Topic: Photos of Panama

Topic: Introduction
Background: Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela - named the Republic of Gran Colombia. When the latter dissolved in 1830, Panama remained part of Colombia. With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of the structure (the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama Canal was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. In 1977, an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama by the end of the century. Certain portions of the Zone and increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over in the subsequent decades. With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA was deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the Canal, and remaining US military bases were transferred to Panama by the end of 1999. An ambitious expansion project to more than double the Canal's capacity - by allowing for more Canal transits and larger ships - was carried out between 2007 and 2016.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica
Geographic coordinates: 9 00 N, 80 00 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area: total: 75,420 sq km

land: 74,340 sq km

water: 1,080 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than South Carolina
Land boundaries: total: 687 km

border countries (2): Colombia 339 km; Costa Rica 348 km
Coastline: 2,490 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or edge of continental margin
Climate: tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)
Terrain: interior mostly steep, rugged mountains with dissected, upland plains; coastal plains with rolling hills
Elevation: highest point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 360 m
Natural resources: copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower
Land use: agricultural land: 30.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 7.3% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 2.5% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 20.7% (2018 est.)

forest: 43.6% (2018 est.)

other: 25.9% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 321 sq km (2012)
Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Laguna de Chiriqui - 900 sq km
Population distribution: population is concentrated towards the center of the country, particularly around the Canal, but a sizeable segment of the populace also lives in the far west around David; the eastern third of the country is sparsely inhabited
Natural hazards: occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area
Geography - note: strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean
Map description: Panama map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.Panama map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 4,337,768 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Panamanian(s)

adjective: Panamanian
Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and White) 65%, Native American 12.3% (Ngabe 7.6%, Kuna 2.4%, Embera 0.9%, Bugle 0.8%, other 0.4%, unspecified 0.2%), Black or African descent 9.2%, Mulatto 6.8%, White 6.7% (2010 est.)
Languages: Spanish (official), indigenous languages (including Ngabere (or Guaymi), Buglere, Kuna, Embera, Wounaan, Naso (or Teribe), and Bri Bri), Panamanian English Creole (similar to Jamaican English Creole; a mixture of English and Spanish with elements of Ngabere; also known as Guari Guari and Colon Creole), English, Chinese (Yue and Hakka), Arabic, French Creole, other (Yiddish, Hebrew, Korean, Japanese); note - many Panamanians are bilingual

major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions: Roman Catholic 48.6%, Evangelical 30.2%, other 4.7%, agnostic 0.2%, atheist 0.2%, none 12.3%, unspecified 3.7% (2018 est.)
Demographic profile: Panama is a country of demographic and economic contrasts. It is in the midst of a demographic transition, characterized by steadily declining rates of fertility, mortality, and population growth, but disparities persist based on wealth, geography, and ethnicity. Panama has one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America and dedicates substantial funding to social programs, yet poverty and inequality remain prevalent. The indigenous population accounts for a growing share of Panama's poor and extreme poor, while the non-indigenous rural poor have been more successful at rising out of poverty through rural-to-urban labor migration. The government's large expenditures on untargeted, indirect subsidies for water, electricity, and fuel have been ineffective, but its conditional cash transfer program has shown some promise in helping to decrease extreme poverty among the indigenous population.Panama has expanded access to education and clean water, but the availability of sanitation and, to a lesser extent, electricity remains poor. The increase in secondary schooling - led by female enrollment - is spreading to rural and indigenous areas, which probably will help to alleviate poverty if educational quality and the availability of skilled jobs improve. Inadequate access to sanitation contributes to a high incidence of diarrhea in Panama's children, which is one of the main causes of Panama's elevated chronic malnutrition rate, especially among indigenous communities.Panama is a country of demographic and economic contrasts. It is in the midst of a demographic transition, characterized by steadily declining rates of fertility, mortality, and population growth, but disparities persist based on wealth, geography, and ethnicity. Panama has one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America and dedicates substantial funding to social programs, yet poverty and inequality remain prevalent. The indigenous population accounts for a growing share of Panama's poor and extreme poor, while the non-indigenous rural poor have been more successful at rising out of poverty through rural-to-urban labor migration. The government's large expenditures on untargeted, indirect subsidies for water, electricity, and fuel have been ineffective, but its conditional cash transfer program has shown some promise in helping to decrease extreme poverty among the indigenous population.Panama has expanded access to education and clean water, but the availability of sanitation and, to a lesser extent, electricity remains poor. The increase in secondary schooling - led by female enrollment - is spreading to rural and indigenous areas, which probably will help to alleviate poverty if educational quality and the availability of skilled jobs improve. Inadequate access to sanitation contributes to a high incidence of diarrhea in Panama's children, which is one of the main causes of Panama's elevated chronic malnutrition rate, especially among indigenous communities.
Age structure: 0-14 years: 25.56% (male 508,131/female 487,205)

15-24 years: 16.59% (male 329,250/female 316,796)

25-54 years: 40.31% (male 794,662/female 774,905)

