History of Panama in Timeline
Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is a Central American country bordering South America. Located at the southern end of Central America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Its capital and largest city is Panama City, a metropolitan area home to almost half of the country's 4+ million residents.
1902: Thousand Days' War Ends
The Thousand Days' War, a struggle for land rights among indigenous Panamanians, ended in 1902.
January 22, 1903: Colombia Rejects Hay-Herrán Treaty
On January 22, 1903, the Senate of Colombia rejected the Hay-Herrán Treaty, which ultimately led the United States to support Panama's secessionist movement.
November 1903: Panama Proclaims Independence, Signs Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty
In November 1903, Panama proclaimed its independence, and signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with the United States, granting the U.S. significant control over the canal zone.
1903: Start of Oligarchy Rule
From 1903, Panama was under the rule of a commercially oriented oligarchy.
1903: Panama Secedes from Colombia
In 1903, Panama, with the support of the United States, seceded from Colombia. This paved the way for the construction of the Panama Canal.
1903: Public Education Begins in Panama
Public education commenced in Panama in 1903, following its separation from Colombia.
1903: Panama Abolishes its Army
Shortly after gaining independence from Colombia in 1903, Panama abolished its army, opting to maintain police operations throughout the country.
1903: Balboa Becomes Official Currency
Upon independence in 1903, the balboa, fixed at 1:1 with the US dollar, became Panama's official currency, although US dollars are widely used in practice.
1904: Panama Canal Construction Begins
Construction of the Panama Canal by the United States Army Corps of Engineers began in 1904.
1904: Balboa Replaces Colombian Peso
Following independence in 1904, the balboa replaced the Colombian peso as Panama's currency.
1907: Construction of Gatun Dam Begins
Construction began on the Gatun Dam across the Río Chagres in 1907.
1913: Gatun Dam Completed
The Gatun Dam, creating Gatun Lake, was completed in 1913, forming a crucial part of the Panama Canal and becoming the largest man-made lake and earth dam at the time.
1913: First Panamanian Educational Assembly
In 1913, the First Panamanian Educational Assembly held a meeting where the prevailing view on education's purpose was discussed.
1914: United States Completes Panama Canal
In 1914, the United States completed the 83-kilometer-long Panama Canal.
1914: Panama Canal Completion
The Panama Canal, built by the United States, was completed in 1914.
1941: "The Seven Day Dollars"
In 1941, President Arnulfo Arias briefly introduced balboa banknotes, which were quickly recalled, earning them the nickname "The Seven Day Dollars".
1946: Panamanian Professional Baseball League First Held
The Panamanian Professional Baseball League held its inaugural season in 1946.
1952: Assassination of President Remón
In 1952, President José Remón, who had previously served as Chief of Police, was assassinated. His election campaign was marked by police brutality and a disputed victory.
1964: Riots and Treaty Renegotiation Pressure
In 1964, riots and pressure for the renegotiation of the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty took place in Panama.
October 1, 1968: Arias Madrid Takes Office
Arnulfo Arias Madrid took office as president of Panama on October 1, 1968.
October 11, 1968: Military Coup Ousts Arias Madrid
On October 11, 1968, a military coup ousted President Arias Madrid, led by Omar Torrijos Herrera and Boris Martínez.
1968: End of Oligarchy Rule
1968 marked the end of the period where Panama was dominated by a commercially oriented oligarchy.
1968: Panamanian Elections Held
Panama held elections in 1968, amid negotiations for the Robles-Johnson treaty.
1972: Constitution Changed, Torrijos Named Maximum Leader
In 1972, Panama's constitution was changed, and Omar Torrijos was named the Maximum Leader of the Panamanian Revolution.
1977: Torrijos-Carter Treaties Signed
The Torrijos-Carter Treaties were signed in 1977, agreeing to the transfer of the Panama Canal to Panama.
1979: Territory Surrounding Canal Returned
In 1979, the territory surrounding the Panama Canal was returned to Panama from the United States.
1979: Trans-Panama Pipeline Operational
The Trans-Panama pipeline, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, began operations in 1979.
1981: Torrijos Dies
Omar Torrijos died in a plane crash in 1981.
October 27, 1982: Bilateral Investment Treaty Signing
On October 27, 1982, the United States and Panama signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), the first of its kind by the US in the Western Hemisphere, aimed at protecting US investments and fostering Panama's economic development.
1983: Constitutional Amendments
Constitutional amendments in 1983 proscribed a political role for the military in Panama.
1984: Elections Held in Panama
Elections were held in Panama in 1984.
June 6, 1987: Díaz Herrera Denounces Noriega Regime
On June 6, 1987, Colonel Roberto Díaz Herrera denounced the Noriega regime, revealing details of electoral fraud and other accusations.
June 9, 1987: Civic Crusade Formed
The Cruzada Civilista ("Civic Crusade") was created on June 9, 1987, and began organizing civil disobedience actions.
1987: US Sanctions Against Panama Begin
The United States began imposing sanctions against Panama in 1987, in response to the political crisis and an attack on the US embassy.
