Living in El Salvador
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
El Salvador State of Exception: How It Changed Security, Crime, and Everyday Life
The El Salvador State of Exception has reshaped public security since March 2022. The emergency measure gives authorities expanded powers to combat criminal gangs while temporarily suspending certain constitutional protections. President Nayib Bukele’s government says the crackdown has reduced gang … Read more
Barrio 18 Gang Profile: Its History, Criminal Activities, and Influence in El Salvador
The Barrio 18 gang, also known as the 18th Street Gang or Mara 18, is one of Central America’s most notorious criminal organizations, with roots in Los Angeles, California. For decades, Barrio 18 controlled neighborhoods, extorted businesses, and fought violent … 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
Things to Do in El Salvador: Explore Volcanoes, Beaches, Historic Towns, and More
El Salvador may be Central America’s smallest country, but it offers an impressive variety of experiences. From volcanic landscapes to Pacific beaches, the things to do in El Salvador appeal to travelers with different interests. You can explore ancient Mayan … 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
Cost of Living in El Salvador: How Much You Really Need to Live Comfortably
Living in El Salvador can be surprisingly affordable or financially challenging, depending on where you live, how much you earn, and the lifestyle you maintain. A family living in rural El Salvador faces different financial realities than someone renting an … Read more