55-64 years: 8.54% (male 165,129/female 167,317)

65 years and over: 9.01% (2020 est.) (male 160,516/female 190,171)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 53.9

youth dependency ratio: 40.8

elderly dependency ratio: 13.1

potential support ratio: 7.6 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 30.1 years

male: 29.6 years

female: 30.5 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.53% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 17.99 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 6.11 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 3.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: population is concentrated towards the center of the country, particularly around the Canal, but a sizeable segment of the populace also lives in the far west around David; the eastern third of the country is sparsely inhabited
Urbanization: urban population: 69.1% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.92% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 1.938 million PANAMA CITY (capital) (2022)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 52 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 16.44 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 17.69 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.11 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.62 years

male: 74.76 years

female: 80.66 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.39 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 50.8% (2014/15)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 88.1% of population

total: 96.2% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 11.9% of population

total: 3.8% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 7.6% (2019)
Physicians density: 1.63 physicians/1,000 population (2019)
Hospital bed density: 2.3 beds/1,000 population (2016)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 95.5% of population

rural: 69.1% of population

total: 87.2% of population

unimproved: urban: 4.5% of population

rural: 30.9% of population

total: 12.8% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1% (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 31,000 (2020 est.)

note: estimate does not include children
HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <500

note: estimate does not include children
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 22.7% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 5% (2020 est.)

male: 7.7% (2020 est.)

female: 2.2% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 3% (2019)
Education expenditures: 3.1% of GDP (2019 est.)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.7%

male: 98.8%

female: 95.4% (2019)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 13 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2016)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 40.1%

male: 30.8%

female: 51.9% (2020 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation and soil erosion threatens siltation of Panama Canal; air pollution in urban areas; mining threatens natural resources
Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 11.18 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 10.71 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 5.97 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)
Land use: agricultural land: 30.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 7.3% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 2.5% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 20.7% (2018 est.)

forest: 43.6% (2018 est.)

other: 25.9% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 69.1% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.92% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.08% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1,472,262 tons (2015 est.)
Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Laguna de Chiriqui - 900 sq km
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 759.1 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 6.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 446.1 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 139.304 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Panama

conventional short form: Panama

local long form: Republica de Panama

local short form: Panama

etymology: named after the capital city which was itself named after a former indigenous fishing village
Government type: presidential republic
Capital: name: Panama City

geographic coordinates: 8 58 N, 79 32 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: according to tradition, the name derives from a former fishing area near the present capital - an indigenous village and its adjacent beach - that were called "Panama" meaning "an abundance of fish"
Administrative divisions: 10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 4 indigenous regions* (comarcas); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Embera-Wounaan*, Guna Yala*, Herrera, Los Santos, Naso Tjer Di*, Ngabe-Bugle*, Panama, Panama Oeste, Veraguas
Independence: 3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain on 28 November 1821)
National holiday: Independence Day (Separation Day), 3 November (1903)
Constitution: history: several previous; latest effective 11 October 1972

amendments: proposed by the National Assembly, by the Cabinet, or by the Supreme Court of Justice; passage requires approval by one of two procedures: 1) absolute majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings and by absolute majority vote of the next elected Assembly in a single reading without textual modifications; 2) absolute majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings, followed by absolute majority vote of the next elected Assembly in each of three readings with textual modifications, and approval in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2004
Legal system: civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Justice
International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes

citizenship by descent only: yes

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Laurentino "Nito" CORTIZO Cohen (since 1 July 2019); Vice President Jose Gabriel CARRIZO Jaen (since 1 July 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Laurentino "Nito" CORTIZO Cohen (since 1 July 2019); Vice President Jose Gabriel CARRIZO Jaen (since 1 July 2019)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by simple majority popular vote for a 5-year term; president eligible for a single non-consecutive term); election last held on 5 May 2019 (next to be held in 2024)

election results:
2019: Laurentino "Nito" CORTIZO Cohen elected president; percent of vote - Laurentino CORTIZO Cohen (PRD) 33.3%, Romulo ROUX (CD) 31%, Ricardo LOMBANA (independent) 18.8%, Jose BLANDON (Panamenista Party) 10.8%, Ana Matilde GOMEZ Ruiloba (independent) 4.8%, other 1.3%

