Panama Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Panama's net migration was 6,151 in 2025, ranked 169th globally. This represents a 8.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Panama's net migration stood at 6,151 in 2025, a decline of +555 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6,740 by 2026. Panama ranked 169th globally.
Panama's net migration has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, with the country transitioning from a net emigration of 2,811 people in 1978 to a peak net inflow of 11,130 individuals in 2018. This shift is a notable trend, as the country's economic growth and improved living standards have made it an attractive destination for migrants from neighboring countries and beyond. Panama's current net migration stands at 6,151 people, ranking it 169th globally. This value is comparable to that of South Sudan, which shares a similar net migration rate of 6,145 people. The country's economic growth, driven by its strategic location and business-friendly environment, is likely to continue attracting migrants in the coming years. However, a significant decline in remittances from migrants, or a substantial economic downturn, could alter the trajectory of Panama's net migration trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 6,759 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 6,750 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 6,740 | - | - |
| 2025 | 6,151 | −555 | #169 |
| 2024 | 6,706 | −556 | #166 |
| 2023 | 7,262 | −705 | #162 |
| 2022 | 7,967 | +2,494 | #146 |
| 2021 | 5,473 | +0 | #158 |
| 2020 | 5,473 | −5,150 | #157 |
| 2019 | 10,623 | −507 | #166 |
| 2018 | 11,130 | +71 | #156 |
| 2017 | 11,059 | +950 | #159 |
| 2016 | 10,109 | +1,461 | #155 |
| 2015 | 8,648 | +1,543 | #162 |
| 2014 | 7,105 | +1,179 | #160 |
| 2013 | 5,926 | +479 | #156 |
| 2012 | 5,447 | +280 | #158 |
| 2011 | 5,167 | +214 | #156 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Panama matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Panama's net migration was 6,151 in 2025. Ranked 169th globally. This represents a 8.3% decrease from the previous year.
Panama's net migration peaked at 11,130 in 2018.
The lowest net migration in Panama was -2,811 in 1978.
Panama ranks 169th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Panama's net migration is projected to reach 6,740 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Panama in 2025 was 6,151. This ranks 169th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_panama_net-migration,
title = {Panama Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/panama/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}