El Salvador : income, employment, and social indicators changes over the decade 1975-1985

This report analyzes the impact of these conditions on the country"s economic and social life. Official data point to a serious deterioration in living standards in terms of employment, income, and social indicators. However, the situation may not be as grim as it appears, since official figures do not take into account important compensating mechanisms that have cushioned the impact of the economy"s poor growth performance. These mechanisms include the growth of the underground economy, emigration, and remittances from expatriates. In terms of non-monetary welfare, the overall picture is mixed, with striking improvements in some areas, stagnation in others, and a slight but regular deterioration in other areas, notably food intake. The report recommends that relief efforts be tailored primarily to meet the needs of those unable to benefit from the compensating mechanisms mentioned above, including displaced families and those too poor to emigrate. Annexes provide extensive statistical data on (1) macroeconomic indicators; (2) balance of payments; (3) remittances; (4) consumer price index; (5) population; (6) employment and income; (7) health and nutrition; and (8) education.