Life in El Salvador
MS-13 Gang Tattoos Explained: Mara Salvatrucha or MS13 Inked Language of Fear and Loyalty
Tattoos have long been a fixture in gang culture, but none have become as iconic—or as feared—as those worn by members of MS-13 or Mara Salvatrucha. These inked markings aren’t just decorative; they’re declarations of identity, allegiance, and, in many … Read more
Decoding Barrio 18 Tattoos: 18th Street Gang Symbols of Loyalty, Power, and Identity
Tattoos have long been used as a visual language—etched symbols of identity, allegiance, and personal history. For members of Barrio 18, also known as 18th Street Gang or Mara 18, tattoos carry deep meaning. Born in the streets of Los … Read more
Cost of Living in El Salvador: How expensive is it to live in El Salvador?
El Salvador is becoming popular for expats, digital nomads, and retirees due to improved safety, a growing economy, and improving amenities. With this appeal, many wonder—how expensive it is to live in El Salvador?—well, let’s find out! In El Salvador, … Read more
U.S. State Department Formally Notifies Congress It Is Effectively Dissolving USAID
WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department formally notified Congress on Friday that it is moving forward with dissolving the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The move is part of a broader cost-cutting initiative led by the Department of … Read more
El Salvador’s Economy Grows 2.6% in 2024: A Year of Mixed Performance
El Salvador’s economy grew by 2.6% in 2024, according to data released by the Salvadoran Central Reserve Bank (BCR). The growth signals indicate continued economic growth, but the increase fell short of last year’s predictions; the Central Reserve Bank predicted … Read more
The 12th Jocote Baron Rojo Festival in San Lorenzo, Ahuachapan, Is Set for Sunday, March 30
SAN LORENZO, El Salvador — Thousands of visitors are expected to gather in the San Lorenzo district on Sunday, March 30, for the 12th annual Jocote Barón Rojo Festival, a celebration of the region’s renowned fruit. Organized by the Ahuachapán … Read more
Terrorism Confinement Center CECOT: El Salvador’s Mega-Prison Housing Thousands of Gang Members
El Salvador’s Mega-Prison, or the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), is one of the world’s largest high-security facilities, designed to house over 40,000 inmates, primarily gang members, under strict surveillance and extreme security measures. Built under President Nayib Bukele’s administration, CECOT … Read more
El Salvador Prison System: IDHUCA Reports El Salvador Has the World’s Highest Incarceration Rate
SAN SALVADOR — El Salvador has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with nearly 2% of its population behind bars, according to a report presented Wednesday by the Human Rights Institute of the Central American University (IDHUCA) and other … Read more
Relatives of People Detained During the State of Exception Call for Their Release
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — Hundreds of relatives of people detained under El Salvador’s State of Exception marched Thursday to demand the release of their loved ones and the repeal of the emergency measure, which marks its third anniversary. Demonstrators … Read more
