Guatemala: Number one in economic cost of crime

Guatemala is the worst country, not only in Central America but also in the world, as far as the impact of crime on business productivity is concerned, according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2011-2012 of the World Economic Forum.

Nicaragua has the best result in the region.

On average, Central American productivity in general is severely affected by crime.

Behind Guatemala on the list are El Salvador and Honduras, where distrust of politicians and organized crime also permeate corporate results.

The numbers represent the position in the ranking of costs of crime and violence on productivity, based on interviews with business people in 142 countries.

1. Guatemala 142
   
2. El Salvador 141
   
3. Honduras 137
   
4. Costa Rica 117
   
5. Panamá 116
   
6. Nicaragua 105