Malaysia vs Panama
A data-driven side-by-side: investment score, economy, business climate, political stability, and tax, to help you decide where to invest, incorporate, or relocate.
Overall: Malaysia ranks higher
Malaysia scores 67/100 on our composite investment index, ahead of Panama at 65/100. This blends economic strength, political stability, business climate, financial maturity, and growth outlook. Read the breakdown below to see where each country actually leads.
Category breakdown
70
Economic strength
Malaysia leads
65
60
Political stability
Malaysia leads
58
72
Business climate
Malaysia leads
70
68
Financial maturity
68
70
Growth outlook
Malaysia leads
58
Macro snapshot
407
GDP (USD bn)
+325.0 bn
82
4.7%
GDP growth (%)
+1.2 pp
3.5%
$12,300
GDP per capita (USD)
-6200.0
$18,500
2.5%
Inflation (%)
+0.5 pp
2.0%
3.5%
FDI (% of GDP)
-2.0 pp
5.5%
66%
Public debt (% of GDP)
+11.0 pp
55%
34
Population (M)
+29.6M
4.4
Malaysia: strong sectors
- Electronics22.0% of GDP85
- Palm Oil4.0% of GDP72
- Financial Services7.0% of GDP70
- Tourism6.0% of GDP68
Panama: strong sectors
- Logistics & Canal18.0% of GDP78
- Financial Services14.0% of GDP70
- Tourism8.0% of GDP62
- Construction10.0% of GDP58
Frequently asked
Which is better for investment: Malaysia or Panama?
Our composite investment index gives Malaysia a score of 67/100 and Panama a score of 65/100. Malaysia ranks higher overall, but the right answer depends on your sector and risk tolerance. See the category breakdown above.
Is Malaysia a safer market than Panama?
Risk classification puts Malaysia as moderate (Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios) and Panama as moderate (Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios).
Which has higher GDP growth: Malaysia or Panama?
Malaysia is currently growing at 4.7% per year, vs 3.5% for Panama. Malaysia has the faster headline growth rate today.