Life in El Salvador

Deputy Claudia Ortiz: Looking to Build a Political Alternative to Bukele and His Political Party
Claudia Ortiz is a deputy in the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly from the VAMOS political party. She is a central figure in Salvadoran politics, especially among those opposing Nayib Bukele. Claudia Ortiz studied Law at the “José Simeón Cañas” Central American … Read more

U.S. Aid Cuts Threaten Latin America’s Fight Against Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime
The administration of US President Donald Trump is moving to slash funding for diplomatic and aid programs, which experts say could undercut the ability of the United States and partner governments to monitor and tackle organized crime in Latin America … Read more

Political Opposition, Activists, and NGOs Ready to Join Labor Day Marches in San Salvador
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — Opposition parties, activists, environmentalists, and feminist groups will join thousands expected to take to the streets Thursday for El Salvador’s annual Labor Day march, organizers announced. Participants will gather at Plaza del Divino Salvador del … Read more

El Salvador Seeks to Ease Residency Rules for Foreigners Under New Government Proposal
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — Seeking to attract greater foreign investment and participation, El Salvador’s government has proposed changes to its immigration law that would significantly simplify obtaining permanent residency. The Bukele administration submitted a reform initiative to the Legislative … Read more

Bukele Forecasts 5% Economic Growth for El Salvador in 2025, Doubling IMF’s Projection
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele projected to double the country’s economic growth rate for 2025, forecasting a 5% expansion despite the International Monetary Fund’s more modest outlook. On April 23, the IMF downgraded its 2025 growth … Read more

President Bukele Proposes 12% Minimum Wage Hike in El Salvador Amid Rising Living Costs
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — President Nayib Bukele proposed a 12% increase in El Salvador’s minimum wage Friday, a long-awaited measure amid mounting pressure from civil society groups and rising household costs. “Today, we have sent the following proposal to … Read more

A 10-Year Look at Latin America’s Changing Homicide Rates
Organized crime — particularly cocaine trafficking — has been the main driver of homicides in Latin America and the Caribbean over the last decade, according to data compiled by InSight Crime. While the regional homicide rate has remained relatively stable, … Read more