El Salvador has a reputation for violence and drugs so I asked one of the YWAM guys about this. Turns out the reputation is true, El Salvador is the most violent country in Central America. Good to know. Below are a few I interesting facts I've since discovered:
Most of the violence is drug related, so foreigners (like me mom!) don't need to be over scared. The two main gangs are 18th Street and MS 13 (Mara Salvatrucha). MS 13 is the most dangerous gang in the world, they're known for their gruesomeness, like they don't just kill someone, they'll butcher them to death.
El Salvador had a civil war between 1980 and 1992. During this time the MS 13 gang was formed in Los Angeles - the founding members were children of immigrants fleeing the civil war in El Salvador. When the gang members returned home to El Salvador (after being deported from the USA), the MS 13 gang was brought back to El Salvador.
El Salvador has a population of 6 or 7 million people, with 2.5m of them being in the capital, San Salvador. It's safer outside of San Salvador, in the countryside, because of the drug and gang related violence in the city.
Tattoos signify involvement in a gang (people are often tattooed head to toe), so in ministry some of our guys have needed to cover the tattoos on their arms etc before ministering. People can be arrested on suspicion of being involved in a gang.
El Salvador has an average of 13 homicides per day.
80% of the country has heard the gospel (mostly Catholic), but very few are really walking out their salvation in a true relationship with Christ, so these people desperately need discipling in Jesus.
There is a big divide between rich and poor, with a very small middle class, although this is growing. 14 rich families (and their extended families) control the wealth in El Salvador (through businesses etc). Kinda makes me think of the mafia in Sicilly...
There are 26 volcanoes in El Salvador, only one is active.
A difference between Guatemala and El Salvador: at the Guatemala side of the border there was a poster showing photos of 2 missing children; at the El Salvador side there was a poster showing photos of at least 50 fugitives. Yes this is a country of violence.
On a personal note I have not felt any less safe here than I do at home in South Africa!
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