Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which Indigenous peoples are recognized in Panama?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Panama officially recognizes eight Indigenous peoples, who represent approximately 17 percent of the country's total population. These groups are:

  • Ngäbe
  • Buglé
  • Gunadule (Guna)
  • Emberá
  • Wounaan
  • Naso Tjër Di
  • Bribri
  • Bokota

Many members of these communities reside within legally established territories known as comarcas, though significant populations also live throughout other regions of the country. These groups maintain a rich cultural heritage that contributes to the diverse fabric of Panamanian society, participating in a wide array of professional and economic sectors including commerce, education, and public service.12