History of Panama in Timeline

Panama is a Latin American country located at the southern end of Central America, bordering South America. It shares borders with Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the southeast, with coastlines on the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Panama City is the capital and largest city, housing nearly half of the nation's population of over 4 million.

1902: Thousand Days' War ended

In 1902, the Thousand Days' War, a struggle for land rights led by Victoriano Lorenzo, came to an end.

January 22, 1903: Senate of Colombia rejected the Hay–Herrán Treaty

On January 22, 1903, the Senate of Colombia rejected the Hay–Herrán Treaty, prompting the United States to support the Panamanian secessionist movement.

November 1903: Panama proclaimed its independence

In November 1903, Panama proclaimed its independence with the tacit support of the United States, and concluded the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty with the U.S., granting the US rights "as if it were sovereign" in the Canal Zone.

1903: Panama became a constitutional democracy

From 1903, Panama was a constitutional democracy dominated by a commercially oriented oligarchy.

1903: Secession from Colombia

In 1903, public education began in Panama soon after it seceded from Colombia.

1903: Panama Abolishes its Army

In 1903, shortly after its independence from Colombia, Panama abolished its army and maintained police operations throughout the nation.

1903: Balboa Fixed to US Dollar

Since Panamanian independence in 1903, the Panamanian currency, the balboa, has been fixed at a rate of 1:1 with the United States dollar.

1904: Construction of the Panama Canal began

In 1904, following Panama's secession from Colombia, the United States Army Corps of Engineers began construction of the Panama Canal.

1904: Balboa Replaced Colombian Peso

In 1904, the balboa replaced the Colombian peso as Panama's currency following its independence.

1907: Construction of Gatun Dam Begins

In 1907, construction began on the Gatun Dam across the Río Chagres, which led to the creation of Gatun Lake.

1913: Construction of Gatun Dam Completed

In 1913, construction was completed on the Gatun Dam across the Río Chagres, leading to the creation of Gatun Lake.

1913: First Panamanian Educational Assembly

In 1913, the First Panamanian Educational Assembly exhibited a paternalistic view of education, suggesting that a child's cultural heritage should be determined by their expected social position, influencing the type of education they receive.

1914: Construction of the Panama Canal completed

In 1914, the United States Army Corps of Engineers completed the construction of the Panama Canal.

1914: United States completed the Panama Canal

In 1914, the United States completed the 83-kilometer-long Panama Canal.

1941: "The Seven Day Dollars"

In 1941, President Arnulfo Arias printed balboa banknotes, which were recalled several days later and given the name "The Seven Day Dollars".

1946: First Panamanian Professional Baseball League

In 1946, the Panamanian Professional Baseball League was first held, though it experienced multiple interruptions over the decades.

1952: José Remón Elected President

In 1952, José Remón, the Chief of Police of Panama City, was declared the president in an election questioned by independent observers.

1964: Riots broke out for renegotiation of the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty

In early 1964, riots broke out in Panama, pressuring for the renegotiation of the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty. The riots resulted in widespread looting, dozens of deaths, and the evacuation of the American embassy.

October 1, 1968: Arias Madrid took office as president

On October 1, 1968, Arias Madrid took office as president of Panama, promising to lead a government of "national union".

October 11, 1968: National Guard ousted Arias Madrid

On October 11, 1968, just a week and a half after Arias Madrid took office, the National Guard ousted him, initiating a period of political instability.

1968: Panamanian military began to challenge the oligarchy's political hegemony

From 1903 to 1968, Panama was a constitutional democracy dominated by a commercially oriented oligarchy. During the 1950s, the Panamanian military began to challenge the oligarchy's political hegemony.

1968: Panama held elections

In 1968, amid negotiations for the Robles–Johnson treaty, Panama held elections.

1972: Constitution was changed

In 1972, Panama's constitution was changed by the military to reform the constitution. The military created a new organization called the Assembly of Corregimiento Representatives, which replaced the National Assembly. Omar Torrijos was proclaimed as the Maximum Leader of the Panamanian Revolution.

1977: Torrijos–Carter Treaties agreed to transfer the canal to Panama

In 1977, the Torrijos–Carter Treaties were agreed upon, outlining the transfer of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama.

