Country explorer: Panama

Panama has experienced significant economic growth, evidenced by a consistent increase in GDP per capita and a relatively low and stable unemployment rate compared to its regional peers, alongside maintaining a low inflation rate, distinguishing it as one of the stronger economies in Central America.

Panama has experienced significant demographic transformations characterized by steady population growth, increasingly positive net migration, a gradually declining fertility rate, and a consistent increase in life expectancy, mirroring trends commonly observed in rapidly developing countries.

Panama has achieved 100% access to clean fuels for cooking—a notable accomplishment distinguishing it from its regional peers—while significantly improving its electricity access, reflecting considerable progress in meeting its population's basic needs.

Panama has witnessed notable progress in human development as evidenced by steady improvements in its Human Development Index, a significant reduction in child mortality rates, and advances in literacy and average learning-adjusted years of schooling, positioning it as a country experiencing growth and development that outpaces many of its regional peers.

Panama has managed to moderate its per capita CO₂ emissions even with varying rates, significantly diversify its electricity production with a notable increase in renewable sources, maintain abundant renewable freshwater resources compared to global averages, and exhibit a gradual decrease in forest area, showcasing its ongoing struggle and efforts towards balancing environmental sustainability and development pressures in a manner resonant with, but distinct in the specifics of its successes and challenges, from its regional peers.

Panama has demonstrated robust growth in digital connectivity, characterized by a significant rise in internet usage and mobile phone subscriptions, alongside modest advancements in research and development, positioning it as a dynamic player in technology and innovation within the Central American region.

Panama has experienced marked societal transformations, such as a gradual increase in immigration, growing life satisfaction, reduced gender inequality, and a relatively stable age dependency ratio, positioning it as a nation that balances modernity with traditional values amidst Latin American peers and high-income countries.

Panama has observed modest improvements in rule of law and political civil liberties but experiences challenges in combating corruption and ensuring press freedom, reflecting a gradual yet interrupted progress towards governance standards seen in high-income countries.