Panama

Panama attracts hundreds of thousands of immigrants drawn by its booming economy, strategic location, and shared cultural ties. Neighboring Colombia historically provided the largest share of newcomers due to geographic proximity and a shared Spanish heritage. Meanwhile, migrants from China and the United States maintain a strong presence built on decades of commercial ties and the legacy of the Panama Canal.

Over the past few decades, political and economic crises in the region dramatically reshaped these migration patterns. The most striking shift occurred recently as nearly two hundred thousand Venezuelans fled their home country's collapse to seek refuge and work in Panama. Instability in nations like Nicaragua also steadily drove new waves of people across borders in search of a safer and more prosperous life.

Just as Panama's history is deeply intertwined with the United States, its outward migration patterns heavily favor its northern partner. Over 160,000 Panamanians live in the US today, drawn by deep commercial ties, educational pathways, and family networks established during the Canal era. Neighboring Costa Rica also attracts a growing community of over 16,000 expats who cross the border to benefit from geographic proximity, a shared language, and a stable regional economy.

While Panama avoids the massive outward exoduses seen elsewhere in Latin America, its emigrant footprint steadily expanded over the past few decades. As global economies evolved, Panamanians increasingly sought specialized career and lifestyle opportunities beyond traditional North American hubs. This gradual shift nearly doubled the Panamanian presence in neighboring Costa Rica and drove new waves of professionals toward emerging markets in South America and Europe.