What is the capital of Panama?
Panama City stands on the Pacific coast at the entrance to the Panama Canal.
Panama City is the capital and seat of government of Panama, a role it has held since 1903. Panama itself has an estimated population of 4,571,189 (2025).
Panama City is also the largest city in Panama, which is the usual arrangement, though it is far from universal: see the countries where capital and largest city differ.
Panama City at a glance
| City population | 1,086,990 (2023, Panama District) |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan area | 2,100,189 (2023) |
| Country | 🇵🇦 Panama |
| Founded | 1519 |
| Capital since | 1903 |
| Largest city in Panama | Panama City |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (EST) |
| Currency | Panamanian balboa (PAB) |
About Panama City
Panama City was founded on 15 August 1519 and was the first European city on the Pacific coast of the Americas.
Panama City has been the capital of Panama since 1903, Panama City has been the capital since Panama became independent in 1903, and was a major Spanish colonial port long before.
Panama City is Panama's largest city and sits at the Pacific gateway of the Panama Canal, a hub of global shipping and finance.
Its skyline of high-rise towers has grown on the wealth generated by the canal and international banking.
City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Panama City.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Panama?
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Capitals of neighbouring countries
See the full profile of Panama on its country page, or browse every capital city.
Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.