Panama Marriages Fell by 33% in the Last Ten Years

Owning an apartment, having financial stability, a secure job, and feeling “ready” has been, for generations, part of the traditional path to marriage. But in Panama today, where thousands of working-age people survive amidst informality, unemployment, and economic uncertainty, that goal seems increasingly distant. Behind this trend arises an uncomfortable question: are Panamanians ceasing to marry for love… or because they can no longer afford the life project that marriage brings?  Data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) shows that civil unions have fallen from 14,341 in 2015 to 9,596 in 2025, a decrease of 33% in just one decade. 

The trend shows a sustained decline that not even the rebound recorded during the pandemic (2021) managed to reverse.  Experts point out that the decline in marriages in Panama may be influenced by factors such as the high cost of living and job insecurity.  Although they also allude to generational changes, that is, that marriage is no longer seen as “a step towards adulthood” and now usually depends on what the person considers a priority.  Luis and Lourdes are in their 30s, are already university graduates, have stable jobs and are clear that getting married is not their priority.  “I don’t want to. I think it is an emotional, financial, and time-consuming responsibility, affected by many factors beyond my control, and it could mean a change in my lifestyle that I am not willing to make. I prefer my 100% professional and financial independence,” Luis replied without hesitation.  “Honestly, I’m not opposed to the wedding, but my profession is my priority,” Lourdes added.

The Effect of Informality?

Economist Elián Carrillo explains the phenomenon in financial terms. Marriage involves financial commitments, including housing, shared expenses, the possibility of raising children, debt, and financial stability. And, unlike a few decades ago, a significant portion of the Panamanian population is not salaried—that is, they do not work for a company—but rather falls into the informal sector, which reduces long-term security.  He is talking about nearly 700,000 people who are self-employed or have their own businesses, either because they became unemployed or because they decided to start a small business after not finding a job. 

Carrillo said that, while “a person may have a partner, they may not necessarily feel in a position to formalize a legal union if they do not have a stable contract, social security, savings capacity or access to credit.”  Informal employment in Panama reaches approximately 47.1%. Furthermore, the youth unemployment rate exceeds 20%.  This especially affects young people and young adults, who are precisely the groups in which new households are traditionally formed.  “I think we are all prioritizing economic stability and independence first… Everything is very expensive, everything is harder to buy… a car, a house… even going to the supermarket for three little things costs $60. I think we are all focused on surviving,” commented Dayana, who is a university graduate and has a stable job.

Self-Sufficiency and Emotional Independence

For his part, clinical psychologist and therapist Román Emiliani mentioned that there is a growing search for economic and emotional independence, and that many people prioritize their individual stability over building a shared project. “There has been a kind of individualization. Me with my children, you with your children, and if it doesn’t work out, we each go our separate ways,” he noted.  On the other hand, he pointed out that, as a result of the pandemic, many individuals realized they were capable of generating income independently through entrepreneurship, a trend he has observed primarily among women.  

“Many women realized they could make their own decisions and create their own budgets without being financially dependent on anyone else,” he remarked.  This topic was also addressed by economist Carrillo, who pointed out that when “women have more professional aspirations, education and labor participation, marriage becomes a more selective decision.”  Emiliani also explained that there are several points to consider. On the one hand, negative experiences prior to commitment affect the choice of a partner and the perception of potential candidates; on the other hand, people are becoming more focused on themselves. 

He also noted that it is a reality that new generations grew up observing separated households, which changes the family model and the perception of marriage.  This means that, as new generations experience relationships under more individualized and immediate dynamics, there is less social pressure to remain in unsatisfactory relationships and a greater willingness to end relationships that do not work.  Gabriela sees it from a pragmatic point of view. “I think marriage is purely bureaucratic. I do not need to sign anything to commit to a life with someone. There are legal benefits to marriage, I believe, and it is a nice celebration, so I am not opposed to it. But it’s not essential.”

As a 28-Year-Old Woman Engaged to a Person of the Same Sex………

I value my professional development and my economic stability, but I also consider important the right to share a life with the person I love and for that union to be recognized on equal terms.  While 94,707 women enrolled in the country’s universities in 2015, that number rose to 116,357 in 2024, representing an increase of 22.86%.