Prostitution in the Americas#Greenland

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Bermuda}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in the British Overseas Territories#Bermuda}}

Prostitution is legal in Bermuda but related activities such as running a brothel are illegal under the Criminal Code.{{cite web|title=Criminal code of Bermuda|url=http://www.bermudalaws.bm/Laws/Consolidated%20Laws/Criminal%20Code%20Act%201907.pdf|website=Bermuda Laws|accessdate=25 February 2018}} Women coming to the island to work as prostitutes, or is a known prostitute, may be refused entry under the immigration laws.{{cite book|title=Bermuda Immigration Laws, Policy and Regulations Handbook: Strategic Information and Regulations|date=2013|publisher=Lulu|isbn=9781438782171|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AoN_CgAAQBAJ&q=prostitution+in+Bermuda&pg=PA83|language=en}} Many of the prostitutes in the country are from Philippines, Dominican Republic and Panama.{{cite web|title=BERMUDA-IMMIGRATION-Angry Filipinos pull out of Bermuda Day parade|url=https://antiguaobserver.com/bermuda-immigration-angry-filipinos-pull-out-of-bermuda-day-parade/|website=Antigua Observer Newspaper|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=10 May 2010}} In 2010 the visa requirements for people from these countries was changed to attempt to curb prostitution.{{cite web|title=Bermuda Visa Rules for Panama Philippines Dominican Republic|url=http://bernews.com/2010/03/new-visas-reports-of-prostitution-sham-marriages/|website=Bernews|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=30 March 2010}} Street prostitution occurs in the capital, Hamilton, on Front Street.{{cite web|title=Reports of prostitutes on Front Street sparks concern {{!}} The Royal Gazette:Bermuda News|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20111130/NEWS/711309938|website=The Royal Gazette|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=30 November 2011}}

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{{main|Prostitution in Canada}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Canada}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex illegal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

Prostitution was traditionally legal as there were no laws prohibiting the exchange of sex for money or other consideration. On 20 December 2013, the Supreme Court of Canada found the laws prohibiting brothels, public communication for the purpose of prostitution, and living on the profits of prostitution to be unconstitutional. The ruling gave the Canadian parliament 12 months to rewrite the prostitution laws with a stay of effect so that the current laws remain in force.{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25468587 | work=BBC News | title=Canada Supreme Court strikes down prostitution laws | date=20 December 2013}} Amending legislation came into effect on 6 December 2014, which made the purchase of sexual services illegal, using the Swedish approach.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/12/03/controversial_prostitution_law_introduced_on_day_of_action_on_violence_against_women.html|title=Controversial prostitution law introduced on day of action on violence against women|author=Stephanie Levitz|date=3 December 2014|newspaper=Toronto Star|accessdate=26 October 2017}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Greenland}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex legal

}}

Prostitution in Greenland is illegal. Although the country is subject to the law of Denmark in most areas of legislation, Denmark's decriminalization of prostitution in 1999 has not been applied in Greenland.{{cite report|title=Prostitution in the Nordic Countries|url=http://norden.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:701621/FULLTEXT01.pdf|location=Stockholm|date=16–17 October 2008|first1=Charlotta|last1=Holmström|first2=May-Len|last2=Skilbrei|publisher=Nordic Council of Ministers|isbn=978-92-893-1930-0}} In addition, Greenland is exempt from the obligations of the Palermo Protocol on human trafficking to which Denmark is a signatory, but there is little evidence of human trafficking in Greenland.{{cite report|title=Human Trafficking as a Human Rights Issue And Policy Responses of Arctic Nations|url=https://www.rha.is/static/files/NRF/OpenAssemblies/Anchorage2008/a/5th_nrf_anc_2008_footen_bromfield_human_trafficking.pdf|first1=Nicole Footen|last1=Bromfield|publisher=Virginia Commonwealth University|page=10|accessdate=28 October 2017}} A report published in 2008 indicated that Greenland had no signs of visible or organised prostitution, no services directed specifically at prostitutes and no instances of prostitution-related court cases. It did, however, refer to claims that transactional sex had sometimes been used, for example, in return for temporary housing. In a tradition associated with Greenlandic Inuit, hosts have been reported to have offered their wives to guests in a form of "hospitable prostitution".{{cite book|title=Criminal Woman, the Prostitute, and the Normal Woman|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S3g29DlTxNsC|first1=Cesare|last1=Lombroso|first2=Guglielmo|last2=Ferrero|publisher=Duke University Press|year=2004|isbn=9780822332466|page=101}}{{cite journal |last1=Garber |first1=Clark M. |title=Marriage and Sex Customs of the Western Eskimos |journal=The Scientific Monthly |date=1935 |volume=41 |issue=3 |pages=215–227 |issn=0096-3771|jstor=16037 |bibcode=1935SciMo..41..215G }} The colonists who founded the country's capital Nuuk in 1728 included prostitutes among their number.{{cite book|last1=Wurm|first1=Stephen A.|last2=Mühlhäusler|first2=Peter |last3=Tyron|first3=Darrell T.|title=Atlas of Languages of Intercultural Communication in the Pacific, Asia, and the Americas, International Council for Philosophy and Humanistic Studies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=glU0vte5gSkC|series=Volume 2, Part 1 Volume 13 of Trends in Linguistics|year=1996|publisher=Walter de Gruyter|isbn=978-3-11-013417-9|page=1051}}

{{main|Prostitution in Mexico}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Mexico}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal under Federal law
Each state enacts its own prostitution laws
Prostitution is legal and regulated in 13 states
Buying sex legal

}}

Prostitution in Mexico is legal under Federal law. Each of the 31 states enacts its own prostitution laws and policies. 13 of the states of Mexico allow and regulate prostitution.Weitzer, Ronald. 2013. Legalizing Prostitution: From Illicit Vice to Lawful Business. ([https://www.businessinsider.com/galactic-zone-shows-why-we-should-legalize-prostitution-2013-10 Excerpt]) Prostitution involving minors under 18 is illegal.

Some Mexican cities have enacted "tolerance zones" ("zonas de tolerancia") which allow regulated prostitution and function as red light districts. In Tuxtla Gutiérrez, capital of the state of Chiapas, there is a state-run brothel at the Zona Galáctica.{{cite web|last1=Weitzer|first1=Ronald|title=Mexico's State-Run Brothel Shows Us The Benefits Of Making Prostitution Legal|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/galactic-zone-shows-why-we-should-legalize-prostitution-2013-10?IR=T|website=Business Insider|accessdate=22 April 2018|date=29 October 2013}} In most parts of the country, pimping is illegal, although pimp-worker relationships still occur, sometimes under female pimps called "madrotas".Patty Kelly, Lydia's Open Door: Inside Mexico's Most Modern Brothel (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2008), 126. The government provides shelter for former prostitutes.{{cite news|title= Elderly ex-prostitutes|work=Reuters|date=26 October 2007|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2020179420070620

}}

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{{Main|Prostitution in the United States}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|United States}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal under Federal Law but prohibited in all states except in licensed brothels in certain rural counties of Nevada, and decriminalized in Maine
Buying sex legal under Federal Law but prohibited in all states except in licensed brothels in certain rural counties of Nevada, and decriminalized in Maine
No federal brothels law, de facto prohibited in all states except for certain rural counties of Nevada where brothels are licensed and regulated
No federal procuring law, prohibited in all states
No federal solicitation law, prohibited in all states except in Maine where it is decriminalized

}}

Prostitution laws in the United States are determined at the state level. The practice is illegal in all but two of its 50 states and is illegal in all U.S. territories.

Nevada is the only U.S. jurisdiction which allows some legal prostitution in some of its counties. Currently 7 out of Nevada's 16 counties have active brothels. Prostitution outside these brothels is illegal throughout the state; prostitution is illegal in the major metropolitan areas (Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City). Prostitution is heavily regulated by the state of Nevada (see Prostitution in Nevada).

