Economy of Panama

Last updated

Economy of Panama
Panama City skyline.jpg
Panama City is the capital and financial center of Panama
Currency
Calendar year
Trade organizations
WTO, SICA
Country group
Statistics
PopulationIncrease2.svg 4,176,873 (2018) [3]
GDP
  • Increase2.svg $87 billion (nominal, 2024) [4]
  • Increase2.svg $202 billion (PPP, 2024) [4]
GDP rank
GDP growth
  • Increase2.svg 10.0% (2022) [5]
  • Increase2.svg 5.0% (2023f) [5]
  • Increase2.svg 4.0% (2024f) [5]
GDP per capita
  • Increase2.svg $19,369 (nominal, 2024) [4]
  • Increase2.svg $44,797 (PPP, 2024) [4]
GDP per capita rank
GDP by sector
2.1% (2023 est.) [4]
Population below poverty line
Decrease Positive.svg 13.4% (2023) [7]
Decrease Positive.svg 49.2 high (2018) [8]
Labor force
  • Increase2.svg 2,063,132 (2019) [10]
  • Increase2.svg 61.5% employment rate (2018) [11]
  • shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor [6]
Labor force by occupation
UnemploymentIncrease Negative.svg 6% (2017 est.) [6]
Main industries
construction, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling
External
Exports
  • Increase2.svg $15.5 billion (2017 est.) [6]
  • includes the Colón Free Zone
Export goods
fruit and nuts, fish, iron and steel waste, wood
Main export partners
Imports
  • Increase2.svg $21.91 billion (2017 est.) [6]
  • includes the Colón Free Zone
Import goods
fuels, machinery, vehicles, iron and steel rods, pharmaceuticals
Main import partners
FDI stock
  • Increase2.svg $56.7 billion (31 December 2017 est.) [6]
  • Increase2.svg Abroad: $11.38 billion (31 December 2017 est.) [6]
Increase2.svg −$3.036 billion (2017 est.) [6]
Increase Negative.svg $91.53 billion (31 December 2017 est.) [6]
Public finances
Increase Negative.svg 37.8% of GDP (2017 est.) [6]
−1.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) [6]
Revenues12.43 billion (2017 est.) [6]
Expenses13.44 billion (2017 est.) [6]
Decrease2.svg $2.703 billion (31 December 2017 est.) [6]
All values, unless otherwise stated, are in US dollars.

The economy of Panama is based mainly on the tourism and services sector, which accounts for nearly 80% of its GDP and accounts for most of its foreign income. Services include banking, commerce, insurance, container ports, and flagship registry, medical and health and tourism. Historically, the Panama Canal (and the nearby Colón Free Trade Zone) was the key source of Panama's income, but its importance has been displaced by the services sector. [14]

Contents

The country's industry includes the manufacturing of aircraft spare parts, cement, drinks, adhesives, and textiles. Additionally, exports from Panama include bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, and clothing. Panama's economy is fully dollarized, [15] [16] with the US dollar being legal tender in the country. Panama was the first foreign country to adopt the U.S. dollar as its legal currency (1903) after its secession from Colombia (with U.S. help) temporarily deprived it of a local currency. Panama is a high income economy with a history of low inflation.

Economic history

Since the early 16th century, Panama's geographic location gave the country a comparative advantage. From the earliest Spanish times, ports on each coast and a trail between them handled much of Spain's colonial trade to the benefit of the inhabitants of the port cities. [17]

Panama has always been dependent on world commerce for its prosperity, [17] and it is affected by the cyclical nature of international trade. The economy stagnated in the 18th century as colonial exchange via the isthmus declined. In the mid-19th century, Panama's economy boomed as a result of increased cargo and passengers associated with the California Gold Rush. A railroad across the isthmus, completed in 1855, extended economic growth for about fifteen years until completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States led to a decline in trans-isthmian traffic.

