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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As water levels are critically low, Panama is currently exploring costly and ambitious solutions, including creating an artificial lake and using artificial rain to combat the severe drought affecting the Panama Canal

Panama deported 130 Indian migrants to New Delhi under a US backed repatriation deal; these migrants entered Panama through the dangerous Darien jungle, marking the first deportation outside the Americas under the agreement

President José Raúl Mulino has requested Costa Rica's support in helping Panama exit the OECD's tax haven lists, as Costa Rica prepares to assume the OECD presidency in 2025, aiming to improve Panama's international reputation and economic standing