Maine partially decriminalized prostitution following the Nordic model in 2023.{{cite web|last=Kobin|first=Billy|title=Janet Mills signs off on law partially decriminalizing prostitution in Maine|url=https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/06/26/politics/janet-mills-signs-law-partially-decriminalizing-maine-prostitution-xoasq1i29i/|website=Bangor Daily News|date=2023-06-26|access-date=2023-06-26}}

Recently, states such as New York and Washington also have considered legalizing or decriminalizing prostitution, but so far proposals have not materialized.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

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{{See also|Prostitution in the Caribbean|prostitution in North America|prostitution in South America}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Belize}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex illegal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Belize}}

Prostitution is legal in Belize, but the buying of sexual services is not.{{cite web|last1=Flowers|first1=Benjamin|title=Regional prostitution laws challenged but sex work already legal in Belize|url=http://www.reporter.bz/front-page/regional-prostitution-laws-challenged-but-sex-work-already-legal-in-belize/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423134245/http://www.reporter.bz/front-page/regional-prostitution-laws-challenged-but-sex-work-already-legal-in-belize/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=23 April 2016|website=The Reporter Newspaper|accessdate=31 December 2017|date=22 April 2016}}{{cite web|title=Prostitution in San Pedro|url=http://ambergrisdaily.com/ambergris-caye-stories/prostitution-in-san-pedro/|website=Ambergris Daily|accessdate=31 December 2017|date=2 August 2012|archive-date=15 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615055515/http://ambergrisdaily.com/ambergris-caye-stories/prostitution-in-san-pedro/|url-status=dead}} Associated activities such as operating a brothel, loitering for the purposes of prostitution and soliciting sex are also illegal.{{cite web |url= http://spl.ids.ac.uk/sexworklaw/countries |title= Sex Work Law |website= Sexuality, Poverty and Law Programme |access-date= 25 November 2017 |archive-date= 29 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200729103225/http://spl.ids.ac.uk/sexworklaw/countries |url-status= dead }}{{cite web|url=http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/61581 |title=Special Envoy for Women and Children focus on sex predators | Channel5Belize.com |publisher=Edition.channel5belize.com |date=5 October 2011 |accessdate=26 May 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.bz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3858:special-envoy-lobbying-for-harsher-laws-on-sex-crimes-against-children&catid=59:other-news&Itemid=88 |title=Special Envoy Lobbying for Harsher Laws on Sex Crimes against Children - The Guardian Newspaper |publisher=Guardian.bz |date=6 October 2011 |accessdate=26 May 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-466131|title=Vivian Trill Report San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize|accessdate=27 January 2017}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eGCZmN2MPaUC&q=Prostitution%20in%20Belize&pg=PA31|title=Gender, Sexuality and HIV Risk in Belize: A Mixed Methods Study|first1=Jennifer Louise|last1=Simmons|date=1 January 2008|accessdate=27 January 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9780549724070}}

Prostitution is widespread and takes place on the streets and in brothels, bars, nightclubs and hotels.

Although denied by the government,{{cite web|last1=Ramos|first1=Adele|title=Belize "sex paradise"?|url=http://amandala.com.bz/news/belize-sex-paradise/|website=Amandala Newspaper|accessdate=31 December 2017|date=14 February 2014}} the country is a destination for sex tourism.{{cite web|url=http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=539&frmsrch=1|publisher=7 News Belize|title=Belizean Women Being Recruited To Work as Tourism Prostitutes|date=12 April 2007}}{{cite web|title=Prostitution and Sex in Belize|url=http://guide2belize.com/belize-prostitution/|website=Guide2Belize|accessdate=31 December 2017}} Child sex tourism is a problem,{{cite news|url=http://amandala.com.bz/news/child-sex-tourism-an-emerging-trend-in-belize/ |title=Child Sex Tourism "an emerging trend in Belize"|newspaper=Amandala Newspaper|date=18 June 2010|author=Adele Ramos}} primarily by visitors from the United States.{{cite web|title=Belize 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271146.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181131/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271146.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|accessdate=31 December 2017}}

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{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Costa Rica}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Costa Rica}}

Prostitution is not illegal but many of the activities surrounding it are illegal,{{cite web|title=Código Penal, Ley No. 4573 de 1970 y reformas hasta 26 de febrero de 2002|author=Asamblea Legislativa de la República de Costa Rica|url=http://www.oas.org/Juridico/MLA/sp/cri/sp_cri-int-text-cpenal.pdf|language=es|accessdate=17 March 2007}}see SECCIÓN III: Corrupción, proxenetismo, rufianería (Articles 167 to 172). as the law forbids promoting or facilitating the prostitution of another, and therefore pimping, brothels, or prostitution rings are illegal.{{cite news|url=http://www.laflecha.net/canales/blackhats/200412073/|title=Promoción de la prostitución: Unos 130 sitios de internet promueven el turismo sexual de Costa Rica|publisher=LaFlecha.net|date=7 December 2004|accessdate=17 March 2007|language=es|quote=...prostitution is not penalized in the country, but a third-party soliciting clients for a prostitute (proxenetismo) is committing a crime|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070513014253/http://www.laflecha.net/canales/blackhats/200412073/|archive-date=13 May 2007}}(free translation from Spanish){{cite news | title=Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Costa Rica| publisher=U.S. State Department | url =https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61722.htm |accessdate = 28 September 2007 | quote =...There are no specific laws against sex tourism, which was growing}}{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119154.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226175221/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119154.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=26 February 2009|title=2008 Human Rights Report: Costa Rica|date=25 February 2009|website=Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor|publisher=U.S. Department of State|accessdate=7 May 2009}} Prostitution is common and is practiced openly throughout the country, particularly in popular tourism destinations.{{cite news|url=http://www.nacion.com/ln_ee/2004/diciembre/05/ultima-ce1.html|title=Unos 130 sitios de internet promueven turismo sexual Costa Rica|publisher=La Nación|date=5 December 2004|accessdate=16 March 2007|language=es}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|author=Otto Vargas|url=http://www.nacion.com/ln_ee/2004/diciembre/05/sucesos0.html|title=Agencias ofrecen en el exterior damas para vacaciones eróticas en Costa Rica|publisher=La Nación|date=4 December 2004|language=es|accessdate=16 March 2007}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|author=Ángela Ávalos|url=http://www.nacion.com/ln_ee/2008/junio/22/pais1567973.html|title=Cien personas escapan de redes de tráfico de almas en Jacó|publisher=La Nación|date=22 June 2008|language=es|accessdate=22 June 2008|archive-date=26 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080626103022/http://nacion.com/ln_ee/2008/junio/22/pais1567973.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/13/costa-rica-sex-trade-thri_n_318364.html|title=Costa Rica Draws Sex Trade|publisher=The Miami Herald|date=13 October 2009|accessdate=29 October 2011}} Websites list detailed locations and hotels that allow prostitutes. These online fraternities provide forums for sex tourists to compare experiences and act as a guide for future sex tourists.

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{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|El Salvador}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal under national law but may be prohibited by local laws
Buying sex legal under national law but may be prohibited by local laws
Brothels legal under national law but may be prohibited by local laws
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in El Salvador}}

Prostitution itself is not prohibited by national law, but may be prohibited by local municipal ordinances.{{cite web|last1=van Wanrooij|first1=Dennis |title=OTS: Mapping Human Rights Violations Against Sex Workers in El Salvador - Red Umbrella Fund|url=http://www.redumbrellafund.org/ots-mapping-human-rights-violations-sex-workers-el-salvador/|website=Red Umbrella Fund|accessdate=31 December 2017|date=2 March 2015}} Municipal ordinances may also prohibit the purchase of sexual services. Related activities such as facilitating, promoting or giving incentives to a person to work as a prostitute (pimping) are illegal. The prostitution of children (those under 18) is also illegal. Brothel ownership, however, is legal. There are no specific laws against human trafficking, but any criminal offence that includes ‘commerce in women or children’ requires sentencing to be increased by 30%.{{cite web|title=Prostitution in El Salvador, San Salvador|url=http://www.dismalworld.com/prostitution-in-el-salvador-san-salvador/|website=Dismal World|accessdate=1 January 2018|date=25 January 2008}}

Those municipalities that do not prohibit sex work often set up zones for sex workers away from schools and churches. In the San Esteban area of San Salvador, 17 brothels were forcibly closed in August 1998 for being too close to schools and churches.{{cite web|title=EL SALVADOR: AUTHORITIES ORDER CLOSURE OF BROTHELS|url=http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/0e6f64282022994b907a75ceaef2ccb5|website=AP Archive|accessdate=31 December 2017|date=31 August 1998}}

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{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Guatemala}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels legal
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Guatemala}}

Prostitution itself is legal but procuring is prohibited. There is an offence of “aggravated procuring” where a minor is involved.{{cite web|url=http://www.ipsnews.net/2006/10/guatemala-where-sexual-exploitation-of-minors-is-not-a-crime/|title=GUATEMALA: Where Sexual Exploitation of Minors Is Not a Crime - Inter Press Service|date=13 October 2006|accessdate=27 January 2017}} Keeping a brothel is not prohibited.

