Map of Panama – Provinces, Cities & Location Guide
Explore Panama in Central America with this interactive map showing Panama City, the Panama Canal, all ten provinces, the Caribbean coastline, Pacific coast, islands and major road connections. Zoom in to find cities, national parks and regional landmarks.
Panama occupies a narrow stretch of land linking Central and South America. It borders Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east, with the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Its canal provides a major shipping connection between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Panama is a Central American country between Costa Rica and Colombia. Its capital is Panama City, near the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The country has 10 provinces and recognised Indigenous administrative territories known as comarcas.
Interactive map | Provinces and regions | Landmarks | FAQs
Move and zoom to explore provinces, cities, islands, borders and waterways.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Place names, boundaries and features may change.
Where Is Panama Located?
Panama forms part of the isthmus connecting the Americas. Its elongated shape means that many places are relatively close to a coastline, although mountain ranges, forests and road conditions affect travel between regions.
- West: Costa Rica and the western highlands.
- East: Colombia and the Darién region.
- North: Caribbean Sea, islands and coastal settlements.
- South: Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Panama and Azuero Peninsula.
The country is commonly grouped with Central America, despite its land connection to South America. The Panama Canal crosses the central isthmus near Panama City and Colón.
Panama Provinces and Geographic Regions
Panama has ten provinces: Bocas del Toro, ChiriquÃ, Coclé, Colón, Darién, Herrera, Los Santos, Panamá, Panamá Oeste and Veraguas. Indigenous comarcas also form part of the administrative geography; some have provincial-level status. The table highlights major areas rather than every district.
| Area | What to find on the map |
|---|---|
| Panamá and Panamá Oeste | Panama City, urban districts and communities west of the canal. |
| Colón | Caribbean port city, northern canal entrance and nearby waterways. |
| Chiriquà | David, Boquete and the Volcán Barú highlands. |
| Bocas del Toro | Caribbean archipelago, coastal islands and mainland communities. |
| Coclé, Herrera, Los Santos and Veraguas | Central towns, agricultural areas, the Azuero Peninsula and Pacific coastline. |
| Darién and Indigenous comarcas | Eastern forests and recognised Indigenous territories across several parts of Panama. |
Administrative boundaries and the representation of comarcas can vary by map provider. Consult official geographic datasets for authoritative details.
Major Cities and Landmarks
- Panama City: Capital and largest metropolitan centre, beside the Pacific approach to the canal.
- Panama Canal: Waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific shipping systems through locks and lakes.
- Colón: Major Caribbean port city near the northern canal entrance.
- David: Important city in western Panama and centre of Chiriquà Province.
- Boquete and Volcán Barú: Highland landscapes and Panama's highest mountain.
- Bocas del Toro: Island communities and Caribbean coastal scenery.
- Darién National Park: Extensive protected forests near the Colombian border.
- Casco Antiguo: Historic district within Panama City.
Panama Roads, Airports and Transport
The Pan-American Highway provides a major road corridor across much of Panama, but does not continue through the Darién Gap into Colombia. The canal is principally a shipping route, not a road connecting the coasts. Panama City's Metro serves parts of the capital, while regional buses, domestic flights and boats connect other destinations.
Tocumen International Airport serves the capital region. Use a current transport provider for schedules, road closures, marine services and route planning, especially when visiting islands or remote areas.
What This Map Can Help You Explore
- Find Panama City, Colón, David and other population centres.
- Locate the canal and its connection to both coastlines.
- Compare Caribbean islands, Pacific bays and inland highlands.
- See province locations and the borders with Costa Rica and Colombia.
- Identify parks, mountains and broader regional travel routes.
Related Maps and Location Guides
Panama Map FAQs
Where is Panama on the world map?
Panama is in Central America, between Costa Rica and Colombia, with Caribbean and Pacific coastlines.
What is the capital of Panama?
Panama City is the capital and lies near the Pacific end of the Panama Canal.
How many provinces does Panama have?
Panama has ten provinces, alongside Indigenous administrative territories called comarcas.
Which countries border Panama?
Costa Rica borders Panama to the west, and Colombia borders it to the east.
Does the Panama Canal connect two oceans?
Yes. It allows ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific ocean systems, via the Caribbean Sea and canal infrastructure.
Is Panama in North or South America?
Panama is generally classified as part of Central America, within the broader North American geographic region.
Can I drive from Panama to Colombia?
There is no continuous road through the Darién Gap. Do not assume the Pan-American Highway offers a through-driving route.
Disclaimer
For general geographic information only. Maps, borders, roads and landmarks may be incomplete or outdated. Do not use for navigation, emergencies, property boundaries or official decisions. Check current travel advice and transport services. Third-party links do not imply affiliation or endorsement.