Despite not being at war and reporting a decrease in crime rates, Honduras remains one of the most violent countries in Central America and the region, according to Migdonia Ayestas, director of the Violence Observatory at the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH).

“Even with all the reductions in crime, we still average six victims per day, and on average one of them is a woman,” Ayestas told EFE in Tegucigalpa. “This shows that, despite not being in a war, Honduras continues to rank among the most violent countries in Central America and across the continent.”

According to Ayestas, violence and crime have dropped more than 40 percentage points, but this improvement mainly reflects homicide rates — the international standard for measuring insecurity. Other forms of violence, however, remain alarming, especially sexual violence, which affects an estimated 88% of women nationwide.

The situation is particularly concerning for women. So far in 2025, 162 women have been killed violently, highlighting that homicides are only part of the problem. Many attacks occur within homes or community spaces — places that should be safe.

Among girls aged 10 to 14, the risk of experiencing violence is especially high. Ayestas also emphasized that firearms are the main weapons used in injuries and deaths, with many believed to be illegally trafficked.

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Furthermore, beyond gender-based violence, many Honduran families continue to suffer from extortion and common crime, adding further strain to daily life in one of the region’s most dangerous environments.

El Salvador’s tourism industry continues to gain international recognition, this time featured in a comprehensive article by the Spanish newspaper El País. In its travel section, El Viajero, the outlet published an extensive report titled “Everything Hidden in El Salvador: From Hosting the Pompeii of the Americas to Becoming the New Surf Paradise”, highlighting the country’s top attractions and its growing reputation as an emerging destination in Central America.

According to the report, El Salvador offers “three undeniable reasons to attract travelers: its volcanoes, Mayan archaeological sites, and exceptional beaches — not to mention its cuisine and wildlife.” The Spanish publication emphasizes that, despite being the smallest country in the region, El Salvador has stood out in recent years as an alternative to overcrowded destinations, attracting celebrities and international tourists seeking a quieter, more exclusive escape with perfect waves.

El País also notes that, after “a period of instability, the country is now safe, its roads are in excellent condition (even better than in neighboring countries), and visitors can enjoy its natural landscapes, wild beaches, volcanic scenery, hot springs, Mayan ruins, and even one of the best coffees in the Americas.” One of the country’s biggest advantages, the article adds, is its compact size, allowing travelers to explore mountains, beaches, and the capital all in a single day.

The report dedicates significant space to San Salvador, describing the capital as “a showcase of Salvadoran culture, identity, and diversity.” It highlights the National Museum of Anthropology (MUNA), the Museum of Modern Art (MARTE), and the National Library (BINAES), calling the latter “a cultural landmark and symbol of technological innovation” thanks to its virtual reality spaces, robotics labs, and 5G connectivity.

Gastronomy also plays a central role in the feature. El País praises the country’s iconic pupusas, while also mentioning yuca with chicharrón, elote tamales, and horchata. It recommends visiting the famous “Pupusódromo of Olocuilta”and several high-end restaurants in San Salvador, such as Nau and Faisca do Brazil, as well as the diverse dining options along El Hipódromo Avenue.

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Finally, the article showcases some of El Salvador’s natural and cultural gems, including San Salvador Volcano, Lake Coatepeque, and the archaeological sites of Joya de Cerén — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — along with Tazumaland San Andrés. It also highlights Ruta de las Flores and Suchitoto, praised for their colonial charm and vibrant cultural offerings.

Nicaragua will now have two police chiefs following a constitutional reform approved by Congress, mirroring the country’s unusual situation of having two presidents since February, the government announced Thursday.

The National Assembly, controlled by co-presidents and spouses Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, approved a constitutional amendment allowing the ruling couple to appoint two heads of the police.

Opposition figures in exile believe the reform could be used to increase persecution of government critics. The measure will take effect once ratified by Congress in 2026.

Police Director Francisco Díaz stated that the reform will make the institution “more efficient” in tackling organized crime, terrorism, drug and arms trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering. Díaz, who is Ortega’s and Murillo’s relative by marriage and sanctioned by the United States, said the move will also “strengthen and protect peace.”

Murillo added that the two police chiefs will divide responsibilities for public security coverage. Exiled Nicaraguan media suggested that the reform could reduce Díaz’s authority, potentially making him a ceremonial chief, according to the newspaper La Prensa.

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A UN Expert Group on Nicaragua previously identified 54 Nicaraguan officials, including Ortega, Murillo, and Díaz, as responsible for serious human rights violations and systematic repression. Díaz has led the police since 2018, during nationwide protests against the government, which Ortega characterized as a US-backed coup attempt. The repression reportedly left over 300 dead, according to UN reports.

Ortega, a 79-year-old former guerrilla who first ruled Nicaragua after the Sandinista revolution in the 1980s, has been in power since 2007, and critics accuse him and 73-year-old Murillo of running a “family dictatorship.”