The indigenous peoples of Panama, including groups like the Kuna, Emberá, Wounaan, and Ngäbe-Buglé, constitute around 10-15% of the population. These groups have their distinct cultures, languages, and traditions and primarily reside in rural areas or indigenous territories.
People of African descent, referred to as Afro-Panamanians, make up approximately 9-10% of the population. They are descendants of enslaved Africans brought to Panama during the colonial period. Afro-Panamanians have influenced the country's culture, music, and cuisine.
There is also a significant European population in Panama, mainly of Spanish descent. They form around 6-7% of the population. Additionally, there are smaller groups of Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Jewish communities.
The ethnic makeup of Panama is a result of the country's historical interactions with different cultures and populations, making it a diverse and multicultural society.