El Salvador Makes History: Joining the Ranks of the World’s Safest Nations

El Salvador has made history by joining the ranks of the world’s safest nations for the first time. This remarkable achievement reflects the country’s progress in enhancing security and showcases a dedicated effort to reduce crime and protect its citizens.

This improved security achievement is attributed to the government’s aggressive anti-gang measures, police reforms, and enhanced security strategies, which have garnered international attention and recognition. However, it has also received condemnation!

According to Gallup’s Global Safety Report, El Salvador is among the safest countries. 88% of Salvadorans reported feeling safe walking alone at night.

The Gallup report credits President Nayib Bukele’s aggressive anti-gang measures with the country’s record-breaking security.

El Salvador, once known as the murder capital of the world, made the top of the “most safe” list for the first time in 2023, with a record-high 88% of residents saying they feel safe. CID-Gallup.

Although the country has drifted toward becoming a police state, the government’s crackdown on gangs — which have incarcerated approximately 2% of the country’s population — has made the country safer. El Salvador currently boasts one of the lowest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere. CID-Gallup.

For the first time, El Salvador is ranked among the world’s most secure countries. With a score of 88%, it holds the eighth position, just behind the United Arab Emirates (90%) and Slovenia (91%).

In recent years, El Salvador has garnered global attention for its improved security under President Nayib Bukele. While he has been praised for enhancing safety, Bukele has also faced criticism for harsh security measures, particularly the controversial state of exception.

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

In about five years, El Salvador has transformed from the murder capital of the world to one of the safest countries globally. An example of this security improvement is the country’s homicide rate, which has gone from 35.8 homicides per 100,000 people in 2019 to 2.4 in 2023.

While most Salvadorans are happy with the country’s enhanced security, many are left questioning: What is the price of this security improvement?

Local and international human rights organizations have reported that Bukele’s offensive against gangs has resulted in the violations of many individual human rights.

For instance, under the State of Exception, El Salvador has incarcerated approximately 2% of the country’s population.

Yes, critics label the El Salvador government a dictatorship that infringes on human rights; however, many citizens express that they have never felt so free and secure.

Gallup Law and Order Index

El Salvador also achieved a high score in the Gallup 2023 Law and Order Index, earning 89 points, which places the country among the top 15 nations.

The Gallup Global Law and Order Index serves as a crucial measure of global personal security, reflecting people’s experiences with crime and law enforcement.

In Central America, Panama ranks second in the Gallup 2023 Law and Order Index with a score of 77, while Guatemala follows in third with a score of 74. Honduras and Costa Rica are tied for fourth at 73, and Nicaragua did not receive a score.