Protest and civil unrestGuarded
Protests occur but rarely disrupt operations.
Country risk assessment ยท Americas
Panama political and security risk assessment
Panama carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 18 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), unchanged on last week and falling over the last 12 weeks. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
18of 100
Low
Band 1 of 5
▬ Unchanged on last week
Americas
Panama
What is the political and security risk in Panama right now?
Panama carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 18 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), unchanged on last week and falling over the last 12 weeks.
Steady at Low, with no standing risk flags.
On the economic side, real GDP grew 4.4% in 2025 with inflation at -0.2%.
What are the main risks of operating in Panama?
Armed conflict and political violenceGuarded
Armed violence is occasional and mostly localized.
Staff movement and duty of careGuarded
Foreign governments advise normal to increased caution.
Chokepoint exposure
Panama CanalThe canal joining the Atlantic and the PacificRead the explainer →What has changed recently in Panama?
Panama moved unchanged this week and fell 11 points over the last 12 weeks, from 29 to 18.
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess it is highly likely that Panama stays in the Low band through the end of December.
80 to 90%
0%50%100%
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
Trade routes for Panama are exposed to the Panama Canal, so disruption there feeds straight into freight time and cost.
Ores and metals make up 33% of goods exports (2025 data), so mining regions and export corridors are the exposure to watch.
Trade equals 84% of GDP (2024 data). A highly open economy, so local disruption travels quickly through supplier networks.
Operating conditions are normal. Standard security precautions apply.
Key facts
GDPUS$90.5 billionLatest data, 2025
Real GDP growth4.4%Latest data, 2025
Inflation-0.2%Latest data, 2025
Trade84% of GDPLatest data, 2024
Ores and metals33% of goods exportsLatest data, 2025
Food exports50% of goods exportsLatest data, 2025
Population4.6 millionLatest data, 2025
How has the Panama threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in Panama for business?
Panama carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 18 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), unchanged on last week and falling over the last 12 weeks.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in Panama?
The main risk drivers are protest and civil unrest (guarded); armed conflict and political violence (guarded); staff movement and duty of care (guarded). Protests occur but rarely disrupt operations.
What is the outlook for Panama?
We assess it is highly likely (80 to 90%) that Panama stays in the Low band through the end of December.
Which shipping chokepoints matter for Panama?
Panama is exposed to the Panama Canal. The canal joining the Atlantic and the Pacific.
How often is the Panama risk assessment updated?
The Panama threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
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