Where is El Salvador Located?

Where is El Salvador located on the map? El Salvador is an independent nation located in North America. Check out the following images to see location of El Salvador on maps.

El Salvador Location in World Map

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. You can see where the country is on the map.

Location Information of El Salvador

El Salvador is a small Central American country located between the Pacific Ocean to the south and Honduras to the east and north, with Guatemala to the west. Despite its compact size, El Salvador is one of the most densely populated countries in the Americas, with a rich history, diverse ecosystems, and a dynamic economy.

Latitude and Longitude

El Salvador is situated between approximately 13°N to 14°N latitude and 88°W to 90°W longitude. It is positioned just north of the equator, which influences its climate and biodiversity. The country’s coordinates place it within the tropics, giving it a predominantly tropical climate.

1. Latitude: The country spans 13.0°N to 14.0°N, meaning it is located just slightly north of the equator. This tropical position provides El Salvador with a warm climate throughout the year, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons.
2. Longitude: El Salvador extends from approximately 88.0°W to 90.0°W, placing it in the western part of Central America. This longitude positions it in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which has historically been significant for trade and the country’s development.

Capital City and Major Cities

The capital city of El Salvador is San Salvador, located in the country’s central region. As the largest city, it serves as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the nation. The country’s urban areas are highly concentrated around San Salvador, with several other cities serving as regional economic hubs.

San Salvador

San Salvador, with a population of approximately 2.5 million people in the metropolitan area, is the largest and most significant city in El Salvador. Located in a volcanic basin, the city is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, providing a stunning backdrop. San Salvador is the country’s political, cultural, and economic center, housing government institutions, businesses, cultural centers, and universities.

1. Economy: San Salvador is home to many multinational corporations, and it serves as a commercial hub for the country. The city has a growing service sector, with an emphasis on finance, telecommunications, and tourism.
2. Culture: The city offers a rich cultural scene, with museums such as the National Museum of Anthropology, historic sites like the National Palace, and cultural events, including festivals, music, and dance.

Santa Ana

Santa Ana, also known as Izalco, is the second-largest city in El Salvador, located in the western part of the country. It is a regional hub with a population of about 250,000 people. Santa Ana is known for its historic architecture, such as the Santa Ana Cathedral, and is also the gateway to the nearby Ilamatepeq volcano.

1. Economy: The city has a thriving economy, with agriculture playing a significant role. Coffee and sugar are major exports from the region, and there are also emerging sectors like textiles and manufacturing.
2. Tourism: Santa Ana is an important tourist destination, offering access to volcano tours, natural parks, and local historical landmarks. The Lake Coatepeque, located near Santa Ana, is a popular site for tourists interested in water activities and scenic views.

San Miguel

Located in the eastern part of El Salvador, San Miguel is one of the major cities with a population of around 250,000 people. It serves as the main city in the eastern region, playing a key role in agriculture and commerce. San Miguel is famous for its bustling markets and vibrant local culture.

1. Agriculture: San Miguel is one of the country’s major agricultural centers, known for corn, beans, and coffee production.
2. Cultural significance: San Miguel is known for the annual Fiestas Agostinas, a vibrant festival that celebrates the city’s patron saint, San Miguel Arcángel, with parades, music, and traditional dances.

Other Cities

Other important cities include La Libertad (a coastal city with a growing tourism sector) and Ahuachapán (known for its proximity to geothermal energy resources). Sonsonate is another key city in the western part of El Salvador, important for its trade and agriculture.

Time Zone

El Salvador follows Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC -6:00. The country does not observe daylight saving time. This time zone aligns with neighboring countries such as Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, facilitating regional economic and social interaction.

1. Standard Time: The country adheres to UTC -6:00 year-round. This is important for coordinating business activities and transportation with neighboring nations in Central America.

Climate

El Salvador has a tropical climate, with coastal regions experiencing a hot and humid environment and mountainous areas having a cooler, more temperate climate. The country experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April.

1. Coastal Regions: The coastal areas of El Salvador, including the Pacific coast, have a hot and humid tropical climate, with temperatures often reaching 30-35°C (86-95°F). The rainy season brings heavy rainfall, particularly in the summer months.
2. Mountainous Areas: The central and northern regions, including San Salvador and Santa Ana, experience cooler temperatures due to their higher elevation. In these areas, temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), offering a more temperate climate, especially in the evenings.
3. Rainfall: The rainy season in El Salvador typically lasts from May to October, with the wettest months being September and October. In contrast, the dry season from November to April is characterized by very little rainfall and warm temperatures.
4. Tropical Storms: Due to its geographic location, El Salvador is occasionally affected by tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November). The government and local organizations have implemented measures to reduce the impact of these events on vulnerable communities.