1979: Trans-Panama Pipeline Operates

In 1979, the Trans-Panama pipeline, which runs 131 kilometers across the isthmus, began operating between Charco Azul and Chiriquí Grande.

1979: Surrounding territory of Panama Canal returned

In 1979, the surrounding territory of the Panama Canal was returned to Panama as part of the Torrijos-Carter Treaty agreements.

1981: Torrijos died in a plane crash

In 1981, Omar Torrijos died in a plane crash, which altered Panama's political evolution.

October 27, 1982: Bilateral Investment Treaty Signed

On October 27, 1982, the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the United States and Panama was signed, protecting US investment and assisting Panama in its economic development.

1983: Constitutional amendments proscribed a political role for the military

Despite the 1983 constitutional amendments which proscribed a political role for the military, the Panama Defense Force continued to dominate Panamanian political life. By this time, General Manuel Antonio Noriega was firmly in control of both the PDF and the civilian government.

1984: Panama held elections

In 1984, Panama held elections.

June 6, 1987: Colonel Roberto Díaz Herrera denounced the regime

On June 6, 1987, Colonel Roberto Díaz Herrera denounced the Noriega regime, revealing details of electoral fraud and accusing Noriega of various crimes.

June 9, 1987: Cruzada Civilista was created

On the night of June 9, 1987, the Cruzada Civilista (Civic Crusade) was created and began organizing actions of civil disobedience against the military regime.

1987: United States began sanctions against the military regime

In mid-1987, the United States began a series of sanctions against the military regime in Panama, freezing economic and military assistance in response to domestic political crisis.

February 5, 1988: Noriega was accused of drug trafficking

On February 5, 1988, General Manuel Antonio Noriega was accused of drug trafficking by federal juries in Tampa and Miami.

February 1988: Noriega was indicted for drug trafficking

In February 1988, General Manuel Antonio Noriega was indicted for drug trafficking by two grand juries in Florida.

April 1988: US invoked International Emergency Economic Powers Act

In April 1988, US President Ronald Reagan invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, freezing Panamanian government assets in all US organizations.

1988: Liga Panameña de Fútbol founded

In 1988, the Liga Panameña de Fútbol, the top tier of domestic Panamanian football, was founded.

May 1989: Electoral Tribunal reinstated the results of the election

In May 1989 Panama's Electoral Tribunal reinstated the results of the election.

May 1989: Panamanians voted for anti-Noriega candidates

In May 1989, Panamanians voted overwhelmingly for the anti-Noriega candidates, but the Noriega regime promptly annulled the election and embarked on a new round of repression.

December 20, 1989: United States invaded Panama

On December 20, 1989, the United States invaded Panama in Operation Just Cause, citing the need to safeguard U.S. citizens, defend democracy and human rights, combat drug trafficking, and secure the neutrality of the Panama Canal.

December 27, 1989: Electoral Tribunal restored civilian constitutional government

On December 27, 1989, Panama's Electoral Tribunal moved quickly to restore civilian constitutional government, confirming the victory of President Guillermo Endara.

1989: Panama's GDP declined

Between 1987 and 1989, Panama's gross domestic product (GDP) declined almost 25 percent due to economic sanctions.

1989: Human Rights Watch mentioned that Washington turned a blind eye to abuses in Panama

In 1989, Human Rights Watch mentioned that Washington turned a blind eye to abuses in Panama for many years until concern over drug trafficking prompted indictments of General Noriega.

1989: End of Noriega's Military Dictatorship

In 1989, Panama saw the end of Manuel Noriega's military dictatorship.

1989: United States' invasion in Panama

The National Guard ousted Arias and initiated the downward spiral that would culminate with the United States' invasion in 1989.

January 31, 1990: Conflict ended after United States invaded Panama

On January 31, 1990, the conflict ended after the United States invaded Panama on December 20, 1989. Noriega was captured and flown to Miami to be tried.

September 1, 1994: Ernesto Pérez Balladares was sworn in as president

On September 1, 1994, Ernesto Pérez Balladares was sworn in as president of Panama after an internationally monitored election campaign.