France's efforts to construct a canal across the isthmus in the 1880s and efforts by the United States in the early 20th century stimulated the Panamanian economy. [17] The United States completed the canal in 1914. [18] However, the world depression of the 1930s reduced international trade and canal traffic, causing widespread unemployment in the terminal cities and generating a flow of workers to subsistence farming. During World War II, canal traffic did not increase, but the economy boomed as the convoy system and the presence of United States forces, sent to defend the canal, increased foreign spending in the canal cities. The end of the war was followed by an economic depression and another movement of unemployed people into agriculture. [17]

The postwar depression gave way to rapid economic expansion between 1950 and 1970. All sectors contributed to the growth. Agricultural output rose, and commerce evolved into a relatively sophisticated wholesale and retail system. Banking, tourism, and the export of services to the Canal Zone grew rapidly. Most importantly, an increase in world trade provided a major stimulus to use of the canal and to the economy. [17]

In the 1970s and 1980s, Panama's growth fluctuated with the vagaries of the world economy. After 1973, economic expansion slowed considerably as a result of a number of international and domestic factors. In the early 1980s, the economy rebounded. The acute recession in Latin America after 1982, however, wreaked havoc on Panama's economy. [17] This period coincided with the rise to power of General Manuel Noriega during which Panama became increasingly indebted. [19]

The United States started to pursue Noriega, culminating in sanctions that froze Panama's assets in the United States, and because Panama used the US dollar it was forced to default on its IMF debt in 1987. [19] Economic turmoil in the country included a general strike and the banking system closing down for two months. [19] The United States invaded Panama in 1989 and forced the surrender of Noriega. [19] Panama regained access to IMF funds in 1992. [20]

After taking office in 1994, President Ernesto Perez Balladares instituted an economic liberalization program designed to liberalize the trade regime, attract foreign investment, privatize state-owned enterprises, institute fiscal discipline. After two years of near-stagnation, there was strong GDP growth in 1997–1998. The most important sectors which drove growth were the Panama Canal and the shipping and port activities of the Colón Free Trade Zone.

During the Moscoso administration beginning in 1999, Moscoso attempted to strengthen social programs. Moscoso's administration successfully handled the Panama Canal transfer and was effective in the administration of the Canal.

Under the Martín Torrijos administration beginning in 2004, Panama continued strong economic growth and initiated the 2007–2016 Panama Canal expansion project. [21] The canal expansion doubled the waterway capacity. [21] Strong economic performance had reduced the national poverty level to 29% in 2008.

In 2008, Panama had the second most unequal income distribution in Latin America. The Torrijos government implemented tax reforms, as well as social security reforms, and backed regional trade agreements and development of tourism. Not a CAFTA signatory, Panama in December 2006 independently negotiated a free trade agreement with the US.

In May 2009, Ricardo Martinelli was elected president, and promised to promote free trade, establish a metro system, [22] and complete the expansion plan for the Panama Canal.

Panama's economic role has been compared to that of Singapore: commentators have described the country as "the Singapore of central America", [23] although Panama's involvement in the Odebrecht scandal has dealt a blow to official attempts to market Panama using this expression. [24]

Economic sectors

Financial services

Panama has a substantial financial services sector and no central bank to act as a lender of last resort to rescue banks that get in trouble. As a result, Panamanian banks are very conservatively run, with an average capital adequacy ratio of 15.6% in 2012, nearly double the legal minimum. [25] The sector grew up providing trade finance for trade passing through the Canal, and later evolved into money laundering for the drug trade under Noriega. Since the global financial crisis of 2007–08 the country has been trying to shake off its reputation as a tax haven, signing double taxation treaties with many (mostly OECD) countries and in April 2011 a treaty on the exchange of financial information with the United States. [25]

Agriculture

Maize cultivation in Panama. VISITA A LOS SANTOS MACARACAS 043.jpg
Maize cultivation in Panama.