Prostitution is widespread in Guatemala; Guatemala City alone has 9 red-light districts,{{cite web|last1=Wallace Bowman|first1=Hannah|title=Guatemala women sex-workers live in a dangerous 'twilight' world - Woman News Network (WNN)|url=https://womennewsnetwork.net/2014/03/17/guatemala-women-sex-workers-world/|website=Woman News Network (WNN)|accessdate=2 January 2018|date=17 March 2014}} including La Linea, El Trebol and Parque Concordia.{{cite web|title=MuJER Guatemala - Our story|url=http://mujerguatemala.org/about-us/our-story/|website=MuJER Guatemala|accessdate=2 January 2018}} Statistics from the Vigilancia Centinela de las Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual (VICITS) sexual health clinics from 2007 to 2011, showed 10.8 of the sex workers worked on the streets, the rest working indoors at strip clubs, brothels based at residential homes, bars etc.{{cite journal|last1=Morales-Miranda|first1=Sonia|last2=Jacobson|first2=Jerry O.|last3=Loya-Montiel|first3=Itzel|last4=Mendizabal-Burastero|first4=Ricardo|last5=Galindo-Arandi|first5=César|last6=Flores|first6=Carlos|last7=Chen|first7=Sanny Y.|title=Scale-Up, Retention and HIV/STI Prevalence Trends among Female Sex Workers Attending VICITS Clinics in Guatemala|pmc=4148235|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=9|issue=8|pages=e103455|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0103455|pmid=25167141|date=28 August 2014|bibcode=2014PLoSO...9j3455M|doi-access=free}}

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{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Honduras}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Honduras}}

Prostitution is currently legal in Honduras. Because there is no law prohibiting prostitution, it is a prevalent form of occupation, especially amongst women and teenagers in cities. Although similar institutions such as brothel ownership and pimping are illegal, prostitution has remained largely unchecked by the government.

Lack of enforcement of current laws has created a profitable business out of prostitution — one in which both adults and children are a part. There are many causes to the high rates of involvement amongst the women and teens in cities, but the main reason is the high poverty levels. Participants see sex work as a viable option to escape poverty.

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Nicaragua}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Nicaragua}}

Prostitution is legal, but promoting prostitution and procuring are prohibited.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090226175519/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119167.htm 2008 Human Rights Report: Nicaragua]. State.gov. Retrieved on 30 March 2011. The minimum age for prostitutes is 14 years old. It was estimated in 2015 that were around 15,000 prostitutes in the country.{{cite web|last1=Custer|first1=Jeff|title=Nicaragua trains sex workers as judicial facilitators - Inside Costa Rica|url=http://insidecostarica.com/2015/06/04/nicaragua-trains-sex-workers-judicial-facilitators/|website=Inside Costa Rica|accessdate=2 January 2018|date=4 June 2015}}

Prostitution is common in Managua. Prostitutes work on the streets, in nightclubs and bars, or in massage parlors.

Prostitutes are known locally as "zorras".{{cite web|title=Live in Nicaragua - The Lay of the Land|url=http://www.liveinnicaragua.com/pages/chapter01.html|website=Live in Nicaragua|accessdate=2 January 2018|language=en-gb}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Panama}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal and regulated
Buying sex legal
Brothels legal and regulated
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Panama}}

Prostitution is legal and regulated. Prostitutes are required to register and carry identification cards.{{cite web|url=http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_11/issue_07/frontpage.html|title=Is this the time or place to publish the profane?|publisher=thepanamanews.com|accessdate=9 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050829070851/http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_11/issue_07/frontpage.html|archive-date=29 August 2005|url-status=dead }} However, the majority of prostitutes are not registered. 2,650 sex workers were registered with the government in 2008, but there was no accurate information regarding the total number of persons practising prostitution in the country.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090226174508/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119168.htm 2008 Human Rights Report: Panama]. State.gov (25 February 2009). Retrieved on 2011-03-30. Some estimate put the number of unregistered prostitutes at 4,000.{{cite web|last1=Winner|first1=Don|title=Hookers, Hookers, Everywhere... Sex Tourism in Panama|url=http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/20070512185127612|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515044616/http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/20070512185127612|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 May 2007|website=Panama-Guide|accessdate=20 December 2017|date=12 May 2007}}

The main area of prostitution in Panama City is El Cangrejo.{{cite web|title=Fantastic Food, Expats, Einstein's Head, And Hookers—Exploring The Streets Of El Cangrejo|url=https://www.liveandinvestoverseas.com/in-focus-panama/el-cangrejo-panama-city-food-friends-and-entertainment/|website=Live and Invest Overseas|accessdate=20 December 2017|date=3 December 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Peddicord|first1=Kathleen|title=10 Things To See And Do In Panama City's Rowdiest, Bawdiest Zone|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathleen-peddicord/10-top-things-to-see-and-_b_5954516.html|website=Huffington Post|accessdate=20 December 2017|date=6 December 2017}} Street prostitution also occurs on Avenida Mexico, Central Avenue and Avenida Perú.{{cite web|title=Panama's rising prostitution pressures health center|url=http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/panamas-rising-prostitution-pressures-health-clinic|website=Newsroom Panama|accessdate=20 December 2017|date=8 August 2017}}

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{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Argentina}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal under Federal law but illegal under local law in some areas
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|prostitution in Argentina}}

Prostitution (exchanging sex for money) is legal under Federal law. Article 19 of the constitution states: "The private actions of people that do not offend in any way the public order and morality, nor damage a third person, are only reserved to God, and are exempt from the authority of the magistrates." Organised prostitution (brothels, prostitution rings and pimping) is illegal.{{cite web|url=https://history.osu.edu/publications/sex-and-danger-buenos-aires-prostitution-family-and-nation-argentina|title=Sex and Danger in Buenos Aires: Prostitution, Family, and Nation in Argentina - Department of History|website=History.osu.edu|accessdate=9 January 2017|date=10 November 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7793183.stm|title=BBC NEWS - Americas - Dark side of Argentine sex city|website=News.bbc.co.uk|accessdate=9 January 2017}}{{cite web|author=Reed Lindsay in Buenos Aires |url=https://www.theguardian.com/argentina/story/0,11439,1130610,00.html |title=Argentina's prostitutes get militant | World news | The Observer |publisher=Guardian |date=25 January 2004 |accessdate=1 August 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/15000-19999/16546/texact.htm |title=Codigo Penal De La Nacion Argentina |publisher=Infoleg.gov.ar |accessdate=1 August 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119145.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226175121/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119145.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 February 2009 |title=2008 Human Rights Reports: Argentina |publisher=State.gov |date=25 February 2009 |accessdate=1 October 2011}} In addition, individual provinces may place further restriction on the trade.{{cite web|last1=Dubove|first1=Adam|title=Argentinean Sex Workers Demand the Right to Sell Their Own Bodies|url=https://panampost.com/adam-dubove/2015/12/04/argentinean-sex-workers-demand-the-right-to-exploit-their-own-bodies/|website=PanAm Post|accessdate=15 December 2017|date=4 December 2015}} For example, in San Juan, publicly offering sex services for money if punishable by up to 20 days in jail. In 2012, newspapers were banned from carrying classified-ads offering sexual services.

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Bolivia}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal by registered prostitutes in licensed brothels
Buying sex legal
Brothels legal and regulated
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|prostitution in Bolivia}}

In Bolivia, prostitution is legal and regulated.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/25/world/americas/25briefs-prostitutes.html|title=Bolivia: Prostitutes Sew Lips Together in Protest|date=25 October 2007|newspaper=New York Times}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zSyJAAAAQBAJ&q=Prostitution%20in%20Bolivia&pg=PA71|title=CultureShock! Bolivia: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette|first1=Mark|last1=Cramer|date=15 November 2009|publisher=Marshall Cavendish International Asia Pte Ltd|accessdate=10 January 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9789814484350}} It is only permitted by registered prostitutes in licensed brothels. Prostitutes must register and must undergo regular health checks for sexually transmitted diseases (every 20 days). The police are allowed to check whether the prostitutes are registered or not, and have attended a clinic during the previous 20 days.

In 2016 UNAIDS estimated there were 30,523 prostitutes in the country.{{cite web|title=Bolivia 2016 Country Factsheet|url=http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/bolivia/|website=UNAIDS|accessdate=22 April 2018|language=en}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Brazil}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|prostitution in Brazil}}

Prostitution that is the exchange of sex for money as there are no laws forbidding adults from being professional sex workers,{{Citation

| date = 8 March 2006

| title = Brazil – Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – 2005

| publisher = Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (USA Department of State)

| url = https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61718.htm

| accessdate = 8 August 2008

}} but it is illegal to operate a brothel or to employ sex workers in any other way.[https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/aids/brazil/leite.html Gabriela Silva Leite] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315193158/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/aids/brazil/leite.html |date=15 March 2013 }}, PBS Online NewsHour, 13 July 2003 Public order and vagrancy laws are used against street prostitutes. The affordability of prostitutes is the most inquired-about term in word completion queries on purchases on Google.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/most-googled-products-in-one-map-a7457271.html|title=The most Googled products and services in every country in one crazy map|website=Independent.co.uk |date=5 December 2016}}

A 2013 survey published by UNAIDS estimated there to be 546,848 prostitutes in the country.{{cite web|title=Brazil 2016 Country Factshhet|url=http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/brazil/|website=UNAIDS|accessdate=22 April 2018|language=en}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Chile}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal and regulated
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|prostitution in Chile}}

Adult prostitution is legal, subject to regulation, but related activities such as keeping brothels and pimping are prohibited.[https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78884.htm Report on Human Rights Practices 2006: Chile]. United States Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (6 March 2007). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Several hundred women were registered as prostitutes with the National Health Service, and undergo mandatory medical examinations.