1994: Law 8 of 1994

In 1994, Law 8 was enacted. This law was replaced by Law No. 80 in 2012 to promote foreign investment in tourism.

1995: UN Technical Assistance Mission to Panama pointed out the fighting displaced 20,000 people

In 1995, a UN Technical Assistance Mission to Panama pointed out that the fighting during the 1989 intervention displaced 20,000 people.

September 1, 1999: Mireya Moscoso took office

On September 1, 1999, Mireya Moscoso took office as president of Panama, succeeding after defeating PRD candidate Martín Torrijos.

1999: Transfer of Control of the Canal to the Panamanian Government

In 1999, the transfer of control of the Panama Canal to the Panamanian government was completed, after 85 years of US control.

December 31, 1999: Panama Canal transferred to Panama

On December 31, 1999, the Panama Canal was officially transferred from the United States to Panama, in accordance with the 1977 Torrijos–Carter Treaties.

2000: Panama Controls the Panama Canal

By 2000, Panama gained control of the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

2004: Martin Torrijos won the presidency

In 2004, the PRD's Martin Torrijos won the presidency and a legislative majority in the National Assembly. Torrijos ran his campaign on a platform of, among other pledges, a "zero tolerance" for corruption.

October 22, 2006: Third Set of Locks for Panama Canal Approved

On October 22, 2006, a project to build a third set of locks for the Panama Canal was approved in a referendum.

2006: Panama's Inflation Rate

According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Panama's inflation in 2006 was 2.0 percent as measured by a weighted Consumer Price Index.

2006: Panama's Economy Experiences a Boom

In 2006, Panama's economy experienced a boom, with growth in real gross domestic product (GDP) averaging over 10.4 percent between 2006 and 2008.

July 11, 2007: Panama Approves Trade Promotion Agreement

On July 11, 2007, Panama approved a Panama–United States Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA).

August 2008: Food Surplus Registered

In August 2008, Panama registered a food surplus.

2008: Increase in European Tourists

During the first nine months of 2008, the number of tourists from Europe visiting Panama grew by 23.1 percent, with 71,154 tourists entering Panama, an increase of 13,373 from the previous year.

May 2009: Election of Ricardo Martinelli

In May 2009, conservative supermarket magnate Ricardo Martinelli was elected to succeed Martin Torrijos in the Panamanian general election. Martinelli, representing the four-party opposition Alliance for Change, secured 60 percent of the vote, appealing to voters concerned about economic slowdown during the Great Recession.

2009: Ports of Cristobal Handled 2,210,720 TEU

In 2009, the Ports of Cristobal (encompassing the container terminals of Panama Ports Cristobal, Manzanillo International Terminal, and Colon Container Terminal) handled 2,210,720 TEU, ranking second in Latin America behind the Port of Santos, Brazil.

2010: Literacy Rate

In 2010, Panama's literacy rate was estimated at 94.1 percent, with 94.7 percent for males and 93.5 percent for females.

2010: Predicted Fastest Growing Economy in Latin America

In 2010, The Latin Business Chronicle predicted that Panama would be the fastest growing economy in Latin America during the five-year period from 2010 to 2014, matching Brazil's 10 percent rate.

2010: Panama Population Demographics

In 2010, the population of Panama was 65 percent Mestizo (mixed white, Native American), 12.3 percent Native American, 9.2 percent Black or African descent, 6.8 percent mulatto, and 6.7 percent White.

2010: Demographics in 2010

In 2010, the proportion of the population aged less than 15 in Panama was 29 percent; 64.5 percent was between 15 and 65, and 6.6 percent was 65 years or older.

October 21, 2011: US Approves Trade Promotion Agreement

On October 21, 2011, US President Obama approved the Panama–United States Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA).

October 31, 2012: Trade Promotion Agreement Enters into Force

On October 31, 2012, the Panama–United States Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) entered into force.

2012: Panama Unemployment Rate

As of 2012, Panama had an unemployment rate of 2.7 percent according to the CIA World Factbook.

2012: Tourism Contributes Billions to Panamanian Economy

In 2012, Panama's economy received 4.585 billion US dollars as a result of tourism, accounting for 11.34 percent of the gross national product, and 2.2 million tourists arrived.