Agriculture in Panama is an important sector of the Panamanian economy. [26] Major agricultural products include bananas, cocoa beans, coffee, coconuts, timber, beef, chicken, shrimp, corn, potatoes, rice, soybeans, and sugar cane. [27]

In 2009 agriculture and fisheries made up 7.4% of Panama's GDP. [27] Panama is a net food importer and the U.S. is its main supplier. [28] Agriculture employs many Panamanians (in relation to agriculture's percentage of Panamanian GDP) because many farmers are engaged in subsistence farming.

Mining

The mineral-mining industry of Panama accounted for about 1% of the country's GDP in 2006. This does not include any manufacturing of mineral commodities, such as cement or petroleum refinery products.
An economic activity map of Panama, 1981. Panama econ 1981.jpg
An economic activity map of Panama, 1981.

Real estate

The Republic of Panama's real estate industry relies on foreign investment. The sector has grown since 2006, as such investment has helped to fuel Panama's economy and housing market.

In spite of the economic and housing market growth, poverty is a problem in Panama. Most indigenous people live in extreme poverty while others located in rural areas live in basic poverty. Lack of sanitation, electricity, basic water, health, and education amongst the poor is a serious problem affecting Panama’s housing conditions.

In an attempt to encourage foreign investments for real estate projects and infrastructure, the government of Panama enacted laws protecting foreigners and citizens who make investments.

Corruption permeates the real estate market including claims of drug profits and money laundering financing real estate projects.

Similar to the U.S. and Canada, Panama uses a system of publicly recorded titled deeds as proof of real estate ownership. A unique Rights of Possession system exists allowing individuals to occupy unused government lands in order to make improvements to them.

Taxation

Taxation in Panama, which is governed by the Fiscal Code, is on a territorial basis; this is to say, that taxes apply only to income or gains derived through business carried on in Panama itself. [29] The existence of a sales or administration office in Panama, or the re-invoicing of external transactions at a profit, does not of itself give rise to taxation if the underlying transactions take place outside Panama. Dividends paid out of such earnings are free of taxation.

In February 2005, Panama's unicameral legislature approved a major fiscal reform package in order to raise revenues from new business taxes, and increases the country's level of debt. The legislature voted 46 to 28 in favour of the measures, which include a new 1.4% tax on companies’ gross revenues, and a 1% levy on firms operating in the Colón Free Trade Zone – the largest free port in the Americas.

Further reforms

President Ricardo Martinelli had promised to implement a flat tax system with a flat tax of 10% and which promised to raise revenues, put inflation under control and which will allow enormous real wage gains.[ citation needed ] Instead the Martinelli government increased sales tax to 7% from 5%, as well as increasing other taxes, in order to finance many infrastructure projects around the country.

The current VAT rates are: 7% (standard rate); 15% (tobacco); 10% (alcohol and hotels); 5% (essential goods). The corporate tax rate is 25%, while the highest marginal income tax rate is 27%.

As tax haven

The Republic of Panama is one of the oldest and best-known tax havens in the Caribbean, as well as one of the most established in the region. [30] Panama has had a reputation for tax avoidance since the early 20th century, and Panama has been cited repeatedly in recent years as a jurisdiction which does not cooperate with international tax transparency initiatives.

Panama's offshore sector is intimately tied to the Panama Canal, which has made it a gateway and entrepôt for international trade. [31] There are strong similarities between Panama and other leading tax havens like Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. On paper at least, Panama has the largest shipping fleet in the world, greater than those of the US and China combined, according to the Tax Justice Network.

Transportation

In Panama City there are six highways: the Panama-Arraijan Bridge of the Americas, Panama-Arraijan Centennial Bridge, Arraijan-Chorrera, Corredor Norte, Corredor Sur, and Autopista Panama-Colon.

