El Salvador Country Profile

OVERVIEW

USAID has worked together with the government and people of El Salvador since January 1962 to advance the country’s economic and social development, strengthen democracy, preserve its environment, respond to natural disasters, and to improve the health and well-being of Salvadorans.

OUR WORK

USAID’s strategic vision for El Salvador is a more prosperous and safe country, supported by a transparent and accountable government, where people believe they can have a better life at home. USAID helps stem the flow of irregular migration to the United States by addressing the root causes that drive Salvadorans north--insecurity, lack of economic opportunities, corruption, and inadequate provision of government services.  Security activities help create safe communities, reduce crime and violence, advance human rights, and strengthen the justice system to protect victims and bring criminals to justice. USAID education programs target vulnerable communities and help keep youth in school. Through investment promotion, job training, and partnerships with business, USAID increases employment opportunities for populations, who, without alternatives, would be more likely to attempt to migrate. USAID promotes government transparency and accountability and citizen oversight and helps improve the delivery of government services.

CITIZEN SECURITY 

USAID targets urban areas with high crime rates, where people are more likely to attempt to migrate, with programs that help reduce crime, provide protection for crime victims and other vulnerable populations, and help create safe communities. Programs provide job training, counseling, community service and recreational activities for youth as alternatives to criminal involvement or irregular migration. USAID works with municipalities, community organizations and private businesses on local violence prevention policies and programs and creating safe, public spaces, such as parks and other areas. To protect vulnerable populations and victims, USAID increases access to services for victims, particularly for victims of gender-based violence, and helps strengthen measures to prevent human rights abuses by law enforcement entities. USAID helps strengthen the justice system to detect, investigate, and prosecute violent crimes and corruption, placing particular emphasis on support services for crime victims.

ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

Along with violence, lack of economic opportunities and a path to long-term prosperity in El Salvador fuels irregular migration. USAID facilitates job creation and placement for likely migrants, and addresses key barriers to trade, investment, and access to capital to mobilize Salvadoran and international private sector investment in key sectors. USAID is helping Salvadoran small businesses to grow and create new jobs, so that people can find dependable, good-paying work at home. Boosting trade is another way to increase incomes and jobs. USAID works with Salvadoran authorities to streamline and improve border management and customs procedures. Job training programs align workforce skills with productive sector needs.  These activities target people that are most likely to attempt irregular migration, giving them a career path and placing them in jobs. Support for quality education at the primary and secondary level and alternative education programs improves school retention and prepares youth for future employment.  

DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

USAID promotes greater transparency, accountability, and more responsive governance to improve citizens’ confidence in both national and municipal level government. At the national level, USAID supports transparent public financial management and anti-corruption systems to boost the government’s ability to generate and effectively utilize its own resources to support development. USAID also helps create vibrant, prosperous neighborhoods by reclaiming and revitalizing public spaces and works with municipal governments to increase accountability and transparency and improve basic services to encourage people to remain in their community.  Activities help enhance citizen oversight and advocacy to advance government accountability and transparency.