Although illegal, brothels are set up in the more remote areas of Chile in ports, mining towns, logging areas or anywhere where there are men working away from home.{{cite web|last1=Cotton|first1=John|title=Quasi-Legalized Prostitution in Chile|url=http://escapeamericanow.info/legalized-prostitution-in-chile/|website=Escape America Now|accessdate=5 December 2017|date=9 November 2008|archive-date=23 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223175913/http://escapeamericanow.info/legalized-prostitution-in-chile/|url-status=dead}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Colombia}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal and regulated in brothels in designated tolerance zones
Buying sex legal
Brothels legal in designated tolerance zones
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|prostitution in Colombia}}

Prostitution is legal, regulated and limited to brothels in designated "tolerance zones".{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119153.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226175614/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119153.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 February 2009 |title=2008 Human Rights Reports: Colombia |website=State.gov |accessdate=29 July 2016}}{{cite web|last1=LeMire|first1=Jonathan|title=Secret service sex scandal: Prostitution is big business in Colombia|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/secret-service-sex-scandal-prostitution-big-business-colombia-article-1.1061734|website=NY Daily News|accessdate=22 April 2018|date=14 April 2012}} Sex workers are required to regular health checks. However the laws are rarely applied and prostitution is widespread, partly due to poverty and internal displacement.{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119153.htm |title=2008 Human Rights Reports: Colombia |website=State.gov |accessdate=29 July 2016}}

Domestically, organized crime networks, some related to illegal armed groups, are responsible for human trafficking for sexual slavery and the armed conflict has made a large number of internal trafficking victims vulnerable.

UNAIDS estimate there to be 7,218 prostitutes in the country.{{cite web|title=Colombia 2016 Country Factsheet|url=http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/colombia/|website=UNAIDS|accessdate=22 April 2018|language=en}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Ecuador}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal by registered prostitutes in licensed brothels
Buying sex legal
Brothels legal and regulated
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|prostitution in Ecuador}}

Prostitution is legal and regulated, as long as the prostitute is over the age of 18, registered, and works from a licensed brothel. Prostitution is widespread throughout the country.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyemerald.com/2007/07/16/ecuadorian-brothels-illuminate-red-light-truths/|title=Ecuadorian brothels illuminate red-light truths|first1=Daily|last1=Emerald|date=16 July 2007|accessdate=9 January 2017}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ORuJAAAAQBAJ&q=Prostitution%20in%20Ecuador&pg=PA60|title=CultureShock! Ecuador: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette|first1=Nicholas|last1=Crowder|date=15 October 2009|publisher=Marshall Cavendish International Asia Pte Ltd|accessdate=9 January 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9789814435734}}{{cite web|url=http://bigthink.com/dollars-and-sex/the-price-of-sex-in-south-america-a-guide-for-secret-service-agents|title=The Price of Sex in South America: A Guide for Secret Service Agents|first1=Marina|last1=Adshade|accessdate=9 January 2017|date=21 April 2012}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w5vSDAAAQBAJ&q=Prostitution%20in%20Ecuador&pg=PA333|title=The Oxford Handbook of the Economics of Prostitution|first1=Scott|last1=Cunningham|first2=Manisha|last2=Shah|date=10 August 2016|publisher=Oxford University Press|accessdate=9 January 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9780199915255}} Many brothels and prostitutes operate outside the regulatory system and the regulations have been less strictly enforced in recent years. 25,000 prostitutes were registered in 2000.{{cite web|last1=Soguel|first1=Dominique|title=Ecuador Sex Workers Target HIV-AIDS Prevention|url=http://womensenews.org/2009/04/ecuador-sex-workers-target-hiv-aids-prevention/|website=Women's eNews|accessdate=27 December 2017|date=10 April 2009}} In 2007 it was estimated that 70% of the prostitutes in the country were from Colombia.{{cite book|last1=Crowder|first1=Nicholas|title=Culture shock!. a survival guide to customs and etiquette|date=2006|publisher=Marshall Cavendish|location=Tarrytown, NY|isbn=978-0761424956}} The country attracts Colombian prostitutes as the currency is the US$ rather than the unstable Colombian peso.

Quito was the first city in Ecuador to regulate prostitution in 1921, requiring prostitutes to be tested weekly for STIs and the results recorded in the "Register of Venereal Disease". Testing and any necessary treatment was free to the prostitutes.{{cite web|title=Quito: History and Prostitution|url=http://andesanthropologist.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/quito-history-and-prostitution.html|website=Andes Anthropologist|accessdate=27 December 2017 |date = 30 March 2011}} Guayaquil and Riobamba introduced a similar system of regulation in 1925. In 1939, about 1,000 prostitutes were registered in Quito.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Falkland Islands}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in the British Overseas Territories#Falkland Islands}}

Prostitution in the Falkland Islands is legal but related activities such as solicitation and keeping a brothel are prohibited by the Crimes Ordinance 2014.{{cite web|title=Crimes Ordinance 2014|url=https://www.legislation.gov.fk/download/pdf/6c9c7e4a-a076-4a64-a48e-7143f8926b44/eb16e7a2-f7c9-41b2-963e-c0349baff69a/fiord-2014-13_2017-07-31.pdf|website=Falkland Islands Government|accessdate=25 February 2018}} A man compelling his wife to become a prostitute is a grounds for divorce under the Matrimonial Proceedings (Summary Jurisdiction) Ordinance 1967.{{cite web|title=Matrimonial Proceedings (Summary Jurisdiction) Ordinance 1967|url=https://www.legislation.gov.fk/download/pdf/d42c55f8-fefd-40bb-8fa7-3eda37e18b5f/1ce39e47-7025-4e1f-8a5a-4bae192a59f1/fiord-1967-10_2017-07-31.pdf|website=Government of the Falkland Islands|accessdate=25 February 2018|archive-date=26 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226032429/https://www.legislation.gov.fk/download/pdf/d42c55f8-fefd-40bb-8fa7-3eda37e18b5f/1ce39e47-7025-4e1f-8a5a-4bae192a59f1/fiord-1967-10_2017-07-31.pdf|url-status=dead}} Soldiers returning from tours on the islands report little or no prostitution in the Falkland Islands.{{cite web|title=Sex and the Falkland Islands|url=https://www.arrse.co.uk/community/threads/sex-and-the-falkland-islands.177228/|website=Army Rumour Service|date=12 February 2012 |accessdate=25 February 2018}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|French Guiana}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex legal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Overseas France#French Guiana}}

Although illegal, prostitution in French Guiana is common, especially in the gold mining areas of the interior.{{cite web|last1=Bellos|first1=Alex|last2=Oyapock|first2=River|title=Illegal, polluting and dangerous: the gold rush in French Guiana|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2007/dec/17/pollution.mining|website=The Guardian|accessdate=27 December 2017|date=17 December 2007}} Some people are driven into prostitution by poverty.{{cite web|last1=Fayet|first1=Rosane|title=Why are the people of French Guiana so angry?|url=https://www.equaltimes.org/why-are-the-people-of-french?lang=en#.WkP9Ed9l-M-|website=Equal Times|accessdate=27 December 2017|language=en|date=6 April 2017}} The HIV rate is the highest of any French territory, and sex workers are at risk due to inconsistent condom use.{{cite journal|last1=Parriault|first1=Marie-Claire |display-authors=etal. |title=Predictive factors of unprotected sex for female sex workers: first study in French Guiana, the French territory with the highest HIV prevalence|journal=International Journal of STD & AIDS|year=2015|volume=26|issue=8|pages=542–548|publisher=Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles Guyane|doi=10.1177/0956462414545794|pmid=25080287|pmc=5225269|s2cid=10366331}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Guyana}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex legal