Panama's roads, traffic and transportation systems are generally safe, with older traffic lights having undergone a recent overhaul and most have been replaced by traffic lights that are capable of being controlled [and changed] remotely, even at busy intersections where they are not needed. Driving during the midday is usually slow and demanding due to dense traffic, frequent traffic jams, and street renovation programs. On roads where poor lighting and driving conditions prevail, night driving is difficult and in many cases, restricted by local authorities, this usually occurs in informal settlements. Night driving is particularly hazardous in these areas. [32] Traffic in Panama moves on the right, and Panamanian law requires that drivers and passengers wear seat belts. [32]

Currently, Panama used to have an extensive and efficient, yet confusing to tourists, form of public transportation consisting of colorful painted buses colloquially known as diablo rojo. A diablo rojo is usually "customized" or painted with bright colors, usually depicting famous actors, politicians or singers. It is now popular all over the city (and also in neighboring towns) for bus drivers to personally customize the interior and exterior of their diablo rojo. Panama City's streets experience frequent traffic jams due to poor planning.

"Diablos Rojos" are not allowed to operate in Panama city since 2010, except for recreational purposes. The Metrobus and the Metro are the only available public transportation methods.

Statistics

The following table shows the main economic indicators in 1980–2019 (with IMF staff estimates in 2020–2026). Inflation below 5% is in green. [33]

YearGDP

(in Bil. US$PPP)

GDP per capita

(in US$ PPP)

GDP

(in Bil. US$nominal)

GDP per capita

(in US$ nominal)

GDP growth

(real)

Inflation rate

(in Percent)

Unemployment

(in Percent)

Government debt

(in % of GDP)

