"14 Families" Catorce Familias ) refers to the historic oligarchy that controlled El Salvador's land and wealth during the "Coffee Republic"
Origin: Palestinian-Christian immigrants who arrived in the early 20th century. Power Base: Retail & Real Estate. Why they are best: The Simáns are the undisputed kings of retail. They founded Almacenes Simán (now partially sold to the Panamanian group Grupo UNO). They own massive shopping centers (Metrocentro) and housing developments. Unlike the old coffee elite, the Simáns are dynastic merchants who brought consumerism to the masses. Their "best" quality is their adaptation—surviving the civil war by never picking a side and emerging as the landlords of the capital. 14 richest families in el salvador best