2014: Juan Carlos VARELA elected president; percent of vote - Juan Carlos VARELA (PP) 39.1%, Jose Domingo ARIAS (CD) 31.4%, Juan Carlos NAVARRO (PRD) 28.2%, other 1.3%
Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (71 seats; 45 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies - populous towns and cities - by open list proportional representation vote and 26 directly elected in single-seat constituencies - outlying rural districts - by simple majority vote; members serve 5-year terms)

elections: last held on 5 May 2019 (next to be held in May 2024)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRD 35, CD 18, Panamenista 8, MOLIRENA 5, independent 5; composition - men 55, women 16, percent of women 22.5%
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 9 magistrates and 9 alternates and divided into civil, criminal, administrative, and general business chambers)

judge selection and term of office: magistrates appointed by the president for staggered 10-year terms

subordinate courts: appellate courts or Tribunal Superior; Labor Supreme Courts; Court of Audit; circuit courts or Tribunal Circuital (2 each in 9 of the 10 provinces); municipal courts; electoral, family, maritime, and adolescent courts
Political parties and leaders: Alliance Party or PA [Jose MUNOZ Molina]
Alternative Independent Socialist Party or PAIS [Jose ALVAREZ]
Democratic Change or CD [Romulo ROUX]
Democratic Revolutionary Party or PRD [Benicio ROBINSON]
Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement or MOLIRENA [Francisco "Pancho" ALEMAN]
Panamenista Party [Isabel BLANDON Figueroa] (formerly the Arnulfista Party)
Popular Party or PP [Daniel Javier BREA Clavel] (formerly Christian Democratic Party or PDC)
Realizing Goals Party [Ricardo Alberto MARTINELLI Berrocal]
International organization participation: BCIE, CAN (observer), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, SICA, UN, UNASUR (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Laura CASTRO Grimaldo (since 28 November 2021)

chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407

FAX: [1] (202) 483-8413

email address and website:
info@embassyofpanama.org

https://www.embassyofpanama.org/

consulate(s) general: Houston, Miami, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Tampa, Washington DC
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant), Charge d'Affaires Stewart TUTTLE (since August 2020)

embassy: Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue, Clayton

mailing address: 9100 Panama City PL, Washington, DC 20521-9100

telephone: [507] 317-5000

FAX: [507] 317-5568

email address and website:
Panama-ACS@state.gov

https://pa.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and plain red; the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star in the center; the blue and red colors are those of the main political parties (Conservatives and Liberals respectively) and the white denotes peace between them; the blue star stands for the civic virtues of purity and honesty, the red star signifies authority and law
National symbol(s): harpy eagle; national colors: blue, white, red
National anthem: name: "Himno Istmeno" (Isthmus Hymn)

lyrics/music: Jeronimo DE LA OSSA/Santos A. JORGE

note: adopted 1925
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 5 (2 cultural, 3 natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Caribbean Fortifications (c); Darien National Park (n); Talamanca Range-La Amistad National Park (n); Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá (c); Coiba National Park (n)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Panama's dollar-based economy rests primarily on a well-developed services sector that accounts for more than three-quarters of GDP. Services include operating the Panama Canal, logistics, banking, the Colon Free Trade Zone, insurance, container ports, flagship registry, and tourism and Panama is a center for offshore banking. Panama's transportation and logistics services sectors, along with infrastructure development projects, have boosted economic growth; however, public debt surpassed $37 billion in 2016 because of excessive government spending and public works projects. The US-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement was approved by Congress and signed into law in October 2011, and entered into force in October 2012.   Future growth will be bolstered by the Panama Canal expansion project that began in 2007 and was completed in 2016 at a cost of $5.3 billion - about 10-15% of current GDP. The expansion project more than doubled the Canal's capacity, enabling it to accommodate high-capacity vessels such as tankers and neopanamax vessels that are too large to traverse the existing canal. The US and China are the top users of the Canal.   Strong economic performance has not translated into broadly shared prosperity, as Panama has the second worst income distribution in Latin America. About one-fourth of the population lives in poverty; however, from 2006 to 2012 poverty was reduced by 10 percentage points.Panama's dollar-based economy rests primarily on a well-developed services sector that accounts for more than three-quarters of GDP. Services include operating the Panama Canal, logistics, banking, the Colon Free Trade Zone, insurance, container ports, flagship registry, and tourism and Panama is a center for offshore banking. Panama's transportation and logistics services sectors, along with infrastructure development projects, have boosted economic growth; however, public debt surpassed $37 billion in 2016 because of excessive government spending and public works projects. The US-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement was approved by Congress and signed into law in October 2011, and entered into force in October 2012. Future growth will be bolstered by the Panama Canal expansion project that began in 2007 and was completed in 2016 at a cost of $5.3 billion - about 10-15% of current GDP. The expansion project more than doubled the Canal's capacity, enabling it to accommodate high-capacity vessels such as tankers and neopanamax vessels that are too large to traverse the existing canal. The US and China are the top users of the Canal. Strong economic performance has not translated into broadly shared prosperity, as Panama has the second worst income distribution in Latin America. About one-fourth of the population lives in poverty; however, from 2006 to 2012 poverty was reduced by 10 percentage points.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $109.52 billion (2020 est.)

$133.47 billion (2019 est.)

$129.54 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 5.4% (2017 est.)

5% (2016 est.)

5.8% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $25,400 (2020 est.)

$31,400 (2019 est.)

$31,000 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $66.801 billion (2019 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.9% (2017 est.)

