Fewer homicides in both Guatemala and El Salvador

Aquí comparación de violencia homicida entre GT y ES según @PNCdeGuatemala y @PNC_SV Gracias a datos facilitados x @cguanacas de @_ElFaro_ pic.twitter.com/RlTMyWpgNB

— Carlos Mendoza (@camendoza72) January 3, 2017

According to recently released statistics from the Salvadoran and Guatemalan police authorities, homicides in both countries decreased in 2016.

Although it might still be the world's most violent country according to homicide levels, El Salvador experienced a significant drop in homicides. The total number dropped over 20% from 2015 to 2016. It's a one-year drop and the causes of such a decrease are debated but I am generally of the impression that fewer homicides are better than more homicides.

Guatemala, on the other hand, has consistently improved its homicide rate. After reaching a high of 46 in 2009, it now stands at approximately 27 homicides per 100,000 Guatemalans. Compared to El Salvador, Guatemala is more known for drug trafficking and organized crime rather than street gangs.That helps explain the comparatively lower levels of homicide in Guatemala compared to its neighbor. However, I'd like to think that the improvements in the country's criminal justice system since 2009 have also played a role in helping to improve security (at least when looking at homicides).