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Country analysis

El Salvador

For years, armed criminal gangs have threatened El Salvador's security. Although the Government’s enforcement of a state of emergency has begun to weaken them, the measure has raised significant protection concerns for the population, including unjustified arrests and convictions, forced displacement, and threats.

Between 2020–2022, violence and conflict internally displaced 362,000 people, while natural hazards displaced 22,000. The country is also in the middle of an international migration route from South to North America and acts as a transit point for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers headed to countries in the north.

Along the way, migrants, asylum seekers and refugees face several protection risks mostly related to the presence and activities of gangs and armed groups. Travelling migrants and asylum seekers are at risk of kidnapping, extortion, gender-based violence, and forced recruitment by criminal groups.

Communities in El Salvador also face barriers to food access. The country is part of the Central American Dry Corridor and experiences irregular rainfall and prolonged drought periods that lead to major crop losses. The Atlantic hurricane season (May/June to November) often hits the country, causing flooding and destroying crops and houses.

AI 04/12/2023, IDMC accessed 09/02/2024, FEWS NET accessed 20/02/2024, SEGOB 09/2023, IPI 15/11/2022)

For years, armed criminal gangs have threatened El Salvador's security. Although the Government’s enforcement of a state of emergency has begun to weaken them, the measure has raised significant protection concerns for the population, including unjustified arrests and convictions, forced displacement, and threats.

Between 2020–2022, violence and conflict internally displaced 362,000 people, while natural hazards displaced 22,000. The country is also in the middle of an international migration route from South to North America and acts as a transit point for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers headed to countries in the north.

Along the way, migrants, asylum seekers and refugees face several protection risks mostly related to the presence and activities of gangs and armed groups. Travelling migrants and asylum seekers are at risk of kidnapping, extortion, gender-based violence, and forced recruitment by criminal groups.

Communities in El Salvador also face barriers to food access. The country is part of the Central American Dry Corridor and experiences irregular rainfall and prolonged drought periods that lead to major crop losses. The Atlantic hurricane season (May/June to November) often hits the country, causing flooding and destroying crops and houses.

AI 04/12/2023, IDMC accessed 09/02/2024, FEWS NET accessed 20/02/2024, SEGOB 09/2023, IPI 15/11/2022)

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current crises
in El Salvador

These crises have been identified through the INFORM Severity Index, a tool for measuring and comparing the severity of humanitarian crises globally.

Read more about the Index

SLV001 - Complex crisis

Last updated 30/04/2025

Drivers

International Displacement
Floods
Drought/drier conditions

Crisis level

Country

Severity level

3 Medium

Access constraints

2.0

Analysis products
on El Salvador

El Salvador: anticipation of food insecurity

02 October 2023

El Salvador: anticipation of food insecurity

DOCUMENT / PDF / 316 KB

El Niño is anticipated to result in prolonged periods of drought and decreased rainfall in El Salvador, particularly affecting food security. Eastern and central parts of the country are especially vulnerable to reduced precipitation during El Niño events, likely affecting 25 municipalities in La Paz, La Unión, San Miguel, and Usulután states.

Anticipatory analysisFood security & livelihoodsNatural hazards
Central America: Complex crises and migration

05 January 2023

Central America: Complex crises and migration

DOCUMENT / PDF / 1 MB

This report presents the key drivers of migration and highlights the risks faced while in transit in four countries of Central America: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Although there are commonalities in the four countries, the report highlights and provides some outlook into each country’s specific situation in terms of humanitarian constraints and needs.

Mixed migration

Attached resources

AudioLISTEN TO THIS REPORT
Nicaragua: Dry spell in the north

24 July 2019

Nicaragua: Dry spell in the north

DOCUMENT / PDF / 502 KB

An El Niño phenomenon, although weak, has developed since February affecting several Central American countries, in particular Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua, known as the Dry Corridor. The most vulnerable households are likely to face Crisis (IPC-3) outcomes and are likely to resort to negative coping strategies, including reduced food consumption and sale of productive assets. Needs are likely to include food assistance, livelihood support and WASH.

Natural hazards
El Salvador: Drought

01 July 2019

El Salvador: Drought

DOCUMENT / PDF / 533 KB

A weak El Niño phenomenon has developed since February affecting Central America, in particular what is known as the Dry Corridor. The drought conditions are impacting agriculture and water sources, leading to higher levels of food insecurity and more pressing WASH needs.

Natural hazards
Guatemala: Migrant Caravan

29 October 2018

Guatemala: Migrant Caravan

DOCUMENT / PDF / 291 KB

Since 13 October, several thousand migrants have left Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala to form two large caravans and multiple smaller groups travelling by foot towards the United States border. Protection concerns, as well as, urgent food, water and shelter needs, have been reported.

Mixed migration
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