Population
The Panamanian population is a mixture of Latin, European, Black and Indian. Approximately 70% of Panamanians are Mestizo (European-Indian mixed) and 30% are a combination of traditional Indian, Caribbean Black, European and Chinese. There are also small Jewish, Arab, and Hindu populations and, with the large presence of Americans in the Panama Canal Zone for over 100 years, Panamanian-American marriages and their resulting children have also contributed to Panama’s multi-cultural environment. Roman Catholic is the primary religion (85%). However, there are churches of all denominations represented, which give Panama a unique atmosphere of religious and cultural tolerance.
Total population: 2,882,329 (2002 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.26% (2002 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 75.89 years
Male: 73.14 years
Female: 78.74 years (2002 est.)
Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70% Amerindian and mixed (West Indian): 14%
Caucasian: 10%
Amerindian: 6%
Religion
Roman Catholic: 85%
Protestant: 15%
Languages
Spanish (official)
English 14%
Note: Many Panamanians are bilingual.
Literacy
Total population: 90.8%
Male: 91.4%
Female: 90.2% (1995 est.)