19807.03,530.84.12,071.0Increase2.svg4.5%Increase Negative.svg13.8%8.4%n/a
1981Increase2.svg8.4Increase2.svg4,120.3Increase2.svg4.6Increase2.svg2,288.4Increase2.svg9.2%Increase Negative.svg7.3%Increase Negative.svg9.2%n/a
1982Increase2.svg9.4Increase2.svg4,501.2Increase2.svg5.1Increase2.svg2,469.1Increase2.svg5.3%Increase2.svg4.3%Increase Negative.svg11.0%n/a
1983Decrease2.svg9.3Decrease2.svg4,365.3Increase2.svg5.3Increase2.svg2,477.1Decrease2.svg-4.5%Increase2.svg2.1%Increase Negative.svg11.6%n/a
1984Increase2.svg9.9Increase2.svg4,540.9Increase2.svg5.5Increase2.svg2,527.5Increase2.svg2.7%Increase2.svg1.6%Increase Negative.svg12.2%n/a
1985Increase2.svg10.7Increase2.svg4,807.3Increase2.svg5.8Increase2.svg2,614.8Increase2.svg4.9%Increase2.svg1.0%Increase Negative.svg14.4%n/a
1986Increase2.svg11.3Increase2.svg4,969.0Increase2.svg6.0Increase2.svg2,658.3Increase2.svg3.6%Increase2.svg-0.1%Decrease Positive.svg12.5%n/a
1987Increase2.svg11.4Decrease2.svg4,893.2Increase2.svg6.1Decrease2.svg2,613.1Decrease2.svg-1.8%Increase2.svg1.0%Increase Negative.svg14.1%n/a
1988Decrease2.svg10.2Decrease2.svg4,295.8Decrease2.svg5.3Decrease2.svg2,211.7Decrease2.svg-13.4%Increase2.svg0.4%Increase Negative.svg18.8%n/a
1989Increase2.svg10.8Increase2.svg4,440.3Steady2.svg5.3Decrease2.svg2,171.7Increase2.svg1.6%Increase2.svg0.1%Increase Negative.svg18.9%n/a
1990Increase2.svg12.1Increase2.svg4,878.5Increase2.svg5.7Increase2.svg2,313.0Increase2.svg8.1%Increase2.svg0.8%Decrease Positive.svg16.7%n/a
1991Increase2.svg13.7Increase2.svg5,402.2Increase2.svg6.3Increase2.svg2,489.7Increase2.svg9.4%Increase2.svg1.5%Decrease Positive.svg16.0%n/a
1992Increase2.svg15.1Increase2.svg5,853.3Increase2.svg7.2Increase2.svg2,771.0Increase2.svg8.2%Increase2.svg1.8%Decrease Positive.svg14.7%n/a
1993Increase2.svg16.3Increase2.svg6,188.0Increase2.svg7.8Increase2.svg2,963.3Increase2.svg5.5%Increase2.svg0.5%Decrease Positive.svg13.3%n/a
1994Increase2.svg17.1Increase2.svg6,367.1Increase2.svg8.3Increase2.svg3,095.2Increase2.svg2.8%Increase2.svg1.3%Increase Negative.svg14.0%81.2%
1995Increase2.svg17.8Increase2.svg6,480.3Increase2.svg8.5Increase2.svg3,099.9Increase2.svg1.8%Increase2.svg0.9%Increase Negative.svg14.0%Decrease Positive.svg79.5%
1996Increase2.svg19.5Increase2.svg6,941.6Increase2.svg10.0Increase2.svg3,580.9Increase2.svg7.4%Increase2.svg1.3%Increase Negative.svg14.3%Decrease Positive.svg67.4%
1997Increase2.svg21.1Increase2.svg7,366.9Increase2.svg10.8Increase2.svg3,791.3Increase2.svg6.5%Increase2.svg1.3%Decrease Positive.svg13.4%Decrease Positive.svg62.4%
1998Increase2.svg22.9Increase2.svg7,834.9Increase2.svg11.8Increase2.svg4,027.3Increase2.svg7.3%Increase2.svg0.6%Decrease Positive.svg11.6%Decrease Positive.svg60.3%
1999Increase2.svg24.1Increase2.svg8,088.6Increase2.svg12.3Increase2.svg4,136.1Increase2.svg3.9%Increase2.svg1.3%Decrease Positive.svg9.5%Decrease Positive.svg57.4%
2000Increase2.svg25.3Increase2.svg8,328.9Increase2.svg12.5Decrease2.svg4,111.7Increase2.svg2.7%Increase2.svg1.4%Increase Negative.svg13.5%Decrease Positive.svg55.8%
2001Increase2.svg26.0Increase2.svg8,394.2Increase2.svg12.7Decrease2.svg4,095.0Increase2.svg0.6%Increase2.svg0.3%Increase Negative.svg14.0%Increase Negative.svg60.2%
2002Increase2.svg27.0Increase2.svg8,545.6Increase2.svg13.2Increase2.svg4,172.7Increase2.svg2.2%Increase2.svg1.0%Decrease Positive.svg13.5%Decrease Positive.svg59.3%
2003Increase2.svg28.7Increase2.svg8,907.5Increase2.svg13.9Increase2.svg4,312.6Increase2.svg4.2%Increase2.svg0.1%Decrease Positive.svg13.0%Decrease Positive.svg58.8%
2004Increase2.svg31.7Increase2.svg9,647.3Increase2.svg15.3Increase2.svg4,638.7Increase2.svg7.5%Increase2.svg0.5%Decrease Positive.svg11.7%Increase Negative.svg61.2%
