This paper evaluates whether mangroves can mitigate the impact of hurricanes on economic activity. The paper assembles a new, regionwide panel data set that measures local economic activity using nightlights, potential hurricane damages using a detailed hurricane windstorm model, and mangrove...

Panama's growth model is at crossroads and the country must be prepared for the new growth model. The objective of this study is to investigate the drivers and constraints of growth and productivity in Panama and explore areas with high growth potential. The value added of the study is to...

As the smallest economy in Central America, Nicaragua has undergone a structural transformation that has enabled the country to grow at a high pace since the mid-1990s. The objective of this study is to investigate the drivers and constraints of growth and productivity in Nicaragua and explore...

Despite advances in the growth reform agenda in the last decade, Honduras remains the second-poorest country in Central America, with one of the lowest growth rates in income per capita. The objective of this study is to investigate the drivers and constraints of growth and productivity in...

Central America comprises a diverse set of countries, including two high-middle-income countries (Costa Rica and Panama), two of the poorest countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (Honduras and Nicaragua), and two middle-income economies (Guatemala and El Salvador). Low productivity and...

This review focuses specifically on Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women, as opposed to Violence against women and girls (VAWG) more broadly, for several reasons. Partner violence is the most prevalent form of violence against women globally: a woman is at the greatest risk for...

Central America is undergoing an important transition, with urban populations increasingat accelerated speeds, bringing pressing challenges as well as opportunities to boost sustained,inclusive and resilient growth. Today, 59 percent of Central America's population lives in urban areas, but it...

Central America lags the rest of Latin America in outcomes related to women. The countries of Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama) have taken important steps toward increasing the inclusion of women and improving their social and economic...

Although El Salvador's modest pace of growth has reduced poverty and inequality in recent years, it has not been sufficient to move the country toward the income levels of wealthier economies. The objective of this study is to investigate the drivers and constraints of growth and productivity in...

Costa Rica has seen remarkable social and economic progress over the last three decades, with income per capita doubling, and well-being indicators reaching levels comparable with countries of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Nevertheless, the country still faces...