0.7% (2016 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB (2011)

Moody's rating: Baa1 (2019)

Standard & Poors rating: BBB (2020)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 2.4% (2017 est.)

industry: 15.7% (2017 est.)

services: 82% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 45.6% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 10.7% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 42.9% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 3% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 41.9% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -44.2% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: sugar cane, bananas, rice, poultry, milk, plantains, pineapples, maize, beef, pork
Industries: construction, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling
Industrial production growth rate: 6.3% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 1.633 million (2017 est.)

note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 17%

industry: 18.6%

services: 64.4% (2009 est.)
Unemployment rate: 6.14% (2018 est.)

6% (2017 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 40.1%

male: 30.8%

female: 51.9% (2020 est.)
Population below poverty line: 22.1% (2016 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 49.2 (2018 est.)

56.1 (2003)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.1%

highest 10%: 38.9% (2014 est.)
Budget: revenues: 12.43 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 13.44 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 37.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

37.4% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 20.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Current account balance: -$3.036 billion (2017 est.)

-$3.16 billion (2016 est.)
Exports: $20.18 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$28.58 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$28.55 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

note: includes the Colon Free Zone
Exports - partners: Ecuador 20%, Guatemala 14%, China 8%, United States 6%, Netherlands 6% (2019)
Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, copper, bananas, ships, coal tar oil, packaged medicines (2019)
Imports: $17.41 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$27.38 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$28.9 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

note: includes the Colon Free Zone
Imports - partners: China 21%, United States 19%, Japan 16%, Colombia 6%, Ecuador 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: ships, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, tanker ships, packaged medicines (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $2.703 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$3.878 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $101.393 billion (2019 est.)

$94.898 billion (2018 est.)
Exchange rates: balboas (PAB) per US dollar -

1 (2017 est.)

1 (2016 est.)

1 (2015 est.)

1 (2014 est.)

1 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 92% (2019)

electrification - urban areas: 99.4% (2019)

electrification - rural areas: 77% (2019)
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 4.106 million kW (2020 est.)

consumption: 10,808,780,000 kWh (2019 est.)

exports: 427 million kWh (2019 est.)

imports: 77 million kWh (2019 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 1.309 billion kWh (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 24.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

solar: 2.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

wind: 6.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

hydroelectricity: 66.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

consumption: 1.118 million metric tons (2020 est.)

exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

imports: 1.15 million metric tons (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 143,700 bbl/day (2019 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 66 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 129,200 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

consumption: 552.744 million cubic meters (2019 est.)

exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

imports: 552.744 million cubic meters (2019 est.)

proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 25.263 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.905 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 22.281 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 1.077 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 98.946 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 649,156 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 5,825,677 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 135 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Panama has seen a steady increase in revenue from the telecom sector in recent years; mobile services and broadband remain the key growth sectors, with mobile connections accounting for 90% of all connections, and over half of telecom sector revenue; the mobile sector has flourished since the arrival of Digicel Panamá in 2008 and of América Móvil in 2009, which ended the duopoly long enjoyed by Cable & Wireless Panamá and Telefónica’s Movistar. Millicom International Cellular (trading as Tigo) acquired Telefónica’s telecom assets in Panama in 2019; the mobile market has effective competition among these players; internet services have grown in recent years as consumers responded to government fixed-line projects, improved mobile broadband connectivity and a plethora of mobile applications. (2021)

domestic: fixed-line about 14 per 100 and rapid subscribership of mobile-cellular telephone roughly 132 per 100 (2020)

international: country code - 507; landing points for the PAN-AM, ARCOS, SAC, AURORA, PCCS, PAC, and the MAYA-1 submarine cable systems that together provide links to the US and parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to the Central American Microwave System (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Broadcast media: multiple privately owned TV networks and a government-owned educational TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; more than 100 commercial radio stations (2019)
Internet country code: .pa
Internet users: total: 2,761,452 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 64% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 562,413 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 4 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 122

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 12,939,350 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 47.63 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: HP
Airports: total: 117 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 57

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 20

under 914 m: 30 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 60

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 51 (2021)
Heliports: 3 (2021)
Pipelines: 128 km oil (2013)
Railways: total: 77 km (2014)

standard gauge: 77 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Waterways: 800 km (2011) (includes the 82-km Panama Canal that is being widened)
Merchant marine: total: 7,980

by type: bulk carrier 2,697, container ship 643, general cargo 1,381, oil tanker 771, other 2,488 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Balboa, Colon, Cristobal

container port(s) (TEUs): Balboa (2,894,654), Colon (4,379,477) (2019)

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Ministry of Public Security: the Panama National Police (La Policía Nacional de Panamá, PNP), National Air-Naval Service (Servicio Nacional Aeronaval, SENAN), National Border Service (Servicio Nacional de Fronteras, SENAFRONT) (2022)

note: the PNP includes paramilitary special forces units for counterterrorism and counternarcotics missions; in addition to its 3 regionally-based border security brigades, SENAFRONT includes a special forces brigade, which is comprised of special forces, counternarcotics, maritime, and rapid reaction units
Military expenditures: 1.4% of GDP (2021 est.)

