Life in El Salvador


El Salvador Central Reserve Bank

Central Reserve Bank: El Salvador’s Foreign Direct Investment Declines by 10.9% in 2024


SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – Net foreign direct investment in El Salvador fell by 10.96% in 2024, totaling $639.63 million, the Central Reserve Bank (BCR) reported. Net foreign investment declined by $78.7 million compared to 2023, signaling shifting economic trends … Read more

Barrio 18 Tattoos

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

IDHUCA Press Conference

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

El Salvador State of Exception

El Salvador State of Exception: A Security Measure Implemented to Fight Gangs


El Salvador State of Exception is a harsh security measure that suspends certain constitutional rights to combat gang violence. It grants authorities expanded powers for arrests and prolonged detentions without immediate judicial oversight. The measure began in late March 2022 … Read more

Life in El Salvador

The San Salvador Metropolitan Area: 28 Districts, From Upscale Urban Centers to Charming Beach Towns


The San Salvador Metropolitan Area, home to 28 diverse districts, offers a mixture of upscale urban centers, historic neighborhoods, and charming beach towns, making it a dynamic hub of culture, commerce, and tourism. The San Salvador Metropolitan Area (AMSS) includes … Read more

Bitcoin Adoption in El Salvador

Bitcoin Adoption in El Salvador: A Transformational Journey


El Salvador was the first nation in the world to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. This bold move sparked global debate, with Bitcoin proponents heralding it as a revolution in global finance, while critics question the implications for … Read more

Chivo Pets Hospital

Chivo Pets Hospital: Making Affordable Animal Care Accessible in El Salvador


Chivo Pets Hospital in El Salvador is a unique veterinary hospital launched in 2022 as part of the government’s efforts to improve animal welfare across the country. It’s a public hospital designed to offer affordable and high-quality medical care for … Read more