El Salvador Facts

El Salvador, a state on the Pacific coast of Central America; 21,000 km², 6.4 million residents (2019).El Salvador is the smallest of the seven Central American states and the only one that has no coast to the Atlantic. The country borders west and north to Guatemala and north and east to Honduras and has a coast towards the Pacific Ocean to the south. The capital is San Salvador (561,400 residents, 2012).

The name means ‘the savior’.

Country facts

• Republic of El Salvador / Republic of El Salvador
• Country abbreviation: SV
• Area: 21 000 km²
• Population (2019): 6.4 million residents
• Capital: San Salvador
• Main language: Spanish
• State: Republic
• Head of State and Head of Government: Nayib Bukele (President)
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 4,058
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 3,820
• Currency unit: US dollar
• Currency code: USD
• Country number (telephony): 503
• Internet domain name: en
• Time difference compared to Sweden: −7
• National Day: September 15 (Independence Day, 1821)

Nature

• Land use: forest (5%), agricultural land (35%), other (60%)
• Highest mountain: Santa Ana (2 365 m asl)

Population

• Population density (2019): 305 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 1.3%; birth rate 20 ‰, death rate 7 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (28%), 15-64 (64%), 65- (8%)
• Life expectancy (2019): men 68 years, women 77 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 17 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 8 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.674 (place 121 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 70%
• Most populous city (2012): San Salvador (561,400 residents)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (12%), industry (28%), service (60%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 4,662 million
• Main export products: coffee, sugar, textiles
• Main exporting countries: USA, Honduras, Guatemala
• Imports (2017): US $ 9,499 million
• Main import products: raw materials, capital goods, oil
• Main importing countries: USA, Guatemala, China
• Railway network (2014): 14 km

Geography

Location and Borders

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, located on the Pacific coast, bordered by Honduras to the east and south, Guatemala to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. With an area of about 21,041 square kilometers (8,124 square miles), El Salvador is just slightly larger than the U.S. state of Massachusetts. Despite its small size, it plays a significant role in the region due to its geographical location and historical importance.

El Salvador’s strategic location in Central America links it to both North and South America, making it a key point for trade and cultural exchange between these regions. The country’s compact size and proximity to the Pacific Ocean give it a significant role in maritime trade, while its position in Central America connects it to major regional trade routes.

Topography and Natural Features

El Salvador’s topography is dominated by volcanic mountains, with over 20 active and dormant volcanoes, making the country part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. The central highlands feature several prominent volcanoes, including Ilamatepeq, the highest at 2,365 meters (7,759 feet). These mountains are interspersed with deep valleys and fertile lands, and they have shaped much of the country’s agricultural patterns.

The country’s terrain is marked by steep slopes, highland plateaus, and small rivers, creating a diverse ecosystem. While the mountains dominate the interior, El Salvador also features coastal plains that are more suitable for agriculture. The majority of the population lives in the central highlands, where the capital, San Salvador, is situated, as the area offers a moderate climate and fertile land.

The volcanic activity in El Salvador has contributed to the fertility of the soil, making the country one of the top producers of coffee in the world. The country is also rich in other natural resources, including geothermal energy, which is increasingly being harnessed. Despite this, El Salvador faces challenges related to environmental degradation, particularly due to deforestation, over-exploitation of resources, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

Climate and Seasonal Variation

El Salvador experiences a tropical climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically lasts from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in September and October. During this period, the country experiences frequent afternoon rains, particularly in the mountains, which contribute to the lush vegetation and agriculture in the region.

The dry season runs from November to April and is characterized by lower humidity and cooler temperatures, particularly in the highland areas. Coastal areas experience higher humidity levels year-round, while temperatures generally range between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F) in the lowlands. In the mountains, temperatures can be cooler, especially at higher elevations, where temperatures can drop below 20°C (68°F) during the dry season.

