America Panama Panama is developing a master plan for a cross-border train connecting David to Costa Rica, focusing on passenger, cargo, and tourism benefits, with US firm AECOM conducting studies to finalize the route, costs, and environmental impact
America Panama The Panama Canal will remain under Panamanian control, reaffirmed Arsenio Dominguez, head of the International Maritime Organization, rejecting US President-elect Donald Trump's hints at using military force to claim the canal
America Panama The number of migrants passing through Panama decreased by 42% in 2024, with 302.203 crossing the Darién Gap, down from 520.085 in 2023, attributed to stricter measures, though experts believe this won't address the root causes of migration
America Panama US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, criticizing Panama’s toll fees as excessive and warning against alleged Chinese influence, despite China's lack of administrative control over the canal
America Panama 29.229 dengue cases and 50 deaths have been reported this year, with the number of cases more than doubling compared to 2023; the Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of prevention and community involvement in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds
America Panama 25 years of national management of the Panama Canal - a symbol of sovereignty and pride for Panamanians - was celebrated with a campaign honoring its history, achievements, sustainability commitment; it was transferred from US control on 31 December 1999
America Panama Panama has joined the High Ambition Coalition in advocating for a binding global treaty to end plastic pollution by 2040, emphasizing on reducing plastic production and promoting sustainability
America Panama Persistent rains in Panama have caused significant damage to over 8.000 hectares of crops, primarily affecting rice, coffee, and plantains, with provinces like Veraguas and Chiriquí hardest hit, as authorities assess losses and measures for farmers
America Panama Fines up to US$5000 have been announced in Panama for irregular migrants who cross into the country through unofficial land, air, or sea entry points, including the Darién Gap; this follows last year's record of over 520.000 migrants crossing the jungle
America Panama Despite reduced ship traffic due to drought, the Panama Canal achieved record revenues of nearly US$5 billion in the 2024 fiscal year, up 1% from the previous year, attributed to higher tolls and priority crossing auctions
America Panama Due to severe drought, vessel transit through the Panama Canal dropped by 29% in 2024, as reduced rainfall lowered water levels in the canal’s artificial lakes, cutting daily ship passages from 38 to 22
America Panama Seeking support from France in removing Panama from tax haven blacklists, including one by the European Union, the country continues to rebuild its image after the 2016 "Panama Papers" scandal
America Panama Panama City commissioners declared a 72-hour state of emergency due to Hurricane Helene, with the option to extend it, allowing officials to enhance storm preparedness, track resources, and ensure a swift response if the storm intensifies