Overview of El Salvador

Profile

With land roughly the size of Shikoku, it possesses fertile volcanic soil and abundant water resources. Population density is highest in the Americas, with most labor force in agriculture and services. Introduced the U.S. dollar in 2001 and adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, attracting attention for pioneering policies. Diverse tourism resources include surf spots, Mayan ruins, and colonial cities, with increasing visitors as security improves in recent years.

Official name: Republic of El Salvador
Common name: El Salvador
Numeric code: 222
Alpha-3 code: SLV
Alpha-2 code: SV
Population: Approximately 6.4 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 300 people/km2
Primary languages: Spanish
Major religions: Catholic, Evangelical Protestant
National anthem: Himno Nacional de El Salvador
Calling code: +503
Internet TLD: .sv

History

Gained independence from Spain in 1821, became a republic in 1841 after the federation collapsed, and achieved peace in 1992 following civil war.

After Spanish conquest in 1524, became part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala where indigo and coffee cultivation flourished. Gained independence in 1821, passed through the Central American Federation, and became a sovereign state in 1841. The early 20th century saw military dictatorships and large landowner systems, with the 1932 indigenous massacre "La Matanza." Experienced the 1969 Football War with Honduras and a civil war from 1980-1992 claiming over 75,000 lives. After UN-mediated peace agreements, pursued democratization and economic liberalization, with recent focus on security improvement and digitalization policies.

Geography & climate

Divided into Pacific coastal lowlands, inland central plateau, and northern mountains, traversed by volcanic ridges and valleys.

Tropical savanna climate (lowlands) and temperate mountain climate (highlands)

Area: North America / 21041 km²
Capital: San Salvador
Largest city: San Salvador
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Ilopango, Lake Coatepeque
Bordering countries: Guatemala, Honduras

Natural resources

Fertile volcanic soil, Hydropower potential, Geothermal energy, Fishery resources, Reforestation timber, Construction lava stone, Small gold and silver deposits, Tourism hot springs, Coffee cultivation land, Wind power sites

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)

GDP (nominal): 30.8 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 66.1 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Spanish

Time zone: Central Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Mestizo, White (Spanish, Italian, etc.), Pipil, Lenca, Afro-Salvadoran, Palestinian immigrants

Life expectancy

Approximately 74 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 80%

National sports

Soccer, Surfing, Beach soccer, Boxing, Basketball