Armed conflict and political violenceElevated
Armed violence is reported regularly in some areas.
Country risk assessment ยท Americas
El Salvador political and security risk assessment
El Salvador carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 21 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), up 1 on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
21of 100
Low
Band 1 of 5
▲ Up 1 on last week
Americas
El Salvador
What is the political and security risk in El Salvador right now?
El Salvador carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 21 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), up 1 on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks.
Little changed at Low, with no standing risk flags.
On the economic side, real GDP grew 3.9% in 2025 with inflation at 0.3%.
What are the main risks of operating in El Salvador?
Protest and civil unrestGuarded
Protests occur but rarely disrupt operations.
What has changed recently in El Salvador?
El Salvador moved up 1 this week and rose 3 points over the last 12 weeks, from 18 to 21.
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess it is likely that El Salvador stays in the Low band through the end of December. It sits 4 points from the Guarded band.
60 to 75%
0%50%100%
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
Trade equals 88% of GDP (2025 data). A highly open economy, so local disruption travels quickly through supplier networks.
Operating conditions are normal. Standard security precautions apply.
Key facts
GDPUS$36.7 billionLatest data, 2025
Real GDP growth3.9%Latest data, 2025
Inflation0.3%Latest data, 2025
Trade88% of GDPLatest data, 2025
Food exports24% of goods exportsLatest data, 2025
Population6.4 millionLatest data, 2025
How has the El Salvador threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in El Salvador for business?
El Salvador carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 21 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), up 1 on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in El Salvador?
The main risk drivers are armed conflict and political violence (elevated); protest and civil unrest (guarded). Armed violence is reported regularly in some areas.
What is the outlook for El Salvador?
We assess it is likely (60 to 75%) that El Salvador stays in the Low band through the end of December. It sits 4 points from the Guarded band.
How often is the El Salvador risk assessment updated?
The El Salvador threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
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