El Salvador’s Changing Security Landscape

El Salvador, once synonymous with gang violence and security challenges, has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Our latest report, El Salvador’s Changing Security Landscape, prepared by Prosegur’s Global Risk Services Team, offers an in-depth exploration of these changes, the factors driving them, and their implications for businesses and travelers alike.

Download the full report

 

This document offers a detailed analysis of how El Salvador shifted from having one of the highest homicide rates in the world in 2015 to a level of violence comparable to Canada in 2024. Through carefully researched sections, the report highlights the government’s strategies under President Nayib Bukele, such as mass incarceration, the declaration of a perpetual State of Exception, and the controversial but impactful crackdown on gangs.

Key takeaways include:

• The near-elimination of endemic gang violence in urban areas, although rural and border regions still face residual crime.

• A rapid improvement in public safety and investor confidence, opening new business opportunities.

• The significant expansion of road, maritime, and railway infrastructure projects that are transforming El Salvador into a regional logistics hub.

• The ongoing debate around civil rights rollbacks and the sustainability of Bukele’s approach in the long run.

 

For security professionals, businesses considering Central American expansion, and travelers assessing risk, this report provides not just statistics, but essential context. It digs into the origins of the gang crisis, the political and social transformations under Bukele, and the economic revitalization that’s accompanying these security gains.

Furthermore, the report carefully balances the optimism of El Salvador’s improvements with the reality of ongoing human rights concerns. It offers actionable insights for readers, including recommendations on safe travel practices, the value of secure transportation, and the importance of staying informed as the situation evolves.

 

For those looking to truly understand the depth and complexity of this transformation, the complete report is available for download. It’s a must-read for decision-makers, security managers, and anyone considering travel or investment in El Salvador.

Download the full report here to gain a better understanding of how El Salvador is rewriting its security narrative and why this matters for your operations and safety.

 

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