2005Increase2.svg35.1Increase2.svg10,466.2Increase2.svg16.6Increase2.svg4,965.2Increase2.svg7.2%Increase2.svg2.9%Decrease Positive.svg9.8%Increase Negative.svg61.7%
2006Increase2.svg39.2Increase2.svg11,496.5Increase2.svg18.4Increase2.svg5,401.6Increase2.svg8.5%Increase2.svg2.5%Decrease Positive.svg8.7%Decrease Positive.svg56.9%
2007Increase2.svg45.2Increase2.svg12,999.8Increase2.svg21.3Increase2.svg6,127.0Increase2.svg12.1%Increase2.svg4.2%Decrease Positive.svg6.4%Decrease Positive.svg49.4%
2008Increase2.svg50.6Increase2.svg14,298.8Increase2.svg25.2Increase2.svg7,110.2Increase2.svg9.9%Increase Negative.svg8.8%Decrease Positive.svg5.6%Decrease Positive.svg41.6%
2009Increase2.svg51.5Increase2.svg14,318.3Increase2.svg27.1Increase2.svg7,532.4Increase2.svg1.2%Increase2.svg2.4%Increase Negative.svg6.6%Decrease Positive.svg41.6%
2010Increase2.svg55.2Increase2.svg15,076.0Increase2.svg29.4Increase2.svg8,039.8Increase2.svg5.8%Increase2.svg3.5%Decrease Positive.svg6.5%Decrease Positive.svg40.5%
2011Increase2.svg62.7Increase2.svg16,845.1Increase2.svg34.7Increase2.svg9,314.7Increase2.svg11.3%Increase Negative.svg5.9%Decrease Positive.svg4.5%Decrease Positive.svg37.8%
2012Increase2.svg70.4Increase2.svg18,596.3Increase2.svg40.4Increase2.svg10,674.5Increase2.svg9.8%Increase Negative.svg5.7%Decrease Positive.svg4.1%Decrease Positive.svg36.0%
2013Increase2.svg79.8Increase2.svg20,727.2Increase2.svg45.6Increase2.svg11,841.9Increase2.svg6.9%Increase2.svg4.0%Increase Negative.svg4.1%Decrease Positive.svg35.6%
2014Increase2.svg89.3Increase2.svg22,827.4Increase2.svg49.9Increase2.svg12,757.0Increase2.svg5.1%Increase2.svg2.6%Increase Negative.svg4.8%Increase Negative.svg36.6%
2015Increase2.svg100.5Increase2.svg25,275.2Increase2.svg54.1Increase2.svg13,606.6Increase2.svg5.7%Increase2.svg0.1%Increase Negative.svg5.1%Decrease Positive.svg36.0%
2016Increase2.svg112.3Increase2.svg27,828.8Increase2.svg57.9Increase2.svg14,344.1Increase2.svg5.0%Increase2.svg0.7%Increase Negative.svg5.5%Decrease Positive.svg35.3%
2017Increase2.svg125.0Increase2.svg30,511.0Increase2.svg62.2Increase2.svg15,178.3Increase2.svg5.6%Increase2.svg0.9%Increase Negative.svg6.1%Decrease Positive.svg35.3%
2018Increase2.svg132.6Increase2.svg31,891.9Increase2.svg64.9Increase2.svg15,612.3Increase2.svg3.6%Increase2.svg0.8%Decrease Positive.svg6.0%Increase Negative.svg37.3%
2019Increase2.svg139.1Increase2.svg32,973.2Increase2.svg66.8Increase2.svg15,831.0Increase2.svg3.0%Increase2.svg-0.4%Increase Negative.svg7.1%Increase Negative.svg42.2%
2020Decrease2.svg115.5Decrease2.svg26,998.8Decrease2.svg52.9Decrease2.svg12,373.0Decrease2.svg-17.9%Increase2.svg-1.6%Increase Negative.svg18.5%Increase Negative.svg66.3%
2021Increase2.svg134.0Increase2.svg30,889.2Increase2.svg60.1Increase2.svg13,861.1Increase2.svg12.0%Increase2.svg1.4%Decrease Positive.svg10.2%Decrease Positive.svg62.2%
2022Increase2.svg144.6Increase2.svg32,886.6Increase2.svg64.4Increase2.svg14,643.9Increase2.svg5.0%Increase2.svg2.0%Decrease Positive.svg9.2%Decrease Positive.svg61.2%
2023Increase2.svg155.4Increase2.svg34,896.8Increase2.svg68.9Increase2.svg15,481.4Increase2.svg5.0%Increase2.svg2.0%Decrease Positive.svg8.9%Decrease Positive.svg60.6%
2024Increase2.svg166.9Increase2.svg37,005.5Increase2.svg73.8Increase2.svg16,372.1Increase2.svg5.0%Increase2.svg2.0%Steady2.svg8.9%Decrease Positive.svg59.1%
2025Increase2.svg179.0Increase2.svg39,212.6Increase2.svg79.1Increase2.svg17,319.3Increase2.svg5.0%Increase2.svg2.0%Steady2.svg8.9%Decrease Positive.svg57.2%
2026Increase2.svg191.9Increase2.svg41,522.5Increase2.svg84.7Increase2.svg18,326.5Increase2.svg5.0%Increase2.svg2.0%Steady2.svg8.9%Decrease Positive.svg55.4%

