What are the main gangs in El Salvador?

The best-known gangs, called maras in colloquial Salvadoran Spanish, are Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and their rivals 18th Street; maras are hunted by death squads, including Sombra Negra. Newer rivals include the rising mara, The Rebels 13.

What are the maras in El Salvador?

A mara (or marabunta) is a form of gang originating in the United States, which spread to Central American countries such as El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.

What is so bad about El Salvador?

El Salvador has one of the highest crime rates in Latin America. Violence between gangs is common and targets are usually rival gang members or the military and police. Most visits to El Salvador are trouble-free but there have been isolated attacks on tourists including robberies, car-jackings and violent assaults.

Can I live in El Salvador?

Moving to El Salvador is a good option mainly because of the excellent tropical weather, the low cost of living, the pacific ocean beaches, the unique culture, and the friendly people. Many people discard living in El Salvador because of the reputation the country has around the world.

Is there a lot of crime in El Salvador?

El Salvador has long had one of the highest rates of violent crime in the world. But even in this country inured to mayhem, the Osorio case has shocked the public. Local media have dubbed the dwelling the “House of Horrors.”

What is the highest paying job in El Salvador?

Administrative Assistant is the highest paying job at Embassy of El Salvador at $33,000 annually.

Where do the rich live in El Salvador?

Santa Ana. Made wealthy by the surrounding coffee plantations, Santa Ana, El Salvador’s less-visited second city, flaunts a string of showy architectural gems including the National Theater, a Baroque wedding cake of a building in jade green, and a gothic cathedral that rivals any in Central America.

How bad is it to live in El Salvador?

Over the last 20 years, El Salvador has been one of the most dangerous countries worldwide. Over the last three years, El Salvador has become safer; for example, San Salvador, the nation’s capital, is no longer one of the world’s most dangerous cities. In 2015, San Salvador was the 3rd most dangerous city in the world.

Is El Salvador poor or rich?

EL SALVADOR is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, with low per capita income, chronic inflation, and high unemployment.

What is the safest city in El Salvador?

Here are a few places that’re considered to be safe in El Salvador: Escalon, San Benito, Zona Rosa, Maquilishuat, La Grand Via, and Multiplaza.

Are there efforts to reduce gang violence in El Salvador?

There are local efforts to reduce gang violence in El Salvador. Creative is a nonprofit organization that employs young people who are at risk of getting involved with gangs.

Who is the police officer in El Salvador?

His body was found on the street in Chalchuapa. He is survived by his wife and two children, a boy and girl. Marta, 52, a police officer in Chapeltique, wears a balaclava for fear of gang reprisals.

Is there a civil war in El Salvador?

El Salvador is no stranger to violence. It endured a brutal civil war in the 1980s, which lasted for more than a decade. In many ways this history has underpinned the evolution of a terrifying gang culture where extortion and murder have become the norm. In the aftermath of the civil war, US immigration policies hardened.

What is the homicide rate in El Salvador?

As of 2018, El Salvador ranked 5 among countries with the highest homicide rates in the world. An estimated 60 percent of homicides are related to gang activity, and many are committed against women in addition to sexual and physical abuse. One woman dies every 24 hours solely based on their gender.