El Salvador Country Facts
El Salvador is located in Central America, bordered by Guatemala to the west, Honduras to the north and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Its geographic coordinates range from approximately 13.7° to 14.4° N latitude and 87.7° to 90.2° W longitude. Despite being the smallest country in Central America, El Salvador boasts a diverse landscape and a rich cultural heritage.
Geography
Climate:
El Salvador has a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The coastal areas experience a hot and humid climate, while the central highlands enjoy more moderate temperatures. The country is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Fauna:
El Salvador is home to a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, jaguars, and various species of birds and reptiles. The coastal areas support diverse marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish. Efforts to preserve and protect the country’s natural habitats have led to the establishment of national parks and protected areas.
Longest Rivers:
The longest river in El Salvador is the Lempa River, which flows approximately 422 kilometers (262 miles) from its source in Guatemala to its mouth on the Pacific coast. The river plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, providing water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and transportation.
Highest Mountains:
El Salvador is known for its volcanic landscape, with several prominent peaks dotting the country’s terrain. The highest mountain in El Salvador is Cerro El Pital, reaching an elevation of 2,730 meters (8,957 feet) above sea level. Other notable volcanoes include Izalco, Santa Ana, and San Salvador.
History
Prehistory:
El Salvador has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the pre-Columbian era. The indigenous Pipil people, descendants of the Maya civilization, were the dominant ethnic group in the region prior to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
Spanish Conquest:
In 1524, Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado led an expedition into the territory of present-day El Salvador, encountering fierce resistance from the indigenous inhabitants. Despite initial challenges, the Spanish eventually subdued the native population and established colonial rule over the region.
Colonial Era:
During the colonial period, El Salvador was part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, a Spanish administrative division encompassing much of Central America. The region was primarily used for agriculture, with the production of indigo, cocoa, and coffee becoming major economic activities.
Independence and Modern Age:
El Salvador gained independence from Spain in 1821 as part of the broader movement for independence in Central America. However, political instability and social unrest persisted throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to periods of dictatorship, civil war, and economic hardship. In recent decades, El Salvador has made significant strides in democratic governance and economic development.
Demographics
El Salvador has a population of approximately 6.5 million people, making it the most densely populated country in Central America. The majority of the population is of mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European) descent, with significant Indigenous and European minorities. Spanish is the official language, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, although there is religious diversity with Protestant and other Christian denominations represented.
Ethnicity and Religion:
The population of El Salvador is predominantly mestizo, with Indigenous and European ancestry. Indigenous peoples, primarily of the Pipil and Lenca ethnic groups, make up a small percentage of the population. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, with the majority of Salvadorans identifying as Catholic. However, there is also a growing Protestant Christian community, as well as small numbers of adherents to other religions.
Language:
Spanish is the official and most widely spoken language in El Salvador. Indigenous languages such as Nahuatl and Lenca are also spoken by some Indigenous communities, particularly in rural areas.
Education:
Education in El Salvador is free and compulsory for children ages 5 to 15, with primary and secondary education provided by the government. The country has made significant investments in education in recent years, increasing enrollment rates and improving access to quality education. El Salvador is home to several universities, including the National University of El Salvador, the Central American University, and the University of El Salvador.
Administrative Divisions
El Salvador is divided into 14 departments, each with its own governor appointed by the president of El Salvador. The departments, along with their respective populations, are as follows:
- Ahuachapán – Population: 340,000
- Cabañas – Population: 170,000
- Chalatenango – Population: 226,000
- Cuscatlán – Population: 297,000
- La Libertad – Population: 980,000
- La Paz – Population: 360,000
- La Unión – Population: 327,000
- Morazán – Population: 214,000
- San Miguel – Population: 535,000
- San Salvador – Population: 1.8 million
- San Vicente – Population: 196,000
- Santa Ana – Population: 660,000
- Sonsonate – Population: 550,000
- Usulután – Population: 420,000
10 Largest Cities by Population
The largest cities in El Salvador by population include:
- San Salvador – Population: 1.8 million
- Santa Ana – Population: 280,000
- San Miguel – Population: 215,000
- Soyapango – Population: 290,000
- Mejicanos – Population: 150,000
- Santa Tecla – Population: 200,000
- Apopa – Population: 160,000
- Delgado – Population: 120,000
- Sonsonate – Population: 80,000
- San Marcos – Population: 75,000
Education Systems
Education in El Salvador is provided by both public and private institutions at all levels, from primary school to university. Primary education is free and compulsory for children ages 5 to 12, while secondary education is optional but widely accessible. El Salvador has made efforts to improve access to education for all citizens, including marginalized populations such as Indigenous communities and rural residents.
Transportation
Airports:
El Salvador is served by several international airports, with the most prominent being El Salvador International Airport (SAL) located near the capital, San Salvador. Other airports include Ilopango International Airport and Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport.
Highways:
El Salvador has an extensive network of highways and roads connecting major cities and towns across the country. The Pan-American Highway runs through El Salvador, providing a vital link to neighboring countries. Other major highways include the CA-1, CA-2, and CA-4 highways.
Ports:
El Salvador has several major ports along the Pacific coast, including:
- Acajutla Port
- La Unión Port
- Puerto El Triunfo
- Puerto Cutuco
- Puerto La Libertad
Country Facts
- Population: 6.5 million
- Capital: San Salvador
- Language: Spanish
- Religion: Roman Catholicism
- Ethnic Groups: Mestizo, Indigenous, European
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- ISO Country Code: SV
- International Calling Code: +503
- Top-Level Domain: .sv
