Panama | World Heritage Explorer

Panama has been a State Party to the World Heritage Convention since 1978. With 5 inscribed properties, the country maintains a well-established presence on the World Heritage List. Its inscriptions include cultural and natural properties, representing a diverse heritage portfolio. One of these properties is shared with neighboring countries, demonstrating cooperation across borders in heritage conservation.

Panama as a State Party to the World Heritage Convention

State Party since: March 3, 1978

Status: Ratification

Mandates to the World Heritage Committee: 1978-1985

Total of Mandate Years: 7

Total of Mandates: 1

WHC Electoral Group: III (Latin America/Caribbean)

World Heritage Sites in Panama (5)

Cultural: 2 | Natural: 3 | Mixed: 0

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection · Natural
Darien National Park · Natural
Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo · Cultural
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park · Natural (Transboundary)
The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá · Cultural

Map of World Heritage Sites

This interactive map shows the location of all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Panama.

Tentative World Heritage Sites (1)

Archaeological Site and Historic Centre of Panamá City · submitted: January 19, 2015

Source: UNESCO Tentative Lists

Country Profile Panama

Official Name: Republic of Panama

Continent: Americas

Subregion: Central America

UNESCO Region: Latin America and the Caribbean

Capital: Panama City

Population (2024): 4,515,577

Land Area: 74,180 km²

Currency: Panamanian balboa (PAB;USD)

Country Data Sources

Links

UNESCO World Heritage Convention: State Party Panama

About States Parties

States Parties are countries that have joined the World Heritage Convention. They commit to identifying, nominating, and protecting properties of outstanding cultural or natural value on their territory. States Parties are also expected to monitor and report on the condition of inscribed sites.

World Heritage Insights

How Politics and Institutions Shape the UNESCO World Heritage List

The UNESCO World Heritage List is usually seen as a catalogue of the world’s most important cultural and natural places. Yet behind every inscription there is a structured decision process: countries must first join the Convention, run for a seat on the World Heritage Committee, prepare nominations through a fixed procedure, and finally obtain enough votes for inscription.

World Heritage Info

Background

Learn about UNESCO, the World Heritage Convention, Tentative Lists, and how World Heritage Sites are selected and preserved. Explore the history, structures, and processes that protect humanity’s cultural and natural treasures.

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