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Country analysis

El Salvador

Gang violence and natural disasters are displacing high numbers of Salvadorans internally or to northern America, aside from contributing to food insecurity in the country.

Salvadorans often travel individually or in caravans to Mexico. Along the way, they face several protection risks mostly related to the presence and activities of organised crime groups. Migrants and asylum seekers travelling through irregular routes are at risk of kidnapping, extortion, gender-based violence, and forcible recruitment by criminal groups.

From 2008–2022, at least 175,000 people were internally displaced by violence resulting from drug-trafficking and organised crime in El Salvador. Another 119,000 people were displaced as a result of natural disasters.

El Salvador is part of the Central American Dry Corridor and experiences irregular rainfall and prolonged periods of drought that lead to major crop losses. The Atlantic hurricane season, typically from May or June to November, often hits the country, causing flooding and destroying crops and houses.

The economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in fuel prices, and the impact of the rainy season between May–October 2022 have also aggravated food insecurity in the country. 8.5% of the total population is considered undernourished, while 47% is moderately or severely food-insecure, especially in rural areas where the rates of multidimensional poverty are highest.

(Segob 12/2022, IDMC accessed 05/01/2022, IPI 15/11/2022, IPC 2021 accessed 14/09/2021, WFP 09/05/2022)

Gang violence and natural disasters are displacing high numbers of Salvadorans internally or to northern America, aside from contributing to food insecurity in the country.

Salvadorans often travel individually or in caravans to Mexico. Along the way, they face several protection risks mostly related to the presence and activities of organised crime groups. Migrants and asylum seekers travelling through irregular routes are at risk of kidnapping, extortion, gender-based violence, and forcible recruitment by criminal groups.

From 2008–2022, at least 175,000 people were internally displaced by violence resulting from drug-trafficking and organised crime in El Salvador. Another 119,000 people were displaced as a result of natural disasters.

El Salvador is part of the Central American Dry Corridor and experiences irregular rainfall and prolonged periods of drought that lead to major crop losses. The Atlantic hurricane season, typically from May or June to November, often hits the country, causing flooding and destroying crops and houses.

The economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in fuel prices, and the impact of the rainy season between May–October 2022 have also aggravated food insecurity in the country. 8.5% of the total population is considered undernourished, while 47% is moderately or severely food-insecure, especially in rural areas where the rates of multidimensional poverty are highest.

(Segob 12/2022, IDMC accessed 05/01/2022, IPI 15/11/2022, IPC 2021 accessed 14/09/2021, WFP 09/05/2022)

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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 21/08/2023

Drivers

Displacement
Violence
Floods
Drought

Crisis level

Country

Severity level

3.2 High

Access constraints

3.0

Analysis products
on El Salvador

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.

Natual 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.

Natual 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
Latina America and Caribbean: Zika Virus Epidemic

18 March 2016

Latina America and Caribbean: Zika Virus Epidemic

DOCUMENT / PDF / 166 KB

The Zika virus epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean is most affecting Brazil, with over one million cases estimated. Colombia reports over 18,000 confirmed and 2,000 suspected cases and anticipates over 650,000. El Salvador reports over 6,000 suspected cases. Venezuela reports over 4,500 confirmed cases, however unofficial estimates are thought to be as high as 400,000. 

Health
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