Central America

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.More ...

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.More ...

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.More ...

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.More ...

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.More ...

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.More ...