Final answer:
MS-13 is strongest in Central America, especially El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, and also has a significant presence in U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Long Island, New York.
Step-by-step explanation:
The international gang MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, has varying strengths across the world, with its strongest presence in parts of Central America and the United States. Particularly, MS-13 has a significant stronghold in El Salvador, where it originated, as well as other Central American countries such as Honduras and Guatemala. In the United States, the gang has established notable footprints in urban and suburban areas, most prominently in regions like Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Long Island in New York. This spatial pattern of MS-13's presence aligns with global trends of criminal activities and crime rates, which, according to the United Nations, are significantly higher in certain regions like Latin America compared to places like Europe and East Asia. The United States experiences crime rates that fall somewhere in between these extremes.
MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is considered to be strongest in Central America, particularly in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. These countries have been heavily affected by gang violence, and MS-13 has a significant presence in these areas.
It is important to note that MS-13 is an international criminal organization and has expanded its influence beyond Central America. The gang is also active in the United States, particularly in cities with significant immigrant populations from Central America.
Overall, MS-13's strength is primarily concentrated in Central America, but it has established a presence in other regions as well.