El Salvador Country Report

El Salvador, Central America's smallest nation, is located on the isthmus’ Pacific coast and shares a border with Guatemala and Honduras; a portion of the country lies along the Gulf of Fonseca, which it shares with Honduras and Nicaragua. El Salvador has long seen significant levels of gang violence, provoking a major crackdown on organized crime by the government. Irregular migration from and through the country is also a perennial concern. Though only approximately 250 km (155 miles) at its maximum extent, portions of the country in rural mountainous areas are relatively remote. El Salvador is located in an active seismic zone.

El Salvador’s gang warfare has traditionally been the most pressing security threat affecting citizens and foreign travelers. However, crime has significantly decreased recently. Although narco-groups are present in the country, there are no traditional terrorism risks. The capital, in particular, frequently sees protests and strikes, which can contain an element of violence depending upon circumstances.

Air travel is safe to and from El Salvador.

Roads within cities and near major tourist spots are in generally good condition, as are major highways throughout the country. Secondary roads will be of varying quality.

The ports are considered efficient and important.

Basic services such as water, electricity and fuel availability are usually reliable in most of El Salvador, save in the more rural areas.

The country is considered both an unlikely sponsor of, and target for, cyber attacks. However, its defenses against such an attack are thought to be weak.

El Salvador has a generally tropical climate with rainy and dry seasons; temperatures can be quite high. Water quality is frequently mentioned as one of the foremost manmade issues facing the country. Earthquakes are a fairly common occurrence in El Salvador. While most are moderate, some can be severe. Storm systems typically occur during the rainy season and are amplified by the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes. The hurricane season generally lasts from June through November, with activity peaking by September.

Mosquito-borne diseases are the only non-routine epidemiological concern in the country. Private medical facilities in San Salvador are adequate for most needs, although facilities outside of the capital are more basic. Severe medical emergencies will require evacuation from the country. Access to pharmacies throughout El Salvador is generally good but medications can be in short supply or unavailable. The availability of medicines in less populated areas will vary. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless otherwise directed.

Corruption severely undermines governance and business in El Salvador on a regular basis. Rule of law is compromised by corruption, criminal gangs and impunity. El Salvador’s system of governance is generally stable, despite these issues. Sanctions are not a major concern for the country.