Nominal GDP per capita in Panama was (in balboas or US dollars) 11,691 in 2002, 13,099 in 2004, 14,004 in 2005 (Prelim), 15,141.9 in 2006 (est), as reported by Office of Statistics and Census, Government of Panama. [34] Growth from 2002 to 2006 was especially strong in the transport and communications sector, which became the biggest component of GDP, although many sectors also saw strong growth. Real GDP rose 7.5% (2003–04), 6.9% (2004–05), 8.1% (2005–06). [35]

GDP growth in 2008 was 9.2%, reflecting a slowing of the robust growth of 11.5% seen in 2007. Although growth slowed to 2.4% in the first half of 2009, due to the global economic downturn, it is expected to improve in 2010 and is still one of the most positive growth rates in the region. Growth has been fueled by the construction sector, transportation, port and Panama Canal-related activities, and tourism. As a result of this growth, government deficit as a percentage of GDP dropped to 43% in 2009, and government-issued debt achieved investment grade in February 2010. [36] A recent United Nations report highlighted progress in poverty reduction from 2001 to 2007—overall poverty fell from 37% to 29%, and extreme poverty fell from 19% to 12%. However, Panama still has the second-most unequal income distribution in Latin America. [37]

See also

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The economy of Nicaragua is focused primarily on the agricultural sector. Nicaragua itself is the least developed country in Central America, and the second least developed in the Americas by nominal GDP, behind only Haiti. In recent years, under the administrations of Daniel Ortega, the Nicaraguan economy has expanded somewhat, following the Great Recession, when the country's economy actually contracted by 1.5%, due to decreased export demand in the American and Central American markets, lower commodity prices for key agricultural exports, and low remittance growth. The economy saw 4.5% growth in 2010 thanks to a recovery in export demand and growth in its tourism industry. Nicaragua's economy continues to post growth, with preliminary indicators showing the Nicaraguan economy growing an additional 5% in 2011. Consumer Price inflation have also curtailed since 2008, when Nicaragua's inflation rate hovered at 19.82%. In 2009 and 2010, the country posted lower inflation rates, 3.68% and 5.45%, respectively. Remittances are a major source of income, equivalent to 15% of the country's GDP, which originate primarily from Costa Rica, the United States, and European Union member states. Approximately one million Nicaraguans contribute to the remittance sector of the economy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Saint Lucia</span>

Once a single-crop agricultural economy, Saint Lucia has shifted to a tourism and banking serviced-based economy. Tourism, the island's biggest industry and main source of jobs, income and foreign exchange, accounts for 65% of its GDP. Agriculture, which was once the biggest industry, now contributes to less than 3% of GDP, but still accounts for 20% of jobs. The banana industry is now on a decline due to strong competition from low-cost Latin American producers and reduced European trade preferences, but the government has helped revitalize the industry, with 13,734 tonnes exported in 2018. Agricultural crops grown for export are bananas, mangoes, and avocados. The island is considered to have the most diverse and well-developed manufacturing industry in the eastern Caribbean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Senegal</span>