1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)

1.2% of GDP (2019) (approximately $1.38 billion)

1.1% of GDP (2018) (approximately $1.33 billion)

1.2% of GDP (2017) (approximately $1.32 billion)
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 20,000 National Police; 4,000 National Border Service; 3,000 National Air-Naval Service (2022)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: Panama's security forces are lightly armed; Canada, Italy and the US have provided equipment to the security forces since 2010 (2022)
Military - note: Panama created a paramilitary National Guard (Guardia Nacional de Panamá) in the 1950s from the former National Police (established 1904); the National Guard subsequently evolved into more of a military force with some police responsibilities; it seized power in a coup in 1968 and military officers ran the country until 1989; in 1983, the National Guard was renamed the Panama Defense Force (PDF); the PDF was disbanded after the 1989 US invasion and the current national police forces were formed in 1990; the armed forces were officially abolished under the 1994 Constitution (2022)

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Panama-Colombia: organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia operate within the remote border region with Panama Panama-Costa Rica: none identifiedPanama-Colombia: organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia operate within the remote border region with PanamaPanama-Costa Rica: none identified
Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 80,021 (Venezuela) (economic and political crisis; includes Venezuelans who have claimed asylum or have received alternative legal stay) (2021)
Illicit drugs: a prime sea and land passage for drugs, primarily cocaine from Colombia, from South America to North America and Europe; traffickers ship drugs in containers passing through the Panama Canal each year North America and Europe  a prime sea and land passage for drugs, primarily cocaine from Colombia, from South America to North America and Europe; traffickers ship drugs in containers passing through the Panama Canal each year North America and Europe


Topic: Introduction
Background: The State of Israel was declared in 1948, after Britain withdrew from its mandate of Palestine. Israel was admitted as a member of the UN in 1949 and saw rapid population growth, primarily due to migration from Europe and the Middle East. The Israeli economy has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last 25 years, led by cutting-edge, high-tech sectors.The State of Israel was declared in 1948, after Britain withdrew from its mandate of Palestine. Israel was admitted as a member of the UN in 1949 and saw rapid population growth, primarily due to migration from Europe and the Middle East. The Israeli economy has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last 25 years, led by cutting-edge, high-tech sectors.

Topic: Geography
Area: total: 21,937 sq km

land: 21,497 sq km

water: 440 sq km
Climate: temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas
Natural resources: timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide, clays, sand

Topic: People and Society
Population: 8,914,885 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups: Jewish 74% (of which Israel-born 78.7%, Europe/America/Oceania-born 14.8%, Africa-born 4.2%, Asia-born 2.3%), Arab 21.1%, other 4.9% (2020 est.)
Languages: Hebrew (official), Arabic (special status under Israeli law), English (most commonly used foreign language)
Religions: Jewish 74%, Muslim 18%, Christian 1.9%, Druze 1.6%, other 4.5% (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.44% (2022 est.)

Topic: Government
Government type: parliamentary democracy
Capital: name: Jerusalem; note - the US recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December 2017 without taking a position on the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty
Executive branch: chief of state: President Isaac HERZOG (since 7 July 2021)

head of government: Prime Minister Naftali BENNETT (since 13 June 2021)
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Knesset (120 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by closed-list proportional representation vote, with a 3.25% vote threshold to gain representation; members serve 4-year terms)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: high-income, technology- and industrial-based economy; recent debt spikes; high inequality and poverty disparities persist; significant tariff and regulatory burdens, especially in agriculture; hard-hit by COVID-19; quantitative easing in effecthigh-income, technology- and industrial-based economy; recent debt spikes; high inequality and poverty disparities persist; significant tariff and regulatory burdens, especially in agriculture; hard-hit by COVID-19; quantitative easing in effect
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $353.39 billion (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $38,300 (2020 est.)
Agricultural products: milk, potatoes, poultry, tomatoes, carrots, turnips, tangerines/mandarins, green chillies/peppers, eggs, vegetables
Industries: high-technology products (including aviation, communications, computer-aided design and manufactures, medical electronics, fiber optics), wood and paper products, potash and phosphates, food, beverages, and tobacco, caustic soda, cement, pharmaceuticals, construction, metal products, chemical products, plastics, cut diamonds, textiles, footwear
Exports: $113.87 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - partners: United States 26%, China 9%, United Kingdom 7% (2020)
Exports - commodities: diamonds, packaged medicines, medical instruments, integrated circuits, refined petroleum (2019)
Imports: $96.53 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - partners: United States 12%, China 11%, Germany 7.5%, Switzerland 7%, Turkey 6% (2020)
Imports - commodities: diamonds, cars, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment (2019)Page last updated: Wednesday, Jun 15, 2022


