Central America

Costa Rica Honors President Bukele with Top Diplomatic Award for Reducing Crime in El Salvador

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves presented Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele with the highest distinction awarded by the Costa Rican nation to foreign heads of state. Bukele was awarded the Juan Mora Fernández National Order in the Degree of Grand Cross … Read more

Will Costa Rica Follow Ecuador’s Path? Examining the Rise of Crime in the Pura Vida Country

High levels of violence indicate how once-peaceful Costa Rica is feeling the tightening grip of cocaine trafficking. But is the Central American country on a similar path to Ecuador to the south? Costa Rica’s homicides have grown slowly over the last several years but spiked to reach a historic high in 2023 with 907 recorded killings or … Read more

A Traveler’s Guide to Central America: Top Destinations You Can’t Miss

Central America literally reeks of incredibly varied cultures, landscapes, and vibrant experiences only waiting for one to get out and see. Whether it is the call of adventure or the need for rest, there is something special in store for … Read more

Central America Primed for Coca Expansion, Study Finds

Nearly half of northern Central America has the ideal agricultural conditions for growing coca, the raw material for cocaine, according to a new study that warns of the potential spread of the illicit crop across the region. The research paper, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, examined the soil quality, climate, … Read more

Honduras Crime Profile: Examining Criminal Groups, Security Forces, the Judicial System, and Prisons

Due to its geographic location, Honduras is one of the most important drug trafficking transshipment points between South America and Mexico. With every branch of government and its armed forces plagued by corruption, the Central American nation has long played a vital role as a transit point in which criminal groups enjoy official protection … Read more

Panama Crime Profile: Criminal Groups, Security Forces, the Judicial System, and Prisons

Panama’s location connecting Central and South America has made it a key transit point for illicit trade, as well as a refuge and negotiating area for criminal organizations. Its favorable economy and the booming contraband market of the Colón Free Zone (CFZ) have long attracted international money launderers. The country’s weak judicial system and high … Read more

Costa Rica Crime Profile: Criminal Groups, Security Forces, the Judicial System, and Prisons

Costa Rica has traditionally been perceived as a bastion of security in crime-ravaged Central America. In recent years, however, the country has experienced record levels of violence, which authorities have blamed on its growing role as a drug transshipment point. Local crime groups are growing evermore sophisticated and resorting to lethal violence to secure … Read more