Central America
Haitians Express High Resolve, Community-Mindedness
Its people may be key assets in Haiti's recovery
March 1, 2010
Gallup polling in Haiti finds the Haitian people to be highly resilient, resourceful, and community-minded. Widespread belief in their own talents and high levels of community engagement may be key assets in the country's recovery and rebuilding.
In Honduras, Instability, Fear of Civil War Preceded Deal
November presidential election critical to boosting hopes of a better democracy
October 30, 2009
Honduran leaders, who Friday announced a power-sharing deal, have their work cut out for them as they attempt to end the country’s political crisis. Gallup polled in Honduras in July and found 71% of Hondurans saying the political situation in the country was not stable at all.
Many in Honduras Saw Political Situation as Unstable
In 2008, 29% said the country was headed toward a military coup d’etat
June 30, 2009
As political turmoil grips Honduras, a Gallup Poll survey reveals that 47% of Hondurans perceived their political situation as unstable in September 2008. About one in two respondents said government was most responsible for the country’s political tensions.
El Salvador’s New Leadership Inherits Myriad Challenges
Many respondents report trouble affording basic necessities
March 24, 2009
After 20 years with ARENA as the top political party, El Salvador looks to new leadership with FMLN. Gallup finds that El Salvador’s new president inherits a public highly dissatisfied with government efforts to deal with the poor and a nation where many are struggling to afford day-to-day necessities.
Chavez's Military
July 6, 2007
The Gallup World Poll indicates Latin Americans are likely to support Chavez's move to expand the region's military.
Central America Faces "Talent Flight"
Desire to emigrate not restricted to unskilled workers
February 14, 2007
Gallup World Poll data indicate a number of Central American countries are losing many skilled workers to emigration. The intention to emigrate is not necessarily explained by unemployment, suggesting many of those who wish to leave are looking for higher-quality jobs through which to realize their potential.
Central America's Unofficial Entrepreneurs
Half of those who consider starting businesses would stick to the informal sector
February 13, 2007
At least 40% of the populations in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua say they have at some point considered starting a business of their own, but about half of the prospective entrepreneurs in these countries are "lost" to the informal economy. Commonly perceived barriers to establishing formal businesses include cumbersome paperwork and lack of access to capital.
Central Americans Frustrated With Job Creation Efforts
Opinions on the effect of DR-CAFTA mixed throughout region
February 9, 2007
Central Americans are not satisfied with efforts to create quality jobs in their countries. In none of the five countries surveyed -- Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and El Salvador -- does the percentage satisfied with job creation efforts reach 40%. In El Salvador, just 18% say they are satisfied.
