It had a population of 19,603 inhabitants as of 2010 and is part of the metropolitan area of Panama City.

In 1909 for management promoted by Mayor Baldomero Gonzalez, by Decision No 11 of 14 November 1909 and was president of the Municipal Council Jose De La Rosa Veces was founded nine townships, one of which was El Coco y La Laguna, then composed by Potrero Grande, La Doradilla, El Coco (seat), El Espino, Cerro Negro and El Guayabo.

10 of June 2 were established 12 districts, and appears a second time El Coco with the same name with a correction in their council areas as well: La Doradilla, Perdiz, La Laguna, Cerro Negro, Potrero Grande, Raudal and Aguacate.

Others on the other hand indicate that in the early formation of this district there were many Indians who were called "coconut" as a synonym for "Cholo".

This jurisdiction experienced an accelerated expansion during the past decade, mainly due to the action of people who occupied through informal processes and self, areas of the west to Loma Acosta.