Economic Status

El Salvador has a mixed economy with a strong reliance on remittances from Salvadorans living abroad, particularly in the United States. The country has made significant strides in improving its economy, but challenges such as income inequality, unemployment, and poverty remain prevalent.

1. Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The economy of El Salvador is predominantly based on services, manufacturing, and agriculture. The country has a growing tourism industry, and its major exports include coffee, sugar, textiles, and chemicals.
2. Agriculture: El Salvador is traditionally an agricultural economy, with coffee being one of the most important export commodities. Other significant crops include corn, beans, sugar, and fruits.
3. Services: The service sector, including banking, telecommunications, and retail, contributes to a significant portion of the country’s GDP. Remittances from Salvadorans abroad are also an essential part of the economy, accounting for approximately 20% of GDP.
4. Tourism: El Salvador has made efforts to develop its tourism industry in recent years. The country offers a range of tourist attractions, including historical sites, beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and ecotourism destinations. Despite this, tourism remains underdeveloped compared to other countries in Central America.
5. Challenges: El Salvador faces challenges related to inequality, crime, and political instability. While the economy has shown growth, poverty rates remain high, particularly in rural areas. Income inequality is a significant issue, with the wealthiest 10% of the population controlling a large portion of the nation’s resources.

Tourist Attractions

El Salvador is a country rich in natural beauty, offering visitors a mix of tropical beaches, volcanoes, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. Despite its small size, El Salvador is home to many attractions that appeal to different types of tourists.

Volcanoes

El Salvador is often referred to as the “Land of Volcanoes,” with more than 20 volcanoes scattered across the country. These volcanoes are not only a defining feature of the country’s landscape but also a major draw for adventure tourism.

1. Izalco Volcano: Known for its near-perfect cone shape, Izalco is one of the most famous volcanoes in El Salvador. Located near the city of Santa Ana, it offers hiking opportunities with breathtaking views from the summit.
2. San Vicente Volcano: One of the most active volcanoes in the country, it is famous for its hiking trails and panoramic views. Lake Coatepeque, located at the base of the volcano, is another popular spot for water sports.

Beaches

El Salvador has some of the best surfing beaches in Central America, with stretches of coastline along the Pacific Ocean offering excellent surf conditions year-round.

1. El Tunco: A small village on the Pacific coast, El Tunco is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and world-class surf breaks. It is a popular destination for surfers, backpackers, and eco-tourists.
2. La Libertad: A coastal city and port, La Libertad is known for its beautiful beaches, seafood restaurants, and a growing tourism sector. It is the gateway to many beach resorts and coastal activities.

Historical and Cultural Sites

1. Joya de Cerén: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Joya de Cerén is an ancient Mayan village that was preserved by volcanic ash. It is often compared to Pompeii for its preservation and provides insight into the daily life of the Maya civilization.
2. San Salvador Volcano (Ilamatepeq): The capital city, San Salvador, is located near the base of the San Salvador Volcano, which is a popular site for hiking. Visitors can enjoy views of the city, lake, and surrounding mountains from the top.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens traveling to El Salvador are required to have a valid passport to enter the country. A tourist visa is not required for stays of 90 days or less, though travelers must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.

1. Tourist Stay: U.S. citizens can visit El Salvador for up to 90 days without a visa. However, travelers must complete an Entry and Exit form upon arrival.
2. Extension: Extensions for an additional 90 days can be requested from the Immigration Department in El Salvador, though this process may take some time.
3. Other Visas: If planning to stay for longer periods (for work, study, or residency), U.S. citizens will need to apply for the appropriate visa at an El Salvadoran consulate or embassy before traveling.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

1. New York City: The distance from San Salvador to New York City is approximately 2,600 miles (4,200 kilometers). A direct flight typically takes around 4.5 to 5 hours.
2. Los Angeles: The distance from San Salvador to Los Angeles is about 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers), with flight times generally ranging between 4.5 and 5 hours.

El Salvador Facts

Size	21,041 km²
Residents	6.42 million
Language	Spanish (official language)
Capital	San Salvador
Longest river	Río Lempa (320 km in El Salvador, total length 422 km)
Highest mountain	El Pital (2,730 m)
Currency	Colón, since 2001 also the US dollar