Topic: Photos of Sint Maarten

Topic: Introduction
Background: Although sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631 and began exploiting its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the island in 1633, but the Dutch continued to assert their claims. The Spanish finally relinquished the island of Saint Martin to the French and Dutch, who divided it between themselves in 1648. The establishment of cotton, tobacco, and sugar plantations dramatically expanded African slavery on the island in the 18th and 19th centuries; the practice was not abolished in the Dutch half until 1863. The island's economy declined until 1939 when it became a free port; the tourism industry was dramatically expanded beginning in the 1950s. In 1954, Sint Maarten and several other Dutch Caribbean possessions became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the Netherlands Antilles. In a 2000 referendum, the citizens of Sint Maarten voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, effective October 2010. On 6 September 2017, Hurricane Irma hit Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, causing extensive damage to roads, communications, electrical power, and housing. The UN estimated the storm destroyed or damaged 90% of the buildings, and Princess Juliana International Airport was heavily damaged and closed to commercial air traffic for five weeks.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Caribbean, located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean Sea; Sint Maarten lies east of the US Virgin IslandsCaribbean, located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean Sea; Sint Maarten lies east of the US Virgin Islands
Geographic coordinates: 18 4 N, 63 4 W18 4 N, 63 4 W
Map references: Central America and the CaribbeanCentral America and the Caribbean
Area: total: 34 sq km

land: 34 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin
Area - comparative: one-fifth the size of Washington, DCone-fifth the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 16 km

border countries (1): Saint Martin (France) 16 km
Coastline: 58.9 km (for entire island)
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to Novembertropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to November
Terrain: low, hilly terrain, volcanic originlow, hilly terrain, volcanic origin
Elevation: highest point: Mount Flagstaff 383 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Natural resources: fish, saltfish, salt
Population distribution: most populous areas are Lower Prince's Quarter (north of Philipsburg), followed closely by Cul de Sac
Natural hazards: subject to hurricanes from July to Novembersubject to hurricanes from July to November
Geography - note: note 1: the northern border is shared with the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin; together, these two entities make up the smallest landmass in the world shared by two self-governing states

note 2: Simpson Bay Lagoon (aka as Simson Bay Lagoon or The Great Pond) is one of the largest inland lagoons in the West Indies; the border between the French and Dutch halves of the island of Saint Martin runs across the center of the lagoon, which is shared by both of the island's entitiesnote 1: the northern border is shared with the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin; together, these two entities make up the smallest landmass in the world shared by two self-governing states

note 2: Simpson Bay Lagoon (aka as Simson Bay Lagoon or The Great Pond) is one of the largest inland lagoons in the West Indies; the border between the French and Dutch halves of the island of Saint Martin runs across the center of the lagoon, which is shared by both of the island's entities
Map description: Sint Maarten map showing some of the major features of this part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea.  Sint Maarten map showing some of the major features of this part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 45,126 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups: Saint Maarten 29.9%, Dominican Republic 10.2%, Haiti 7.8%, Jamaica 6.6%, Saint Martin 5.9%, Guyana 5%, Dominica 4.4%, Curacao 4.1%, Aruba 3.4%, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.8%, India 2.6%, Netherlands 2.2%, US 1.6%, Suriname 1.4%, Saint Lucia 1.3%, Anguilla 1.1%, other 8%, unspecified 1.7% (2011 est.)

note:  data represent population by country of birth
Languages: English (official) 67.5%, Spanish 12.9%, Creole 8.2%, Dutch (official) 4.2%, Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 2.2%, French 1.5%, other 3.5% (2001 est.)
Religions: Protestant 41.9% (Pentecostal 14.7%, Methodist 10.0%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.6%, Baptist 4.7%, Anglican 3.1%, other Protestant 2.8%), Roman Catholic 33.1%, Hindu 5.2%, Christian 4.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, Evangelical 1.4%, Muslim/Jewish 1.1%, other 1.3% (includes Buddhist, Sikh, Rastafarian), none 7.9%, no response 2.4% (2011 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.64% (male 4,242/female 3,932)

15-24 years: 13.26% (male 2,967/female 2,849)

25-54 years: 39.08% (male 8,417/female 8,717)

55-64 years: 17.47% (male 3,638/female 4,020)

65 years and over: 11.55% (2020 est.) (male 2,385/female 2,680)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA

youth dependency ratio: NA

elderly dependency ratio: NA

potential support ratio: NA
Median age: total: 41.1 years

male: 39.6 years

female: 42.7 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.23% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 12.56 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 6.07 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 5.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: most populous areas are Lower Prince's Quarter (north of Philipsburg), followed closely by Cul de Sac
Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est. est.)
Major urban areas - population: 1,327 PHILIPSBURG (capital) (2011)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 7.98 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 8.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.26 years

male: 76.91 years

female: 81.73 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.99 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: total: 95.1% of population

unimproved: total: 4.9% of population (2017)
Current Health Expenditure: NA
Physicians density: NA
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 98.8% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 1.2% of population (2017)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: NA
Literacy: total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2014)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: scarcity of potable water (increasing percentage provided by desalination); inadequate solid waste management; pollution from construction, chemical runoff, and sewage harms reefsscarcity of potable water (increasing percentage provided by desalination); inadequate solid waste management; pollution from construction, chemical runoff, and sewage harms reefs
Climate: tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to Novembertropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to November
Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est. est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Country of Sint Maarten