The country’s climate is highly influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which moderates temperatures on the coast. However, it is also prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause widespread damage and flooding, particularly during the wet season. Droughts can also affect the agricultural sector, especially in regions where irrigation systems are not well-developed.

People

Population and Demographics

El Salvador has a population of approximately 6.5 million people, making it the most densely populated country in Central America. Despite its small size, El Salvador has a significant population that is largely concentrated in urban areas, particularly in the capital, San Salvador, and its surrounding metropolitan area. About one-third of the country’s population resides in this urban area, while the remaining population is spread out across rural areas in the central highlands and along the coast.

The majority of the population is of mestizo (mixed European and indigenous) descent, accounting for around 85% of the population. The indigenous population, particularly the Pipil people, constitutes a small portion of the population, and their language, Nahuatl, is still spoken in some rural areas. There is also a small but significant Afro-descendant population, particularly in coastal regions, which has its roots in the historical African slave trade.

The population of El Salvador is relatively young, with a median age of around 25 years. This youthful demographic provides both challenges and opportunities, particularly in terms of employment, education, and healthcare. However, El Salvador also faces issues related to emigration, as many Salvadorans have migrated to other countries, particularly the United States, in search of better economic opportunities.

Languages

Spanish is the official language of El Salvador and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. It is used in government, education, business, and daily communication. The Spanish spoken in El Salvador has its own unique characteristics, influenced by indigenous languages and historical factors. Salvadoran Spanish includes distinct expressions and idiomatic phrases, which contribute to the country’s cultural identity.

Indigenous languages are spoken by a small percentage of the population, with Nahuatl being the most prominent. While Nahuatl is not widely spoken today, efforts are being made to revive the language through educational programs and cultural initiatives. The indigenous people of El Salvador, particularly in rural areas, maintain a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional customs, arts, and crafts, which are increasingly recognized as part of the national identity.

English is also spoken by some segments of the population, particularly among the educated, the business community, and those involved in tourism. It is taught in schools, and proficiency in English is increasingly seen as a valuable skill in a globalized economy.

Religion

El Salvador is a predominantly Christian country, with the majority of the population identifying as Roman Catholic. Catholicism has been the dominant religion in the country since Spanish colonial times, and it has shaped much of the country’s cultural practices, holidays, and festivals. The Catholic Church continues to play an important role in the country, particularly in rural areas, where it provides education, health services, and social support.

In recent decades, Protestantism, particularly Evangelical Christianity, has grown rapidly in El Salvador. Protestant denominations, including Pentecostal and Baptist churches, have seen significant growth in both urban and rural areas. The rise of Protestantism reflects broader religious shifts in Latin America, where Evangelical movements have gained followers, especially in countries with large Catholic populations.

Religious practice in El Salvador is deeply rooted in daily life, and religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas are widely celebrated with public events, family gatherings, and church services. While religious identity remains central to Salvadoran society, there is a growing trend toward secularism, particularly among younger generations in urban areas.

Economy

Overview

El Salvador has a mixed economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The country has faced economic challenges in recent decades, including political instability, natural disasters, and income inequality. However, the economy has shown resilience, driven by exports, remittances from Salvadorans living abroad, and efforts to diversify key industries.

Agriculture plays a significant role in El Salvador’s economy, although its share of GDP has decreased in recent years. The country is known for its production of coffee, sugar, and textiles, as well as smaller crops such as corn, beans, and rice. Coffee has historically been one of El Salvador’s most important exports and remains a symbol of the country’s agricultural heritage.

The manufacturing sector, particularly in textiles and apparel, has become increasingly important, especially as El Salvador has integrated into global trade networks. The country has been a member of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) since 2006, which has facilitated greater access to international markets.

