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Panama Population and Religion
Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is a transcontinental country in Central America and South America, bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south.
According to the UN World Population Prospects, the estimated population of Panama in 2026 is 4,644,204 (4.6 million). The country covers a total land area of 74,340 sq. km (28,700 sq. mi), giving it a population density of approximately 58 people per sq. km (150 per sq. mi).
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Panama Population Quick Facts
| Metrics | 2026 Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 4,644,204 (4.6 million) |
| Central America Rank | 6th |
| Land Area | 74,340 sq. km (28,700 sq. mi) |
| Population Density | 58 people/sq. km |
| Fertility Rate | 2.27 |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 12 |
| Median Age | 31 years |
| Life Expectancy | 78.2 years |
| Urban Population | 67% |
| Capital City | Panama City |
Source: UN World Population Prospects & National Statistics
Religion in Panama
Christianity is the predominant religion in Panama, with 84.2% of the population adhering to Christian faiths. Among Christians, Roman Catholics are the largest group at 52.4%, followed by Protestants at 31.8% (including Evangelical 25.4%, Adventist 3.2%, Baptist 0.7%, Methodist 0.2%, Pentecostal 0.1%, and other Protestant denominations 0.6%). Other Christian groups include Jehovah’s Witnesses (1.1%) and Mormons (0.5%).
About 14% of Panamanians are unaffiliated with any religion, including atheists, agnostics, and those with no religious affiliation. Non-Christian faiths, such as Jewish, Islam, Baháʼí, and Buddhism, account for 1.8% of the population.
Religion Percentage in Panama
| Religion / Affiliations | Percent |
|---|---|
| Christianity | 84.2% |
| Catholic | 52.4% |
| Evangelical (no specific) | 25.4% |
| Evangelical Baptism | 0.7% |
| Evangelical Methodist | 0.2% |
| Evangelical Pentecostal | 0.1% |
| Adventist | 3.2% |
| Protestant (others) | 0.6% |
| Jehovah’s Witnesses | 1.1% |
| Mormon | 0.5% |
| Believers, not belong to the church | 0.5% |
| Other Religions | 1.3% |
| Unaffiliated | 14% |
| – Agnostic | 0.3% |
| – Atheist | 0.4% |
| – None | 13.1% |
| – Don’t know | 0.2% |
Source: Latinobarómetro 2024
Race and Ethnicity in Panama
Panama is a multi-ethnic country with a diverse population. The majority of Panamanians are mestizos (65%), of mixed Amerindian and European ancestry, primarily Spanish. Indigenous peoples make up 12.3% of the population, including major groups such as Ngäbe (7.6%), Kuna (2.4%), Embera (0.9%), and Buglé (0.8%).
Other ethnic groups include Blacks or people of African descent (9.2%), Mulattos (6.8%), and Whites or Europeans (6.7%), largely of Spanish descent with smaller communities of Italian, German, English, Dutch, French, Irish, Portuguese, and Polish ancestry. Panama also has a significant Asian and West/South Asian population, including Chinese, Lebanese, Palestinian, and Indian communities.
Racial Composition of Panama
| Race / Ethnicity | Percent |
|---|---|
| Mestizos (mixed Amerindian and European) | 65% |
| Indigenous / Native Panamanians | 12.3% |
| Black / African descent | 9.2% |
| Mulattos | 6.8% |
| White / European descent | 6.7% |
Source: Latinobarómetro 2024
Largest Cities in Panama by Population
The largest cities in Panama are concentrated around the capital and major economic hubs. Panama City is the most populous city, followed by San Miguelito and Las Cumbres.
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panama City | 430,299 |
| 2 | San Miguelito | 315,019 |
| 3 | Las Cumbres | 127,440 |
| 4 | La Chorrera | 118,521 |
| 5 | Tocumen | 113,174 |
| 6 | Pacora | 103,960 |
| 7 | Arraiján | 96,676 |
| 8 | David | 81,957 |
| 9 | Vista Alegre | 55,114 |
| 10 | Santiago de Veraguas | 51,236 |
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