Forgotten World (172): El Salvador

The smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, El Salvador suffered a bitter civil war from 1980 until 1992. The war left around 70,000 people dead and caused damage worth $2 billion, but it also brought about important political reforms. After the civil war, presidential power remained in the hands of the Right until the former guerrillas the FMLN won elections in March 2009.
The population of almost 6 million suffers pervasive poverty, inequality of wealth, rampant corruption, and violent street gangs known as “maras”. Remittances from migrants in the United States – some 17% of GDP – is expected to fall as a result of the crisis in the American economy. As if that was not enough, the country has a susceptibility to earthquakes and hurricanes.


One Comment

  • Bob

    I was part of a Canadian trade union delegation that visited El Salvador in February, 1986.
    Our delegation met primarily with trade union and campesino organizations who were operating in a climate of fear and repression.
    I have to say that the victory of the FMLN in the recent presidential election brought joy to my heart.
    This long suffering country will now have the opportunity to jump aboard the wave of political and social reform that is sweeping Latin America.

 




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