Panama: crime and justice

What is the crime rate in Panama?

Panama's intentional homicide rate was 11.71 per 100,000 people in 2023, according to the World Bank's intentional homicides series, based on UNODC data, compared with 11.34 in 2022 and 12.66 in 2021.

INEC reports 67,816 detentions in 2025 (preliminary), 6.1% more than in 2024, or 14.7 per 1,000 people. Panamá province had 25,682, Panamá Oeste 7,644 and Chiriquí 6,988. Detentions count arrests by police, not crimes, so they reflect policing activity as well as offending. The Ministry of Public Security oversees the National Police.

Official sources: World Bank: Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, Panama · INEC: Detentions by province, 2021-25 (PDF)

How many murders are there in Panama?

Panama's intentional homicide rate was 14.2 per 100,000 people in 2025, according to the Ministry of Public Security's homicide executive report for December 2025. There were 9 more homicides than in 2024, a 2% increase. Most occurred in the provinces of Panamá (365), Colón (121) and Panamá Oeste (49).

The report gives Colón province a rate of 42 per 100,000. By district, Panamá recorded 247 homicides and Colón 120. The figures are preliminary. The SIEC posts updated reports through the year, and the 2026 reports run to October.

Official sources: homicide executive report for December 2025 · updated reports

How many murders are there in Panama?

In 2023, the intentional homicide rate in Panama was 11.7 per 100,000, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Its high point since 2005 was 2013, at 17.3 per 100,000; its low point was 2006, at 6.5 per 100,000. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 19.1 per 100,000, and Panama placed 16th highest of 25. Of 79 countries with 2023 data, 17th highest.

What is the female homicide rate in Panama?

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime puts the homicide rate for women in Panama at 1.7 per 100,000 in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2013, at 2.6 per 100,000; its low point was 2006, at 1.1 per 100,000. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 3.4 per 100,000, and Panama placed 22nd highest of 25. World rank, highest first: 30th of 78.

What is the male homicide rate in Panama?

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime puts the homicide rate for men in Panama at 21.7 per 100,000 in 2023. The peak was 32.0 per 100,000 in 2012 and the low 11.9 per 100,000 in 2006. Latin America & Caribbean median: 33.1 per 100,000; Panama is 16th highest of 25. Worldwide: 17th of 78.