What Languages Do They Speak In Panama?

Explore the languages spoken in Panama on an interactive map.

Panama Languages: Quick FactsPanama flag

Languages

1

Spanish

Population

4,351,000

Cost of living

~ $1755

Index: 35.1

Safety / crime index

Moderate

Crime Index: 44.1

Do They Speak English in Panama?

English proficiency

Low

Ranked #75 on the EF English Proficiency Index.

In short

You may get by with English in airports, hotels, and larger cities in Panama, but it becomes less reliable outside those areas. Knowing some Spanish is strongly recommended.

FAQ

Panama Language FAQ

Short answers to common questions about the main languages, English usage, and communication in Panama.

  • People in Panama speak Spanish.

  • The main language spoken in Panama is Spanish.

  • Only sometimes. English may work in tourist-facing places, but it is safer to know at least some Spanish.

What languages do they speak in Panama?

People in Panama speak Spanish.

What is the main language in Panama?

The main language spoken in Panama is Spanish.

Can you get by with English in Panama?

Only sometimes. English may work in tourist-facing places, but it is safer to know at least some Spanish.

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