conventional short form: Sint Maarten

local long form: Land Sint Maarten (Dutch)/ Country of Sint Maarten (English)

local short form: Sint Maarten (Dutch and English)

former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies

etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the island after Saint MARTIN of Tours because the 11 November 1493 day of discovery was the saint's feast day
Government type: parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchyparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
Dependency status: constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairsconstituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs
Capital: name: Philipsburg

geographic coordinates: 18 1 N, 63 2 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: founded and named in 1763 by John PHILIPS, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy
Administrative divisions: none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

note: Sint Maarten is one of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the other three are the Netherlands, Aruba, and Curacaonone (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Independence: none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
National holiday: King's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967); note - King's or Queen's Day are observed on the ruling monarch's birthday; celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a Sunday; local holiday Sint Maarten's Day, 11 November (1985), commemorates the discovery of the island by COLUMBUS on Saint Martin's Day, 11 November 1493; celebrated on both halves of the islandKing's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967); note - King's or Queen's Day are observed on the ruling monarch's birthday; celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a Sunday; local holiday Sint Maarten's Day, 11 November (1985), commemorates the discovery of the island by COLUMBUS on Saint Martin's Day, 11 November 1493; celebrated on both halves of the island
Constitution: history: previous 1947, 1955; latest adopted 21 July 2010, entered into force 10 October 2010 (regulates governance of Sint Maarten but is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

amendments: proposals initiated by the Government or by Parliament; passage requires at least a two-thirds majority of the Parliament membership; passage of amendments relating to fundamental rights, authorities of the governor and of Parliament must include the "views" of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Government prior to ratification by Parliament
Legal system: based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influencebased on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence
Citizenship: see the Netherlands
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor General Eugene HOLIDAY (since 10 October 2010)

head of government: Interim Prime Minister Silveria JACOBS (since 16 January 2020)

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the governor-general

elections/appointments: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch for a 6-year term; following parliamentary elections, the leader of the majority party usually elected prime minister by Parliament

note - on 16 January 2020, Governor Eugene HOLIDAY appoints Silveria JACOBS as formateur of a new government
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament of Sint Maarten (15 seats; members directly elected by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held 9 January 2020 (next to be held in 2024)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA 35.2%, UP 24.2%, US Party 13.2%, PFP 10.6%, UD 8.7%, other 8.1%; seats by party - NA 6, UP 4, PFP 2, US Party 2, UD 1
Judicial branch: highest courts: Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba or "Joint Court of Justice" (consists of the presiding judge, other members, and their substitutes); final appeals heard by the Supreme Court (in The Hague, Netherlands); note - prior to 2010, the Joint Court of Justice was the Common Court of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba

judge selection and term of office: Joint Court judges appointed by the monarch serve for life

subordinate courts: Courts in First Instance
Political parties and leaders: National Alliance or NA [Silveria JACOBS]
Party for Progress or PFP [Melissa GUMBS]
Sint Maarten Christian Party or SMCP [Garica ARRINDELL]
United Democrats Party or UD [Sarah WESCOT-WILLIAMS]
United Peoples Party or UP [Theodore HEYLIGER]
United Sint Maarten Party or US Party [Frans RICHARDSON]
International organization participation: Caricom (observer), ILO, Interpol, UNESCO (associate), UPU, WMOCaricom (observer), ILO, Interpol, UNESCO (associate), UPU, WMO
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Sint Maarten; the Consul General to Curacao is accredited to Sint Maarten
Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the center of the triangle displays the Sint Maarten coat of arms; the arms consist of an orange-bordered  blue shield prominently displaying the white court house in Philipsburg, as well as a bouquet of yellow sage (the national flower) in the upper left,  and the silhouette of a Dutch-French friendship monument in the upper right; the shield is surmounted by a yellow rising sun in front of which is a brown pelican in flight; a yellow scroll below the shield bears the motto: SEMPER PROGREDIENS (Always Progressing); the three main colors are identical to those on the Dutch flag

note: the flag somewhat resembles that of the Philippines but with the main red and blue bands reversed; the banner more closely evokes the wartime Philippine flag
National symbol(s): brown pelican, yellow sage (flower); national colors: red, white, bluebrown pelican, yellow sage (flower); national colors: red, white, blue
National anthem: name: O Sweet Saint Martin's Land

lyrics/music: Gerard KEMPS

note: the song, written in 1958, is used as an unofficial anthem for the entire island (both French and Dutch sides); as a collectivity of France, in addition to the local anthem, "La Marseillaise" is official on the French side (see France); as a constituent part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in addition to the local anthem, "Het Wilhelmus" is official on the Dutch side (see Netherlands)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: The economy of Sint Maarten centers around tourism with nearly four-fifths of the labor force engaged in this sector. Nearly 1.8 million visitors came to the island by cruise ship and roughly 500,000 visitors arrived through Princess Juliana International Airport in 2013. Cruise ships and yachts also call on Sint Maarten's numerous ports and harbors. Limited agriculture and local fishing means that almost all food must be imported. Energy resources and manufactured goods are also imported. Sint Maarten had the highest per capita income among the five islands that formerly comprised the Netherlands Antilles.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.44 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$1.436 billion (2018 est.)