Services, particularly in finance, telecommunications, and retail, have grown in importance in the Salvadoran economy. The service sector now accounts for a significant portion of GDP, reflecting a broader trend of economic diversification away from agriculture. Despite this, the country continues to face challenges such as unemployment, underemployment, and informal labor markets, which contribute to economic inequality.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture has long been a pillar of El Salvador’s economy, with key crops including coffee, sugarcane, corn, and beans. Coffee is the most important agricultural export, and the country is known for producing high-quality Arabica coffee beans. The agricultural sector, however, faces several challenges, including the effects of climate change, inadequate irrigation, land degradation, and limited access to technology and capital. Despite these challenges, agriculture continues to provide livelihoods for a significant portion of the rural population.

El Salvador also has rich natural resources, including geothermal energy, which is increasingly being harnessed as a renewable energy source. The country is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which provides abundant geothermal potential. In recent years, El Salvador has made efforts to expand its renewable energy sector, particularly in geothermal and hydroelectric power.

The mining sector in El Salvador is small, but the country has potential reserves of gold and other minerals. However, mining activities in El Salvador have been controversial, particularly in relation to environmental concerns and the impact of mining on local communities. In 2017, El Salvador became the first country in the world to ban metallic mining entirely, citing the environmental and social risks associated with mining operations.

Industry and Services

El Salvador’s industrial sector is diverse, including manufacturing, construction, and textiles. The country has become a significant producer of textiles and garments, which are exported primarily to the United States. The textile industry has grown with the help of free trade agreements such as CAFTA-DR, which have facilitated access to international markets. The country’s industrial base also includes food processing, chemicals, and cement production.

The services sector in El Salvador has seen considerable growth, with industries such as banking, telecommunications, retail, and tourism playing a prominent role in the economy. The tourism industry, although still in development compared to other Latin American countries, has grown steadily, with the country’s beaches, archaeological sites, and natural beauty attracting visitors. San Salvador, the capital, is a central hub for business and cultural activities.

The financial services sector has also grown, with a range of banking institutions and microfinance institutions providing services to businesses and individuals. The country’s financial system has undergone modernization and reform, with efforts to increase financial inclusion and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Government

Political System

El Salvador is a representative democratic republic with a multi-party political system. The president is both the head of state and government and is elected for a five-year term. The president has significant executive powers, including the ability to propose legislation, manage the military, and set foreign policy. The current president of El Salvador, as of the latest election, has worked to implement reforms aimed at reducing crime, improving the economy, and addressing social issues.

The country’s legislative branch consists of a single-chamber National Assembly, with 84 members elected for a three-year term. The legislature is responsible for passing laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the executive branch. Political parties in El Salvador include the left-wing Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), the right-wing Arena party, and several smaller parties.

The judiciary in El Salvador is independent, and the legal system is based on civil law. The country has a well-developed judicial system, with the Supreme Court of Justice serving as the highest court. The legal framework ensures the protection of individual rights, although the judicial system has faced challenges related to efficiency and corruption.

Legal System

El Salvador’s legal system is based on civil law, with influences from Spanish colonial law. The country’s legal framework provides for individual rights and freedoms, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, and protection from discrimination. The legal system includes a range of courts, from lower courts to the Supreme Court of Justice, which is the highest authority in the country’s judiciary.

Despite a formal commitment to the rule of law, El Salvador faces challenges related to corruption and inefficiencies in the judicial system. In particular, the legal system has been criticized for delays in trials, lack of transparency, and widespread impunity, especially in cases related to organized crime and human rights violations.

Foreign Relations

El Salvador maintains active diplomatic relations with a wide range of countries, particularly in the Americas. The country is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Central American Integration System (SICA). El Salvador has strong ties with the United States, which is its largest trading partner and a significant source of remittances, which constitute a large portion of the country’s GDP.

The country has also worked to strengthen its relationships within Central America and has been active in regional efforts to address issues such as security, trade, and environmental sustainability. El Salvador’s government has focused on balancing its regional relationships, particularly with neighboring Honduras and Guatemala, while also working to maintain strong relations with global powers such as the United States and China.

El Salvador Map