}}

{{main|prostitution in Guyana}}

Prostitution is illegal but widespread. Prostitution law is antiquated and dates from the colonial era. Law enforcement is inconsistent and sex workers report violence and abuse by the police.{{cite web|last1=Campbell|first1=Kurt|title=Calls mounted for legalization of Prostitution, regularization of sex work|url=http://www.inewsguyana.com/calls-mounted-for-legalization-of-prostitution-regularization-of-sex-work/|website=iNews Guyana|accessdate=24 December 2017|date=30 January 2014}} Many turn to prostitution for economic reasons and the lack of other job opportunities.{{cite web|last1=Jemmott|first1=Shauna|title=Lack of jobs forces students into prostitution, illegal activities – UNICEF report|url=http://guyanachronicle.com/2016/09/30/lack-of-jobs-forces-students-into-prostitution-illegal-activities-unicef-report|website=Guyana Chronicle|accessdate=24 December 2017|date=30 September 2016}} Prostitution continues to receive greater public attention due to the high incidence of HIV/AIDS among prostitutes.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090226175158/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119162.htm 2008 Human Rights Report: Guyana]. State.gov (25 February 2009). Retrieved on 2011-03-30. Prostitution in the country is separated into three types: "uptown", servicing affluent clients, "downtown", servicing the working classes,{{cite web|last1=Joseph|first1=Andrew|title=The Horniest Countries in the Caribbean|url=https://mypellau.com/2016/11/08/the-horniest-countries-in-the-caribbean/|website=Pellau Media|accessdate=22 December 2017|date=8 November 2016|archive-date=10 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010093139/https://mypellau.com/2016/11/08/the-horniest-countries-in-the-caribbean/|url-status=dead}} and mining sites.{{cite web|title=Guyana 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271199.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181256/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271199.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|publisher=U.S. Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons|accessdate=24 December 2017}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Paraguay}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|prostitution in Paraguay}}

Prostitution is legal for persons over the age of 18,[https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61737.htm Paraguay]. State.gov (8 March 2006). Retrieved on 2011-03-30. but related activities such as brothel keeping are prohibited. Prostitution is common in the country. Brothels are also common, even some rural villages have a small bar/brothel on the outskirts.

Whilst there is no red-light district in the capital, Asunción, street prostitution is widespread in the city centre, especially around Plaza Uruguaya.{{cite web|title=Scam City: Asuncion Paraguay|url=http://first2board.com/pointssummary/2014/10/28/scam-city-asuncion-paraguay-edition/|website=Points Summary|accessdate=30 December 2017|date=28 October 2014}} Brothels are also common in the city centre. Prostitutes can also be found in bars and discos.{{cite web|last1=Kopczinski|first1=H.W.|title=Domizilland Paraguay|url=http://paraguay-online.net/alltag/prostitution.html|website=Paraguay Online|accessdate=30 December 2017|language=de}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Peru}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal and regulated
Buying sex legal
Brothels legal and regulated

}}

{{main|prostitution in Peru}}

Prostitution between adults is legal for women and men over 18 years of age if they register with municipal authorities and carry a health certificate.{{cite web |url= https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119170.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090226174609/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119170.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date= 26 February 2009 |title= 2008 Human Rights Report: Peru|accessdate=29 November 2007 |website= US Department of State }} Brothels must be licensed. The vast majority of prostitutes work in the informal sector, where they lack health protection.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6WYZ0wNpZfIC&q=Prostitution%20in%20Peru&pg=PA179|title=Men who Sell Sex: International Perspectives on Male Prostitution and HIV/AIDS|first1=Peter|last1=Aggleton|date=1 January 1999|publisher=Temple University Press|accessdate=9 January 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9781566396691}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-5WyPfynlwMC&q=Prostitution%20in%20Peru&pg=PA518|title=Encyclopedia of Prostitution and Sex Work|first1=Melissa Hope|last1=Ditmore|date=1 January 2006|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|accessdate=9 January 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9780313329708}} Individual police officers tolerate the operation of unlicensed brothels.{{cite web |url= http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/publisher,USDOS,,PER,484f9a3528,0.html |title= Trafficking in Persons Report 2008 - Peru|accessdate=16 November 2009 |website= The UN Refugee Agency }}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Suriname}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex legal

}}

{{main|prostitution in Suriname}}

Prostitution is illegal but widespread and the laws are rarely enforced.{{cite news|title= Country Reports on Human Rights Practices|publisher= U.S Department of State|url= https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18345.htm|accessdate=29 June 2008}} Human trafficking and child prostitution are problems in the country. Prostitutes are known locally as "motyo".

Although prostitution is illegal, the country issues temporary work permits to migrant prostitutes travelling through Suriname en route to another country.{{cite web |url= http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/uncategorized/human-trafficking-worldwide-suriname/1462/ |title= Human Trafficking Worldwide: Suriname |date= 25 September 2003 |website= Wideangle |access-date= 2 December 2017 }}

Prostitutes often rent rooms in hotels and attract clients in the hotel's bar or outside the hotel.{{cite book|last1=Kempadoo|first1=Kamala|author-link=Kamala Kempadoo |title=Sexing the Caribbean : gender, race, and sexual labor|date=2004|publisher=Routledge|location=New York [u.a.]|isbn=978-0415935036}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Uruguay}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal and regulated
Buying sex legal
Brothels legal and regulated
Procuring illegal
Solicitation restricted

}}

{{main|prostitution in Uruguay}}

Prostitution was legislated in 2002 through the sex work law (17.515).{{cite web|title=Law 16.832: Sex labour|url=http://www.parlamento.gub.uy/leyes/AccesoTextoLey.asp?Ley=17515&Anchor=|publisher=Parliament of Uruguay|language=es|date=9 July 2002|accessdate=26 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150126184633/http://www.parlamento.gub.uy/leyes/AccesoTextoLey.asp?Ley=17515&Anchor=|archive-date=26 January 2015}}

Before that, prostitution was unlegislated but was not illegal, since the constitution allows any activity that is not explicitly forbidden by law.

UNAIDS estimate there to be 8,195 prostitutes in Uruguay.{{cite web|title=Uruguay 2016 Country Factsheet|url=http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/uruguay|website=www.unaids.org|accessdate=26 April 2018|language=en}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Venezuela}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal and regulated
Buying sex legal
Brothels legal and regulated
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|prostitution in Venezuela}}

Sex work in Venezuela is legal and regulated. The country's Ministry of Health and Social Development requires sex workers to carry identification cards and to have monthly health checkups. Prostitution is common, particularly in Caracas and in other domestic tourist destinations.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/story/0,,2229169,00.html|title=Tourism built on abuse|last1=Bindel|first1=Julie|date=18 December 2007|work=The Guardian|location=London|accessdate=13 October 2011}} The Venezuelan sex work industry arose in conjunction with the oil industry of the twentieth century and continues today.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Anguilla}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in the British Overseas Territories#Anguilla}}

Prostitution is legal in Anguilla, but related activities such as brothel keeping, are illegal under sections 171 - 181 of the Criminal Code.{{cite web|title=Anguilla Criminal Code|url=http://www.anguillalaws.com/TOC/R.S.A.%20c.%20C140%20Criminal%20Code%20Act%20TOC.pdf|website=Anguilla Laws|accessdate=4 January 2018|archive-date=26 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226032513/http://www.anguillalaws.com/TOC/R.S.A.%20c.%20C140%20Criminal%20Code%20Act%20TOC.pdf|url-status=dead}} Brothels are common on the island, and most villages have a 'sports bar' where prostitutes work. These bars have bedrooms at the back that the prostitutes use. Many of the prostitutes are from Venezuela. Law enforcement turns a blind eye to these activities.{{cite web|last1=Mitchell|first1=Don|title=Commentary: Brothel keeping in Anguilla|url=http://wp.caribbeannewsnow.com/2018/01/12/commentary-brothel-keeping-anguilla/|website=Caribbean News|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=12 January 2018}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Antigua and Barbuda}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Antigua and Barbuda}}

Prostitution in Antigua and Barbuda is legal and common.{{cite web|last1=Bique|first1=Shermain|title=Red Cross head says thriving prostitution climate in Antigua|url=https://antiguaobserver.com/red-cross-head-says-thriving-prostitution-climate-in-antigua/|website=Antigua Observer Newspaper|accessdate=19 March 2018|date=4 August 2016|archive-date=26 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826073459/https://antiguaobserver.com/red-cross-head-says-thriving-prostitution-climate-in-antigua/|url-status=dead}} Related activities such as brothel keeping and solicitation are prohibited. UNAIDS estimate there to be 755 prostitutes on the islands,{{cite web|title=Antigua and Barbuda 2016 Country Factsheet|url=http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/antiguaandbarbuda|website=www.unaids.org|accessdate=19 March 2018|language=en}} the majority are migrants from other Caribbean countries. They tend to more around the Caribbean, never staying in one territory for long.{{cite web|title=Combined fourth to seventh periodic reports submitted by Antigua and Barbuda under article 18 of the Convention|url=http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CEDAW/Shared%20Documents/ATG/CEDAW_C_ATG_4-7_5897_E.pdf|website=Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women|accessdate=19 March 2018|date=6 December 2017|archive-date=16 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316150543/https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CEDAW/Shared%20Documents/ATG/CEDAW_C_ATG_4-7_5897_E.pdf|url-status=dead}} Prostitution is on the rise due to economic conditions,{{cite web|title=ANTIGUA: Sex trade on the rise|url=http://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/regional/antigua-sex-trade-on-the-rise/|website=Dominica News Online|accessdate=19 March 2018|date=26 March 2011}}

