El Salvador emerged as the Latin American country with the highest satisfaction regarding the functioning of democracy. A remarkable 64% of the population expressed being «very satisfied,» more than double the regional average of 28% in Latin America. The findings, published in mid-2023, shed light on the citizens’ perceptions of democratic governance across the continent.

The Latinobarómetro 2023 report, titled «Democratic Recession in Latin America,» delves into various aspects, including overall support for democracy, the belief in democracy as the best system of government, and citizens’ satisfaction with democracy’s performance—a factor intricately linked to governmental practices.

El Salvador stands out not only for its current satisfaction levels but also for the historical fluctuations in democratic contentment. In 2009, satisfaction peaked at 60%, only to decrease to 43% in 2010 and plummet to a mere 11% in 2018. Notably, 2023 marks a historic high, with the satisfaction rate reaching unprecedented levels.

Other Latin American nations also featured in the report, with Uruguay following closely behind El Salvador at 59% satisfaction, and Costa Rica registering 43%. In contrast, countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Venezuela, and Peru reported the lowest levels of satisfaction with the performance of democracy.

The Latinobarómetro study, conducted by the non-profit organization based in Santiago de Chile, gathered data through 19,205 interviews, ensuring representative samples from each country. The national margins of error were at 3%, contributing to an overall global margin of 1%. Notably, Nicaragua was excluded from the 2023 survey due to reported security concerns for interviewers in the Daniel Ortega-led dictatorship.

As Latin America navigates the complex landscape of democratic governance, the Latinobarómetro 2023 report serves as a valuable resource, offering insights into the diverse sentiments and perceptions of citizens across the region. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the nuances of democratic satisfaction, providing a foundation for informed discussions on the future of governance in Latin America.