In terms of total monetary loss due to extortion, El Salvador tops all Northern Triangle countries. The country pays out an estimated $400 million a year in extortion. One of the hardest hit parts of the country are urban spaces with high concentrations of small businesses and public transport services. Like in Guatemala and Honduras, extortion is mostly attributed to street gangs.
This interactive map seeks to take the reader through a tour of some of the most gang-ridden neighborhoods of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. The interactive map is also supplemented by a static map below.
*This investigation into extortion in the Northern Triangle was carried out as part of a joint project with the Global Initiative.