In the capital, St. John's, there is a red-light district in Popeshead Street.{{cite web|last1=Henry|first1=Brenton|title=MALE SEX WORKERS: A glimpse into their thriving, secret trade|url=https://antiguaobserver.com/male-sex-workers-a-glimpse-into-their-thriving-secret-trade/|website=Antigua Observer Newspaper|accessdate=19 March 2018|date=6 June 2013|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330045506/https://antiguaobserver.com/male-sex-workers-a-glimpse-into-their-thriving-secret-trade/|url-status=dead}} The most famous brothel in the street was Wendy's. It had operated for a number of years and was a household name on the island.{{cite book|last1=Beale|first1=Christopher|title=Antigua and Barbuda: Island Guide|date=2008|publisher=Other Places Publishing|isbn=9780615218373|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6aXxlwwEtAAC&q=Prostitution+in+Antigua+and+Barbuda&pg=PT91|language=en}} In 2016 the owners were charged with trafficking.{{cite web|title=Wendy's Night Club Owners Charged with Human Trafficking|url=https://antiguachronicle.net/wendys-night-club-owners-charged-with-human-trafficking/|website=Antigua Chronicle|accessdate=19 March 2018|date=19 February 2016|archive-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629211243/https://antiguachronicle.net/wendys-night-club-owners-charged-with-human-trafficking/|url-status=dead}} A 'rescue mission' raided the establishment in 2018, looking for trafficking victims. The nearby 'Jam Dung' was also raided.{{cite web|title=Authorities "rescue" strippers from local nightclubs|url=https://antiguanewsroom.com/news/crime/authorities-rescue-strippers-from-local-nightclubs/|website=Antigua News Room|accessdate=20 March 2018|date=10 February 2018|archive-date=24 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424102523/http://antiguanewsroom.com/news/crime/authorities-rescue-strippers-from-local-nightclubs|url-status=dead}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Bahamas}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in the Bahamas}}

Prostitution in the Bahamas is legal but related activities such as brothel keeping and solicitation are prohibited. The country is a sex tourism destination, including "all in" tours. UNAIDS estimate there are 3,000 prostitutes in the Bahamas.{{cite web|title=Sex Workers: Size Estimates|url=http://aidsinfo.unaids.org/|website=UNAIDS|date=2016|accessdate=10 February 2018}} (At the website, select "Sex Workers" on left, then "SEX WORKERS: SIZE ESTIMATE", then among tabs at top select "Data sheet".)

During the Republic of Pirates ({{circa|1706}} – 1718), Nassau and the rest of New Providence Island was a paradise of drinking and prostitution for pirates.{{cite web|last1=David|first1=Allan|title=36 Hours in Nassau, the Bahamas|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/travel/28hours.html|website=The New York Times|accessdate=4 April 2018|date=28 October 2007}}{{cite book|last1=Woodard|first1=Colin|title=The Republic of Pirates: Being the true and surprising story of the Caribbean pirates and the man who brought them down|date=2014|publisher=Pan Macmillan|isbn=9781447246084|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KSlRAgAAQBAJ&q=prostitutes+pirate+republic&pg=PT105|language=en}}

Sex trafficking is a problem on the island.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Barbados}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Barbados}}

Prostitution in Barbados is legal but related activities such as brothel keeping and solicitation are prohibited. The country is a sex tourism destination.{{cite web|title=Popular Caribbean Sex Tourism Destinations|url=http://www.jamaicainquirer.com/popular-caribbean-sex-tourism-destinations/|website=Jamaica Inquirer|accessdate=22 December 2017|archive-date=22 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222112144/http://www.jamaicainquirer.com/popular-caribbean-sex-tourism-destinations/|url-status=dead}}

There is a red-light district in Nelson street, and street prostitution around The Garrison. About half of the prostitutes are from Guyana.

Sex trafficking is a problem in the country.{{cite web|title=16 Caribbean Nations Where Sex Trafficking Remains A Problem {{!}} News Americas Now:Caribbean and Latin America Daily News|url=http://www.newsamericasnow.com/16-caribbean-nations-where-sex-trafficking-remains-a-problem/|website=News Americas Now|accessdate=30 December 2017|date=30 June 2016}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|British Virgin Islands}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in the British Overseas Territories#British Virgin Islands}}

Prostitution is legal in the British Virgin Islands, but related activities such as soliciting and procuring are illegal.{{cite web|title=Criminal Code of the Virgin Islands 1997|url=http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/resources/criminal_code_-_legislation.pdf|publisher=Government of the Virgin Islands|accessdate=25 February 2018}} Known prostitutes or those known to be living off the proceeds of prostitution can be refused entry visas to the country.{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions - BVI Visas|url=http://www.dgo.gov.vg/index.php?mpageid=153|publisher=Deputy Governors Office British Virgin Islands|accessdate=25 February 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100729152046/http://www.dgo.gov.vg/index.php?mpageid=153 |archive-date= 29 July 2010}} Prostitution occurs mainly in brothels and strip clubs. The National AIDS Programme distributes condoms and advice to the sex workers.{{cite web|title=Sex workers also get gov't advice, condoms|url=http://bvinews.com/new/sex-workers-also-get-govt-advice-condoms/|website=BVI News|accessdate=25 February 2018|language=en-us|date=4 September 2010}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Cayman Islands}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in the British Overseas Territories#Cayman Islands}}

Prostitution in the Cayman Islands is legal but related activities such as brothel keeping are prohibited by the Penal Code.{{cite web|title=Penal Code (2013 Revision)|url=http://www.gov.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/11430109.PDF|publisher=Office of Director of Public Prosecutions Cayman Islands Government|accessdate=25 February 2018}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Cuba}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Cuba}}

Prostitution in Cuba has always been a legal profession, though it has periodically been regulated or repressed.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SKBvqXL0jTQC|title=Encyclopedia of Prostitution and Sex Work|first1=Melissa Hope|last1=Ditmore|year=2006|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=9780313329692|page=202}} Since the commencement of the Special Period in the early 1990s it has become associated with jineterismo, a category of illegal or semi-legal economic activities related to tourism in Cuba. The low level of HIV/AIDS infection and the relatively inexpensive price of sex have made the island popular with foreigners as a sex tourism destination.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/26/world/americas/cuba-counters-prostitution-with-aids-programs.html|title=Cuba Counters Prostitution with AIDS Program|newspaper=The New York Times|date=26 December 2004|author=James C. Mckinley Jr.}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Dominica}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

Prostitution in Dominica is legal and common.{{cite web|title=Prostitution rife in Dominica – official|url=http://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/crime-court-law/prostitution-rife-in-dominica-official/|website=Dominica News Online|accessdate=21 April 2018|date=19 January 2011}} Related activities such as brothel keeping and solicitation are prohibited. Law enforcement is lax.{{cite web|title=The Legal Status of Prostitution by Country|url=http://chartsbin.com/view/snb|website=ChartsBin|accessdate=21 April 2018}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Dominican Republic}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in the Dominican Republic}}

Prostitution is legal, but a third party may not derive financial gain from prostitution (brothels or similar establishments are illegal).{{cite web|url= https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119157.htm|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090226174655/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/wha/119157.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date= 26 February 2009|title=2008 Human Rights Report: Dominican Republic|website=Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor|publisher=U.S. Department of State}} However, the government usually does not enforce prostitution laws.{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/wha/136110.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316074754/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/wha/136110.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 March 2010 |title=2009 Human Rights Report: Dominican Republic |publisher=State.gov |date=11 March 2010 |accessdate=12 October 2013}}{{cite magazine|author=Julia Scheeres |url=https://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2001/07/44888 |title=The Web, Where 'Pimps' Roam Free |magazine=Wired |publisher=Wired.com |date= 7 July 2001|accessdate=12 October 2013}}

It is estimated between 60,000 and 100,000 women work as prostitutes in the country,{{cite web|title=Popular Caribbean Sex Tourism Destinations|url=http://www.newsamericasnow.com/popular-caribbean-sex-tourism-destinations/|website=News America|accessdate=14 December 2017|date=27 May 2016}} many from neighbouring Haiti.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Dutch Caribbean}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal and regulated
Buying sex legal
Brothels legal and regulated
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in the Dutch Caribbean}}

Prostitution in the Dutch Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten) is legal and regulated.{{cite book|editor1-last=Kempadoo|editor1-first=Kamala |title=Sun, sex, and gold : tourism and sex work in the Caribbean|date=1999|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|location=Lanham [u.a.]|isbn=978-0847695164}} There are legal brothels in Bonaire, Sint Maarten, and Curacao, the largest of which is Campo Alegre.

Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten are destination islands for women trafficked for the sex trade from Peru, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti,{{cite web|title=Trafficking in Persons Report Country Narratives -- Countries H through R|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2008/105388.htm|publisher=United States Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons|accessdate=23 December 2017|date=4 June 2008}}{{PD-notice}} In 2011, a human trafficking ring was broken up after trafficking women for sex exploitation from Colombia to Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and Bonaire.{{cite web|last1=Maduro|first1=Letizia|title=A Situational Analysis of Aruba's Response to Human Trafficking|url=http://publications.iom.int/system/files/pdf/situational_analysis_aruba_10sep.pdf|publisher=International Organization for Migration|accessdate=23 December 2017|date=2013}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Grenada}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex legal

}}

Prostitution in Grenada is illegal but common. It is practised discreetly and there are few convictions.{{cite web|title=The new face of prostitution in Grenada|url=https://thenewtoday.gd/letters/2016/02/04/face-prostitution-grenada/#gsc.tab=0|website=The New Today Newspaper Grenada|accessdate=21 April 2018|date=4 February 2016}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Guadeloupe}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex illegal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Overseas France#Guadeloupe}}

Despite the law, prostitution occurs in Guadeloupe. The old town centre of Pointe-à-Pitre is taken over by prostitutes from the Dominican Republic plying their trade after dark,{{cite web|last1=Borredon|first1=Laurent|title=Crime and unemployment dog Guadeloupe|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/dec/27/young-crime-unemployment-guadeloupe-france|website=The Guardian|accessdate=27 December 2017|date=27 December 2011}}{{cite web|last1=Scordia|first1=Pierre|title=Guadeloupe: a French island somewhere between paradise and desperation – FORM-Idea|url=https://form-idea.com/2017/08/18/guadeloupe-a-french-island-somewhere-between-paradise-and-desperation/|website=Form Idea|accessdate=27 December 2017|date=18 August 2017}} and abandoned houses are turned into makeshift brothels.{{cite web|title=Les maisons abandonnées transformées en lieux de prostitution - Économie en Guadeloupe|url=http://www.guadeloupe.franceantilles.fr/actualite/economie/les-maisons-abandonnees-transformees-en-lieux-de-prostitution-452804.php|website=France-Antilles Guadeloupe|accessdate=27 December 2017|language=fr-FR|date=13 October 2017}} The Grand-Baie area in the Pointe-à-Pitre suburb of Le Gosier is also known for prostitution,{{cite web|title=L'association CASA Gwadloup' à Grand-Baie : un dispositif d'accueil, d'information et de prévention sur les maladies liées au métier du sexe : " …s'il y avait des maisons closes, la situation serait plus facile au niveau de l'hygiène… "|url=http://koezyon-glob.fr/lassociation-casa-gwadloup-a-grand-baie-un-dispositif-daccueil-dinformation-et-de-prevention-sur-les-maladies-liees-au-metier-du-sexe/|website=Koezyon-Glob|accessdate=27 December 2017|language=fr-FR|date=6 October 2014|archive-date=30 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230120526/http://koezyon-glob.fr/lassociation-casa-gwadloup-a-grand-baie-un-dispositif-daccueil-dinformation-et-de-prevention-sur-les-maladies-liees-au-metier-du-sexe/|url-status=dead}} as is Saint-François, where many prostitutes work. Dominican prostitutes also work from bars in Le Gosier.{{cite web|title=Guadeloupe : un réseau de prostitution démantelé, trois mis en examen|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/guadeloupe-un-reseau-de-prostitution-demantele-trois-mis-en-examen-17-05-2017-6956058.php|website=Le Parisien|accessdate=27 December 2017|language=fr|date=17 May 2017}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Haiti}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex legal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Haiti}}

Prostitution is illegal,{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61731.htm |title=Haiti |publisher=State.gov |date=8 March 2006 |accessdate=1 October 2011}}{{cite journal|url=http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/reprint/313/5786/474.pdf |title=HIV/AIDS: Latin America & Caribbean |doi=10.1126/science.313.5786.474 |pmid=16873643 |accessdate=16 August 2013 |volume=313 |issue=5786 |journal=Science |page=474|year=2006 |last1=Cohen |first1=J |s2cid=36933275 |doi-access=free }} but the country used to be a premier destination in the 1970s for sex tourism for adults. Since the 1940s, prostitution rings made up of Dominican women have circulated about the capital and today, are found in the suburb of Pétion-Ville. A premium is placed on Dominican women due to their lighter skin and mixed race appearance.{{cite web|title=Dominican Prostitutes In Haiti: Prized For Their Light Skin, Patronized By Peacekeepers|date=2 August 2010 |url=http://jezebel.com/5602386/dominican-prostitutes-in-haiti-prized-for-their-light-skin-patronized-by-peacekeepers}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Jamaica}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex legal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Jamaica}}

Prostitution in Jamaica is illegal but widely tolerated,{{cite web|title=Women who travel for sex: Sun, sea and gigolos|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/women-who-travel-for-sex-sun-sea-and-gigolos-407202.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223010101/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home%2Dnews/women%2Dwho%2Dtravel%2Dfor%2Dsex%2Dsun%2Dsea%2Dand%2Dgigolos%2D407202.html|website=The Independent|accessdate=22 December 2017|archive-date=23 December 2008|url-status=dead |date=9 July 2006}} especially in tourist areas.

The island is a destination for sex tourism. The Terry McMillan novel, and later film, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, was based on female sex tourism in Jamaica. Transactional sex also occurs.

Sex trafficking is a problem in the country.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Martinique|local}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex illegal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Overseas France#Martinique}}

The first laws on prostitution in Martinique were passed in the 1850s. They were designed to keep prostitutes away from public areas but were poorly enforced.{{cite web|last1=Sequin|first1=Caroline|title=Uprooting "Fleurs de Trottoirs":: Displacing Clandestine Prostitution and Negotiating Respectable Sex in Colonial Martinique 1938–47|url=https://aha.confex.com/aha/2017/webprogram/Paper20722.html|website=American Historical Association|accessdate=28 December 2017|date=7 January 2017}} In the 1930s, after the emergence of tourism and the start of WW2, a new set of laws were enabled. The new laws targeted prostitution in the bars and restaurants of Fort-de-France, which the colonial authorities believed were a major factor of STIs. As a result, all waitresses and hostesses had to have a valid "certificat de non contagiosité", whether they were prostitutes or not. The aim of the authorities was to move all prostitution into brothels. The women were reluctant to work in the brothels, so prostitution remained in the bars and restaurants.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Montserrat}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in the British Overseas Territories#Montserrat}}

Prostitution in Montserrat is legal{{cite web|title=Montserrat Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2014|url=http://agc.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/No.-9-of-2014-Penal-Code-Amendment-Act-2014.pdf|website=Government of Montserrat|accessdate=25 February 2018}} and common.{{cite web|last1=Andrews|first1=Merrick|title=Prostitution in Montserrat 'Becoming a Fun Activity'|url=http://www.montserratreporter.org/news0302-2.htm|website=Montserrat Reporter|accessdate=25 February 2018}} However related activities such as controlling prostitution or living off the earnings of prostitution are prohibited by the Penal Code.

Following the eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano in 1997 that buried the capital, Plymouth, many migrant workers came to the island from Guyana, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.{{cite web|last1=Pattullo|first1=Polly|title=After the volcano|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2005/jul/18/g2.naturaldisasters|website=The Guardian|accessdate=25 February 2018|language=en|date=18 July 2005}} With them came prostitutes, especially from the Dominican Republic, and prostitution on the island increased.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Puerto Rico}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in the United States}}

Prostitution in Puerto Rico has always been seen as taboo and illegal. However, due to the declining economy, the Puerto Rican government considered legalizing prostitution in 2014.{{cite news|title=Puerto Rico to legalize marijuana and prostitution|publisher=hightimes.com|date=23 Apr 2014|url=http://www.hightimes.com/read/puerto-rico-legalize-marijuana-and-prostitution|accessdate=11 December 2014|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416013609/http://www.hightimes.com/read/puerto-rico-legalize-marijuana-and-prostitution|archive-date=16 April 2015}}{{cite news|title=Prostitution Proponents in Puerto Rico|publisher=gardianlv.com|date=27 Apr 2014|url=http://guardianlv.com/2014/04/prostitution-proponents-in-puerto-rico/|accessdate=11 December 2014}}{{Update inline|date=July 2022|?=yes}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Saint Kitts and Nevis}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex legal

}}

Prostitution in Saint Kitts and Nevis is illegal in Section 40 of the Small Charges Act CAP 4.36 .

