El Salvador, once known as the murder capital of the world, has experienced a dramatic decrease in homicides under President Nayib Bukele. This newfound safety, however, comes at a cost, with 2% of the population incarcerated. The drastic drop in crime is attributed to Bukele's 'iron fist' policies, but the true impact and long-term consequences remain debated.
Dramatic decrease in homicides from 6,656 in 2015 to 114 in 2024
Highest incarceration rate in the world (2% of the population)
Bukele's re-election with 84% of the vote
Controversial methods used to achieve this, including a state of exception and alleged secret deals with gangs
El Salvador was once the murder capital of the world. Now under President Nayib Bukele, it’s safer than Canada. But with 2% of its population locked up -- what is the real cost of this newfound safety?