February 5, 1988: Noriega Indicted on Drug Trafficking Charges
On February 5, 1988, General Manuel Antonio Noriega was indicted on drug trafficking charges by federal juries in Tampa and Miami.
April 1988: US Freezes Panamanian Assets
In April 1988, US President Ronald Reagan froze Panamanian government assets in all US organizations.
1988: Liga Panameña de Fútbol Founded
The Liga Panameña de Fútbol, Panama's top-tier domestic football league, was founded in 1988.
May 1989: Panamanian Election Annulled
In May 1989, the Panamanian election, which saw anti-Noriega candidates win overwhelmingly, was annulled by the Noriega regime, leading to further repression.
December 20, 1989: US Invasion of Panama
On December 20, 1989, the United States invaded Panama in Operation Just Cause, citing reasons such as protecting US citizens, defending democracy, and combating drug trafficking. The operation resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with estimates for civilian deaths varying widely.
December 27, 1989: Reinstatement of Election Results
On December 27, 1989, Panama's Electoral Tribunal reinstated the results of the May 1989 election, confirming Guillermo Endara's victory as President.
1989: Human Rights Watch Report on Panama
Human Rights Watch published a report on Panama in 1989, highlighting Washington's past overlooking of abuses in the country.
1989: End of Noriega's Dictatorship
In 1989, Manuel Noriega's military dictatorship ended in Panama.
1989: Decline in Panama's GDP
Panama's gross domestic product (GDP) declined significantly between 1987 and 1989 due to US sanctions.
1989: Impact of the US Intervention
The 1989 US intervention significantly impacted Panama's urban population, displacing thousands and causing extensive economic damage. Despite this, the intervention was largely supported by Panamanians.
1989: United States Invasion of Panama
The United States invaded Panama in 1989.
January 31, 1990: End of US Intervention in Panama
The US intervention in Panama concluded on January 31, 1990. Noriega was captured and sent to Miami for trial. The UN General Assembly condemned the intervention as a violation of international law.
September 1, 1994: Ernesto Pérez Balladares Becomes President
Ernesto Pérez Balladares assumed the presidency on September 1, 1994, following an internationally monitored election.
1994: Previous Tourism Law Replaced
Law 80, enacted in 2012, replaced the older Law 8 of 1994, aiming to further promote tourism investment in Panama.
1995: UN Assessment of the Intervention's Impact
In 1995, a UN mission assessed the impact of the 1989 intervention, highlighting the displacement of 20,000 people and the economic damage estimated to be between 1.5 and 2 billion dollars.
September 1, 1999: Mireya Moscoso Takes Office
Mireya Moscoso, widow of former President Arnulfo Arias Madrid, became president on September 1, 1999, after winning a free and fair election. Her administration focused on strengthening social programs and successfully managed the Panama Canal transfer.
1999: Panama Takes Control of the Canal
In 1999, after 85 years under US control, Panama regained control of the Panama Canal.
December 31, 1999: Transfer of the Panama Canal
On December 31, 1999, control of the Panama Canal was officially transferred from the United States to Panama, as stipulated by the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties.
2000: Panama Controls the Canal
By 2000, Panama controlled the Panama Canal, a strategically important waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
2004: Martin Torrijos Elected President
In 2004, Martin Torrijos won the presidency on an anti-corruption platform. He implemented transparency measures but faced challenges in prosecuting high-profile cases.
October 22, 2006: Panama Canal Expansion Approved
On October 22, 2006, a referendum approved the expansion of the Panama Canal with a third set of locks. The project, estimated at US$5.25 billion, holds significant economic importance for Panama.
2006: Panama's Low Inflation Rate
In 2006, Panama experienced low inflation at 2.0 percent, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, due to its currency's link to the US dollar.
July 11, 2007: Panama-US Trade Promotion Agreement Signing by Panama
Panama signed the Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) with the United States on July 11, 2007.
August 2008: Panama Registers Food Surplus
Panama registered a food surplus in August 2008. During 2006-2008, the country's real gross domestic product (GDP) growth averaged over 10.4 percent.
2008: European Tourism to Panama Grows
During the first nine months of 2008, the number of European tourists visiting Panama increased by 23.1 percent, with a total of 71,154 visitors.
May 2009: Ricardo Martinelli's Landslide Victory
Ricardo Martinelli, a businessman, won the May 2009 presidential election by a landslide, appealing to voters concerned about the economic slowdown during the Great Recession.
2009: Ports of Cristobal's High TEU Volume
In 2009, the Ports of Cristobal handled a significant volume of TEUs, second only to the Port of Santos in Latin America.
2010: Panama Age Demographics
In 2010, Panama's population was distributed as follows: 29% under 15 years old, 64.5% between 15 and 65, and 6.6% aged 65 or older.
2010: Panama Literacy Rate
In 2010, Panama's literacy rate was estimated at 94.1%, with 94.7% for males and 93.5% for females.