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Saint Lucia}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex legal

}}

Prostitution is illegal but tolerated.{{cite web|title=100 Countries and Their Prostitution Policies|url=https://prostitution.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000772|website=ProCon|accessdate=22 December 2017}} Prostitution laws are rarely enforced. There are reports that strip clubs are used as fronts for prostitution, and that some are owned, or protected by corrupt police officials.

The country is a destination for female sex tourism.

Sex trafficking and child prostitution{{cite web|title=Authorities Worried Over The Increase Of Child Prostitution In St. Lucia|url=http://pridenews.ca/2013/09/17/authorities-worried-over-the-increase-of-child-prostitution-in-st-lucia/|website=Pride News|accessdate=21 April 2018|date=17 September 2013}} are problems in the country.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Saint Martin}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal
Solicitation illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Overseas France#Saint Martin}}

The growth of tourism starting in the 1970s caused an increase in prostitution in Saint Martin.{{Cite journal|last1=Benoit|first1=Catherine|title=Sex, AIDS, migration, and prostitution : human trafficking in the Caribbean|journal=New West Indian Guide / Nieuwe West-Indische Gids|volume=73|issue=3–4|pages=27–42|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41125715|accessdate=30 December 2017|doi=10.1163/13822373-90002576|date=1 July 1999|doi-access=free}} Although outlawed in 1946 by the "Loi de Marthe Richard", brothels were tolerated until the introduction of the new Penal code in 1991. One hotel, now closed, was reserved for French civil servants and reputedly offered the guests European prostitutes.

Despite laws prohibiting soliciting, street prostitution still exists, especially in the Quartier-d'Orleans.{{cite web|last1=Le Devin|first1=Willy|title=Saint-Martin : une île, plusieurs mondes|url=http://www.liberation.fr/france/2017/09/15/saint-martin-une-ile-plusieurs-mondes_1596738|website=Libération|accessdate=30 December 2017|language=fr|date=15 September 2017}}{{cite web|title=France's hurricane-hit St Martin on guard for health threats|url=http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Frances_hurricane-hit_St_Martin_on_guard_for_health_threats_999.html|website=Terra Daily|accessdate=30 December 2017|date=16 September 2017}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex legal

}}

Prostitution in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is illegal but occurs.

Sex trafficking is a problem in the country.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Trinidad and Tobago}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex legal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in Trinidad and Tobago}}

Prostitution in Trinidad and Tobago is illegal and related activities such as brothel keeping, soliciting and pimping are illegal.

In Trinidad, Port of Spain is the main place of sex work,{{cite web|url=http://www.caribbean360.com/news/trinidad_tobago_news/women-trafficked-for-prostitution-and-forced-marriage-in-trinidad|title=Women trafficked for prostitution and forced marriage in Trinidad - Caribbean360|date=24 January 2014|accessdate=11 January 2017|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403203956/http://www.caribbean360.com/news/trinidad_tobago_news/women-trafficked-for-prostitution-and-forced-marriage-in-trinidad|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ipsnews.net/1996/02/trinidad-and-tobago-child-prostitution-is-a-thriving-business/|title=Trinidad and Tobago: Child Prostitution Is A Thriving Business - Inter Press Service|date=14 February 1996|accessdate=11 January 2017}} including street prostitution on Roberts and Murray Streets.{{cite web|last1=Brown|first1=John|title=What about street prostitutes, Louis?|url=http://www.guardian.co.tt/letters/2011/02/14/what-about-street-prostitutes-louis|website=The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper|accessdate=4 January 2018|date=15 February 2011}} New brothels continue to open across the country, particularly in the south where they are incorporated into small bars and rum shops and are difficult to detect, and in central, where they operate out of a normal-looking flats in a neighbourhood.{{cite web|title=Trinidad and Tobago 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2016/258880.htm|website=U.S. Department of State|accessdate=3 January 2018}} Many of the sex workers come from Colombia, Venezuela and Cuba. Some regularly commute between their home nation and Trinidad.{{cite book|last1=Pope|first1=Cynthia|last2=White|first2=Renée T.|last3=Malow|first3=Robert|title=HIV/AIDS : global frontiers in prevention/intervention|date=2009|publisher=Routledge|location=New York, NY|isbn=978-0415953832}}

Prostitution in less common in Tobago, some prostitutes from Trinidad move to Tobago for the tourist season.{{cite web|last1=Fido|first1=Austin|title=The shady side of paradise|url=http://www.guardian.co.tt/entertainment/2015-09-20/shady-side-paradise|website=Trinidad & Tobago Guardian|accessdate=23 December 2017|date=20 September 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Gibbings|first1=Wesley|title=The High Cost of Sex Tourism|url=http://www.ipsnews.net/1997/03/trinidad-and-tobago-health-the-high-cost-of-sex-tourism/|website=IPS News|accessdate=4 January 2018|date=24 March 1997}}

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{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|Turks and Caicos Islands}}

|subheader = Prostitution legal
Buying sex legal
Brothels illegal
Procuring illegal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in the British Overseas Territories#Turks and Caicos Islands}}

Prostitution is common on the Turks and Caicos Islands, especially in Providenciales.{{cite web|last1=Hamilton|first1=Deandrea S|title=Prostitution crack down necessary says Premier to Police Commish – Magnetic Media|url=http://magneticmediatv.com/2015/12/prostitution-crack-down-necessary-says-premier-to-police-commish/|website=Magnetic Media TV|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=23 December 2015}} Many of the sex workers are from Eastern Europe and the Dominican Republican.{{cite web|title=Eddy's Place: Sex, sun and HIV|url=http://cousineddie.blogspot.co.uk/2006/10/sex-sun-and-hiv.html|website=Eddys Place|accessdate=25 February 2018|language=en|date=1 October 2006}} There is some female sex tourism on the islands. Sex trafficking{{cite web|last1=Rose|first1=Olivia|title=Stop sex trade - PDM|url=http://tcweeklynews.com/stop-sex-trade-pdm-p6934-149.htm|website=TC Weekly News|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=21 March 2016}} and HIV are problems in the country.

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{{Infobox

|abovestyle = background:#cfc;

|subheaderstyle = align-left

|above = {{Flagu|U.S. Virgin Islands}}

|subheader = Prostitution illegal
Buying sex legal

}}

{{main|Prostitution in the United States}}

Prostitution in the U.S. Virgin Islands is illegal{{cite web|title=Puerto Rico & the U. S. Virgin Islands Overview|url=http://netdwellers.com/mz/caribsexpert/blog_csx/Entries/2012/1/25_Puerto_Rico_%26_the_U._S._Virgin_Islands_Overview.html|website=Caribbean Sexpert|accessdate=22 April 2018|date=25 January 2012}} but occurs.{{cite journal|last1=Surratt|first1=H.|title=Sex work in the Caribbean Basin: patterns of substance use and HIV risk among migrant sex workers in the US Virgin Islands|journal=AIDS Care|volume=19|issue=10|pmid=18071971|pages=1274–1282|doi=10.1080/09540120701426490|date=2007|s2cid=32194143}}{{cite web|title=St. Croix: Sex worker charged with attempted murder after stabbing client|url=https://www.stlucianewsonline.com/st-croix-sex-worker-charged-with-attempted-murder-after-stabbing-client/|website=St. Lucia News Online|accessdate=22 April 2018|language=en-us|date=27 August 2017}}

In 1985, 68 prostitutes were smuggled from Sint Maarten to Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands in a sealed shipping container, of whom 28 died of suffocation.{{cite web|title=28 Prostitutes Suffocate In Ship's Hold|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/04/21/28-prostitutes-suffocate-in-ships-hold/|website=Chicago Tribune|access-date=22 April 2018|language=en|date=21 April 1985}}

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{{Reflist}}

{{Americas topic|prostitution in| title = Prostitution in the Americas }}

{{Continent topic|prefix=prostitution in| title = Prostitution by continent }}

{{Portal bar|women|gender|sexuality|health|Americas}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Sexuality-related lists