2012: Panama Enacts Law to Promote Foreign Investment in Tourism

Panama enacted Law No. 80 in 2012 to promote foreign investment in tourism. Law 80 replaced an older Law 8 of 1994.

2013: Favorite Sport Survey

In 2013, a survey in Panama revealed that 75% of Panamanians favored football (soccer), 19% favored baseball, 4% favored boxing and 2% favored gymnastics.

May 4, 2014: Juan Carlos Varela Wins 2014 Presidential Election

On May 4, 2014, Vice President Juan Carlos Varela of the Partido Panamenista won the 2014 presidential election with over 39 percent of the votes, defeating the candidate from Ricardo Martinelli's party.

July 1, 2014: Juan Carlos Varela Sworn In

On July 1, 2014, Juan Carlos Varela was sworn in as the President of Panama.

2014: Predicted Fastest Growing Economy in Latin America

In 2014, The Latin Business Chronicle predicted that Panama would be the fastest growing economy in Latin America during the five-year period from 2010 to 2014, matching Brazil's 10 percent rate.

2015: Panama Ranked 60th on Human Development Index

In 2015, Panama ranked 60th on the Human Development Index.

2015: Christianity in Panama

In 2015, a government survey estimated that 63.2% of the population of Panama identified as Roman Catholic, and 25% identified as evangelical Protestant.

February 2016: Panama Removed from FATF Gray List

In February 2016, Panama was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list after making progress in improving compliance with anti-money laundering recommendations.

2016: Panama Canal expansion project finished

In 2016, the Panama Canal expansion project was completed, doubling the canal's capacity and leading to increased revenue from canal tolls.

2017: Panama Signed UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

In 2017, Panama signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

2017: Poverty Rate in Panama

In 2017, the poverty rate in Panama at less than US$5.5 a day fell to an estimated 14.1 percent.

2018: Postponement of PISA exams

Due to debts and unsatisfactory exam results, Panama postponed participation in the PISA exams until 2018.

2018: Panama ranked seventh most competitive economy in Latin America

In 2018, Panama was ranked as the seventh-most competitive economy in Latin America, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index.

2018: European Union Removes Panama from Tax Haven Blacklist

In 2018, the European Union removed Panama from its tax haven blacklist.

2018: First FIFA World Cup appearance

In 2018, the Panama men's national team made its debut at the FIFA World Cup, competing in Group G against Belgium, England, and Tunisia but lost all three games.

May 2019: Presidential Election of Laurentino Cortizo

In May 2019, Laurentino Cortizo was the candidate of the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) in the presidential election.

July 1, 2019: Laurentino Cortizo Takes Possession of the Presidency

On July 1, 2019, Laurentino Cortizo, the candidate of the Democratic Revolution Party, took possession of the presidency of Panama.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index Ranking

In 2019, Panama had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.37/10, ranking it 78th globally out of 172 countries.

2019: Panama ranked 57th in the Human Development Index

In 2019, Panama was ranked 57th in the world in terms of the Human Development Index, indicating a high level of human development.

2021: Panama's Estimated Population

In 2021, Panama had an estimated population of 4,351,267.

April 28, 2022: Lawmakers Approve Bill to Legalize Cryptocurrencies

On April 28, 2022, Panama's lawmakers approved a bill to legalize and regulate the use of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

May 2022: Panama Plans to Develop Aviation Fuel Biorefinery

In May 2022, the government of Panama and energy companies announced plans to develop a major biorefinery to increase the supply of lower-carbon aviation fuel.

2022: Events During Cortizo Presidency

During 2022, under the presidency of Laurentino Cortizo, Panama experienced events including the COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic impacts, as well as protests.

July 14, 2023: Supreme Court Declares Cryptocurrency Bill Unenforceable

On July 14, 2023, the Supreme Court of Justice declared the bill that would legalize and regulate the use of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies unenforceable.

2023: Women's National Team Debuts in World Cup

In 2023, the Panamanian women's national team debuted in the World Cup, joining Group F with Brazil, Jamaica, and France, finishing last with three losses but with Marta Cox scoring Panama's first ever goal at a World Cup against France.