Opinions and Blogs
Extortion in El Salvador: From Decades of Gang Control to a New Era of Public Safety
For decades, extortion in El Salvador shaped daily life for many residents. Shopkeepers paid gangs to remain open, bus drivers surrendered part of their earnings, and families lived under constant threats of violence. Today, things are very different. The government’s … Read more
Is Weed Legal in El Salvador? Marijuana Laws, Restrictions, and Criminal Penalties
Is Weed Legal in El Salvador? No, recreational marijuana remains illegal. Salvadoran law prohibits unauthorized cannabis possession, cultivation, and distribution, with criminal penalties that can include imprisonment. Unlike some countries that have relaxed their marijuana laws, El Salvador maintains strict … Read more
The Struggles of Rural Life in El Salvador: Poverty, Education, and Healthcare
It is 4 a.m. in rural Ahuachapan in western El Salvador. Rogelio Campos, a worker on a private farm that grows corn and beans and raises cattle and pigs, has already been awake for 30 minutes, ready to start his working day. His wife Maria has been awake for longer. She makes the coffee and … Read more
Can ARENA and the FMLN Recover Political Ground in El Salvador?
For three decades, ARENA and the FMLN dominated Salvadoran politics. Today, both parties struggle to remain relevant after three consecutive electoral defeats that reshaped El Salvador’s political landscape. The turning point came in 2019, when Nayib Bukele won the presidency, … Read more
Why Visit El Salvador: Top Reasons to Explore “Pulgarcito de América” This Year
El Salvador doesn’t ask travelers to choose between beaches, volcanoes, historic places, great food, or lively cities. So, why Visit El Salvador, because you can experience all of them without spending half your vacation moving between destinations. El Salvador’s small … Read more
IUDOP Survey Finds Majority of Salvadorans Feel Hopeful About Country’s Direction in 2026
Entering 2026, Salvadorans feel optimistic, according to a new national survey that suggests public sentiment is hopeful despite lingering economic concerns and political debate. A recent study by the Institute of Public Opinion (IUDOP) at the José Simeón Cañas Central … Read more
From Ink to Injustice: Gangs, Tattoos, and America’s Due Process Breakdown
Daisy Rodriguez has seen her husband, Santos, just once in the last two years. She flew down to his homeland, Guatemala, where they spent a few days hiking around the country’s spectacular lakes and volcanoes. It was beautiful, she said. … Read more