The economy of Senegal is driven by mining, construction, tourism, fishing and agriculture, which are the main sources of employment in rural areas, despite abundant natural resources in iron, zircon, gas, gold, phosphates, and numerous oil discoveries recently. Senegal's economy gains most of its foreign exchange from fish, phosphates, groundnuts, tourism, and services. As one of the dominant parts of the economy, the agricultural sector of Senegal is highly vulnerable to environmental conditions, such as variations in rainfall and climate change, and changes in world commodity prices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Sri Lanka</span>

The mixed economy of Sri Lanka was worth $84 billion by nominal gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 and $296.959 billion by purchasing power parity (PPP). The country had experienced an annual growth of 6.4 percent from 2003 to 2012, well above its regional peers. This growth was driven by the growth of non-tradable sectors, which the World Bank warned to be both unsustainable and unequitable. Growth has slowed since then. In 2019 with an income per capita of 13,620 PPP Dollars or 3,852 (2019) nominal US dollars, Sri Lanka was re-classified as a lower middle income nation with the population around 22 million (2021) by the World Bank from a previous upper middle income status.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Tanzania</span>

The economy of Tanzania is a lower-middle income economy that is centered around Manufacturing, Tourism, Agriculture, and financial services. Tanzania's economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a market economy since 1985. Although total GDP has increased since these reforms began, GDP per capita dropped sharply at first, and only exceeded the pre-transition figure in around 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Thailand</span>

The economy of Thailand is dependent on exports, which accounted in 2021 for about 58 per cent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Thailand itself is a newly industrialized country, with a GDP of 17.922 trillion baht (US$514.8 billion) in 2023, the 9th largest economy in Asia. As of 2018, Thailand has an average inflation of 1.06% and an account surplus of 7.5% of the country's GDP. Its currency, the baht, is ranked as the tenth most frequently used world payment currency in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Yemen</span>

The economy of Yemen has significantly weakened since the breakout of the Yemeni Civil War and the humanitarian crisis, which has caused instability, escalating hostilities, and flooding in the region. At the time of unification, South Yemen and North Yemen had vastly different but equally struggling underdeveloped economic systems. Since unification, the economy has been forced to sustain the consequences of Yemen's support for Iraq during the 1990–91 Persian Gulf War: Saudi Arabia expelled almost 1 million Yemeni workers, and both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait significantly reduced economic aid to Yemen. The 1994 civil war further drained Yemen's economy. As a consequence, Yemen has relied heavily on aid from multilateral agencies to sustain its economy for the past 24 years. In return, it has pledged to implement significant economic reforms. In 1997 the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved two programs to increase Yemen's credit significantly: the enhanced structural adjustment facility and the extended funding facility (EFF). In the ensuing years, Yemen's government attempted to implement recommended reforms: reducing the civil service payroll, eliminating diesel and other subsidies, lowering defense spending, introducing a general sales tax, and privatizing state-run industries. However, limited progress led the IMF to suspend funding between 1999 and 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Albania</span>

The economy of Albania went through a process of transition from a centralized economy to a market-based economy on the principles of the free market.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Tunisia</span>

The economy of Tunisia is in the process of being liberalized after decades of heavy state direction and participation in the country's economy. Prudent economic and fiscal planning has resulted in moderate but sustained growth for over a decade. Tunisia's economic growth historically has depended on oil, phosphates, agri-food products, car parts manufacturing, and tourism. In the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report for 2015–2016, Tunisia ranks in 92nd place.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Uganda</span>

The economy of Uganda has great potential and appears poised for rapid growth and development. Uganda is endowed with significant natural resources, including ample fertile land, regular rainfall, and mineral deposits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of the Gambia</span>

The economy of the Gambia is heavily reliant on agriculture. The Gambia has no significant mineral or other natural resources, and has a limited agricultural base. About 75% of the population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and animal hides.

This article describes the economic history of Panama.

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