Australia in 13th place to India in 85th.
On work & labour
Countries With The Lowest Average Salaries in 2024
The bottom ten of 196 countries, and six more added for comparison. Niger, Madagascar and Liberia are all published at US$47 a month and still carry three different ranks.
08Questions
Panama on work & labour: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does Panama rank on work & labour?
Panama is placed joint 146th of 182 countries on Work & Labour in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (Employment-to-Population Ratio, Labour Income Share, Unemployment Rate and Vulnerable Employment). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest Employment-to-Population Ratio figure for Panama?
60.76 in 2025 (employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)), according to International Labour Organization (ILO). The world median in the same edition was 57.72.
What is the latest Labour Income Share figure for Panama?
35.59 in 2025 (labour income share of GDP (%)), according to International Labour Organization (ILO). The world median in the same edition was 46.23.
How does Panama compare with Colombia on work & labour?
Colombia is placed 121st of 182, and Panama joint 146th. Employment-to-Population Ratio: Colombia 58.14, Panama 60.76; Labour Income Share: Colombia 50.54, Panama 35.59; Unemployment Rate: Colombia 8.29, Panama 8.36; Vulnerable Employment: Colombia 42.96, Panama 37.87.
How have Panama’s work & labour figures changed?
Employment-to-Population Ratio rose from 59.1 in 2000 to 60.76 in 2025; Labour Income Share fell from 43.99 in 2004 to 35.59 in 2025; Unemployment Rate rose from 6.188 in 2000 to 8.36 in 2025; Vulnerable Employment rose from 34.41 in 2000 to 37.87 in 2025.
09Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
Wages in money terms are not a key here, because pay figures are hard to compare fairly across countries with very different prices. Labour productivity, working hours, youth unemployment and the balance between farming, industry and services are published on this page as context. The size and growth of the wider economy belong to Economy & Innovation.
How the Work & Labour standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The work & labour method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- Employment-to-Population Ratio — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Labour Income Share — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Unemployment Rate — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Vulnerable Employment — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
The other 34 statistics on this page come from 2 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
Panama’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Panama (banner) — Brian Gratwicke derivative work: Jjtkk, CC BY 2.0
- Iceland — Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Japan — JurriaanH, CC BY-SA 3.0
- South Korea — Unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Panama: Work & Labour — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/panama/work