$1.538 billion (2017 est.)
Real GDP growth rate: 3.6% (2014 est.)

4.1% (2013 est.)

1.9% (2012 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $35,300 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$35,342 (2018 est.)

$37,914 (2017 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $304.1 million (2014 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4% (2012 est.)

0.7% (2009 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.4% (2008 est.)

industry: 18.3% (2008 est.)

services: 81.3% (2008 est.)
Agricultural products: sugar
Industries: tourism, light industry
Labor force: 23,200 (2008 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.1%

industry: 15.2%

services: 83.7% (2008 est.)
Unemployment rate: 12% (2012 est.)

10.6% (2008 est.)
Exports: $1.09 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$800 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - commodities: sugar
Imports: $1.23 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$1.22 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exchange rates: Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar -

1.79 (2017 est.)

1.79 (2016 est.)

1.79 (2015 est.)

1.79 (2014 est.)

1.79 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 10,440 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 68,840 (2017)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 195.94 (2019)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: generally adequate facilities; growth sectors include mobile telephone and data segments; effective competition; LTE expansion; tourism and telecom sector contribute greatly to the GDP (2018)

domestic: extensive interisland microwave radio relay links; 196 per 100 mobile-cellular teledensity (2019)

international: country code - 1-721; landing points for SMPR-1 and the ECFS submarine cables providing connectivity to the Caribbean; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Internet country code: .sx; note - IANA has designated .sx for Sint Maarten, but has not yet assigned it to a sponsoring organization.sx; note - IANA has designated .sx for Sint Maarten, but has not yet assigned it to a sponsoring organization
Internet users: total: 39,100 (March 2022)

percent of population: 89.5% (March 2022)

Topic: Transportation
Airports: total: 1 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021)

note: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) was severely damaged on 6 September 2017 by hurricane Irma, but resumed commercial operations on 10 October 2017
Roadways: total: 53 km
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Philipsburg

oil terminal(s): Coles Bay oil terminal

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Police Department for local law enforcement, supported by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Gendarmerie), the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland, KPCN), and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG or Kustwacht Caribisch Gebied (KWCARIB)) (2022)
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: non identified


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in South Korea. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate: [82] (2) 397-4114; US Embassy Seoul, 188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea; seoulinfoACS@state.gov;

https://kr.usembassy.gov/
03141
Telephone Code: 82
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 119; Fire: 119; Police: 112
Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter; cold winters
Currency (Code): South Korean won (KRW)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): F

Major Languages: Korean, English
Major Religions: Protestant 19.7%, Buddhist 15.5%, Catholic 7.9%, none 56.9%; note: many people also practice some Confucian practices
Time Difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Gamcheon Culture Village; Jeonju Hanok Village; Bridge of No Return; Hwaseong Fortress; Ganghwa Peace Observatory; Jindo Sea Parting; Seoraksan National Park; Seokguram Grotto & Bulguksa Temple; Jongmyo Shrine; Boryeong Mud Festival
Major Sports: Taekwondo, soccer, baseball
Cultural Practices: It is regarded as rude to point with your fingers. Better to gesture with your arm or hand. Casual physical contact, such as back slapping, is considered rude.
Tipping Guidelines: South Korea has a no-tip culture. Staff in restaurants and hotels, as well as taxi drivers, porters, and bellhops do not expect tips. Telling the taxi driver "keep the change" is appreciated. Most hotels add a compulsory 10% service charge to the bill.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Monday, April 25, 2022


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Brunei. Consult the State Department website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate: [673] 238-4616; US Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan; Simpang 336-52-16-9, Jalan Duta, Bandar Seri Begawan, BC4115 Brunei Darussalam; https://bn.usembassy.gov/; ConsularBrunei@state.gov
Telephone Code: 673
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 991; Fire: 995; Police: 993
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Currency (Code): Brunei dollars (BND)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages: Malay, English, Chinese
Major Religions: Muslim 78.8%, Christian 8.7%, Buddhist 7.8%
Time Difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Left
Tourist Destinations: Muara Beach; Jerudong Park Playground; Gadong Night Market; Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque; Ulu Temburong National Park; Royal Regalia Museum; Tasek Merimbun
Major Sports: Soccer, basketball
Cultural Practices: In Brunei, it is impolite to point with one's index finger; instead use the right thumb.
Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is not customary. Large hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Souvenirs: Kris ceremonial daggers, native costumes and textiles, silver work, brass items, spices
Traditional Cuisine: Ambuyat — a starchy substance derived from the interior trunk of the sago palm, which is dipped into a variety of saucesPlease visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Monday, June 20, 2022