2010: Panama Ethnic Demographics
In 2010, Panama's ethnic makeup consisted of 65% Mestizo, 12.3% Native American, 9.2% Black or African descent, 6.8% Mulatto, and 6.7% White.
October 21, 2011: Panama-US Trade Promotion Agreement Signing by US President
US President Obama signed the Panama-United States Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) on October 21, 2011.
October 31, 2012: Panama-US Trade Promotion Agreement Enters into Force
The Panama-United States Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) entered into force on October 31, 2012.
2012: Panama's Unemployment Rate at 2.7 Percent
As of 2012, Panama had an unemployment rate of 2.7 percent, according to the CIA World Factbook.
2012: Panama Enacts Law No. 80
In 2012, Panama enacted Law No. 80 to incentivize foreign investment in tourism, offering tax exemptions and duty-free imports.
2012: Tourism Boosts Panamanian Economy
In 2012, tourism contributed US$4.585 billion to Panama's economy, representing 11.34 percent of the gross national product and surpassing other sectors. 2.2 million tourists arrived in the country that year.
2013: Panama Sports Preferences Survey
A 2013 survey revealed that 75% of Panamanians favored football, 19% baseball, 4% boxing, and 2% gymnastics.
May 4, 2014: Juan Carlos Varela Wins Presidential Election
Juan Carlos Varela won the presidential election on May 4, 2014, and was sworn in on July 1, 2014.
July 1, 2014: Juan Carlos Varela Assumes Presidency
Juan Carlos Varela was sworn in as president on July 1, 2014.
2015: Panama's Human Development Index Ranking
Panama ranked 60th on the Human Development Index in 2015.
2015: Panama Religious Demographics
A 2015 government survey estimated that 63.2% of Panama's population identified as Roman Catholic and 25% as Evangelical Protestant.
2015: Religion in Panama
In 2015, a survey was conducted regarding religious demographics in Panama.
2015: Start of Poverty Reduction Period in Panama
Between 2015 and 2017, poverty in Panama, measured at less than US$5.5 a day, decreased from 15.4 to an estimated 14.1 percent.
February 2016: Panama Removed from FATF Gray List
Panama was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list in February 2016 after making significant progress in anti-money laundering compliance.
2016: Panama Canal Expansion Completed
The Panama Canal expansion project, which doubled its capacity, was finished in 2016.
2017: End of Poverty Reduction Period in Panama
Between 2015 and 2017, poverty in Panama, measured as those living on less than US$5.50 a day, saw a decline from 15.4% to 14.1%.
2017: Panama Signs UN Treaty on Nuclear Weapons
Panama signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2017.
2018: Panama's Economic Competitiveness Ranking
In 2018, Panama was ranked the seventh-most competitive economy in Latin America, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index.
2018: Panama Removed from EU Tax Haven Blacklist
In 2018, the European Union removed Panama from its tax haven blacklist.
2018: Panama's Participation in PISA Exams
Panama postponed its participation in the PISA exams until 2018.
2018: Panama's First World Cup Appearance
Panama's men's national football team participated in the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2018, competing in Group G against Belgium, England, and Tunisia.
May 2019: Laurentino Cortizo Wins Presidential Election
Laurentino Cortizo, the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) candidate, won the presidential election in May 2019.
July 1, 2019: Laurentino Cortizo Assumes Presidency
Laurentino Cortizo took office as president on July 1, 2019.
2019: Panama's Human Development Index Ranking
Panama ranked 57th in the world in terms of the Human Development Index in 2019.
2019: Panama's Forest Landscape Integrity
In 2019, Panama ranked 78th globally out of 172 countries in the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, with a mean score of 6.37/10. Despite nearly 40% of the country still being wooded, deforestation remains a concern, with tree cover reduced by over 50% since the 1940s.
2021: Panama Population Estimate
In 2021, Panama's estimated population was 4,351,267.
April 28, 2022: Panama Approves Cryptocurrency Bill
On April 28, 2022, Panamanian lawmakers approved a bill to legalize and regulate the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, including their use for tax payments.
May 2022: Panama Plans Biorefinery for Aviation Fuel
In May 2022, Panama's government and energy companies announced plans to develop a major biorefinery for lower-carbon aviation fuel to increase its supply.
2022: Events during Cortizo's Presidency
During 2022, Panama experienced various events under Cortizo's presidency, including the ongoing economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and protests.
July 14, 2023: Cryptocurrency Bill Deemed Unenforceable
On July 14, 2023, Panama's Supreme Court of Justice declared the cryptocurrency bill passed in 2022 unenforceable.
2023: Events during Cortizo's Presidency
In 2023, Panama continued to navigate challenges during Cortizo's presidency, including the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and protests.
2023: Panama Women's National Team World Cup Debut
Panama's women's national football team debuted in the World Cup in 2023, as the last qualifying team, joining Group F and playing against Brazil, Jamaica, and France.
May 5, 2024: Panama's National Elections
Panama held its most recent national elections on May 5, 2024. Since 1989, the country has seen five peaceful transfers of power between opposing political factions.