In contrast to common misconception, countries run by dictators are quite safe. In these type of countries, common criminals are too scared of the dictator because he does not read a book called ‘’human rights’’. Corruption or crime is usually done by the people who are connected to the state. Regular tourist rarely gets hurt.
The world’s most dangerous places are usually located in developing countries. One of the great locations but with a terrible record might be El Salvador. Once a tourist steps at the airport, the first thing comes to mind is infamous kidnappings. Better to be safe than sorry. I wanted to visit the country while I was hanging in Mexico however I changed my mind quickly after reading some newspapers.
Probably the country itself is beautiful as Costa Rica. A great surfing location, full of nature and history, warm people … A tiny country which makes it easier to see around.Though the country has endured a past pocked with war and economic instability, Salvadorans warmly welcome the opportunity to show the world the country’s real character. But…
Source of the picture: Surf City El Salvador: world-class surfers ride waves to raise awareness on ocean warming | One Earth
Izalco Volcano in El Salvador's Cerro Verde National Park. Source of the picture: Should El Salvador be on your travel bucket list?
El Salvador is the leader in homicides in comparison to population. Kidnappings are very common. Not exactly a perfect touristic location for billionaires or millionaires or even average Joe from Texas.
‘’ El Salvador may be particularly dangerous, but it isn't the only Latin American country facing a homicide epidemic, writes Robert Muggah, a Brazilian crime researcher. ... Home to just 8 percent of the world's population, the region sees over 38 percent of global homicides. Every day some 400 Latin Americans are killed.’’ Source of the quoted paragraphs: Why is El Salvador so dangerous? 4 essential reads.
At the end of the day, things have a simple explanation: Corruption.
‘’ José Miguel Cruz agrees that gangs like MS-13 are not the sole cause of crime in Central America. Rather, he contends, they are “largely a symptom of a far more critical issue plaguing the region – namely, corruption.”
According to Cruz, groups like MS-13 have grown and thrived in El Salvador because the political class protects them. In August, prosecutors there showed that the country’s two main political parties had colluded with MS-13 and other gangs, paying more than US$300,000 for help winning the 2014 presidential election.
The same nexus between government and organized crime has been exposed across Central America, where political institutions routinely shield gangs in exchange for economic support and political backing in the barrios they control. Few are ever prosecuted for this crime, Cruz says.
That erodes Central Americans’ belief in the rule of law, which, in turn, makes it harder to fight violence. “Root out corruption in the Central American ruling class,” he wagers, “and the gangs and crooks will go down with it.” Source of the quoted paragraphs:

