Military branches: an amendment to the Constitution abolished the armed forces, but there are security forces (Panamanian Public Forces or PPF includes the National Police, National Maritime Service, and National Air Service)

Military manpower—availability:
males age 15-49: 746,910 (1999 est.)

Military manpower—fit for military service:
males age 15-49: 511,866 (1999 est.)

Military expenditures—dollar figure: $132 million (1997)

Military expenditures—percent of GDP: 1.6% (1997)

Military—note: in October 1994, a month after President PEREZ BALLADARES assumed office, Panama's Legislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting the creation of a standing military force, but allowing the temporary establishment of a "special police force" to counter acts of "external aggression"

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