Core Facts / Infobox

Present this as a clean two-column table containing accurate and verified national facts. Include only fields with real data.

Geography & Environment

• El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, bordered by Guatemala, Honduras, and the Pacific Ocean.
• Known as the “Land of Volcanoes” due to its high concentration of active and dormant volcanoes.
• Geography includes volcanic mountains, fertile valleys, black-sand beaches, and large lakes.
• Climate: tropical with wet and dry seasons; cooler temperatures in highlands.
• Best time to visit: November–April (dry season).
• National parks: El Imposible, Cerro Verde, Montecristo National Park.
• Rich biodiversity including toucans, jaguars, sea turtles, and tropical flora.
• Environmental challenges: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, deforestation, hurricanes.

Demographics

• Population ~6.5 million.
• Median age ~30 years.
• Ethnic groups: Mestizo majority; smaller Indigenous and European-descendant populations.
• Religion: mostly Roman Catholic and Protestant Christian.
• Urban population ~73%.
• Major cities: San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Miguel, Soyapango.

History

• Originally inhabited by Pipil, Lenca, and Maya-speaking peoples.
• Colonized by Spain in the 16th century.
• Gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821.
• Became fully independent from the Central American Federation in 1841.
• Experienced a civil war from 1980 to 1992, ending with the Peace Accords.
• Recent history includes significant crime reduction and economic changes.

Government & Politics

• Government type: Presidential republic.
• Executive: President.
• Legislature: unicameral Legislative Assembly.
• Judiciary: Supreme Court of Justice.
• Administrative divisions: 14 departments.
• Recent reforms include enhanced security measures and digital economy initiatives.

Economy

• Upper-lower-middle-income economy focused on services and remittances.
• Major industries: textiles, services, agriculture, technology, tourism.
• Main exports: coffee, sugar, textiles, electrical components, seafood.
• Main imports: fuel, machinery, agricultural products, manufactured goods.
• Strengths: dollarized economy, growing tourism, expanding tech sector.
• Weaknesses: vulnerability to natural disasters, reliance on remittances.
• GDP sectors: Services (~65%), Industry (~25%), Agriculture (~10%).

Culture & Society

• A blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and modern influences.
• Major celebrations include Independence Day, Holy Week, and August Festivals.
• Traditional clothing includes colorful Indigenous garments used mainly in rural areas.
• Music styles: cumbia, marimba, Salvadoran folk, reggaeton.
• Languages: Spanish is dominant; Nawat is still spoken by some communities.
• Family culture is central, with strong community ties.

Food & Cuisine

• National dish: Pupusas — stuffed corn tortillas with cheese, beans, pork, or squash.
• Other iconic foods: Yuca frita, Sopa de gallina india, Tamales, Pan con pollo.
• Street foods: pastelitos, elotes locos, riguas.
• Beverages: horchata, atol de elote, tamarindo juice, Salvadoran coffee.

Education & Institutions

• Medium of instruction: Spanish.
• Literacy rate: ~89%.
• Top universities: University of El Salvador, Central American University (UCA), Technological University of El Salvador.
• Key fields: medicine, engineering, business, social sciences.

Tourism

• Top destinations: Ruta de las Flores, San Salvador, Santa Ana Volcano, Surf City beaches, Suchitoto.
• UNESCO sites: Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site.
• Natural attractions: volcanoes, beaches, lakes, coffee plantations.
• Adventure tourism: surfing (world-class waves), hiking, volcano treks, paragliding.
• Visa: visa-free for many nationalities; simple entry procedures.
• Transportation: buses, taxis, ride-sharing, domestic flights.

Practical Information

• Safety has improved significantly due to new security policies.
• Healthcare: modern private hospitals in major cities; limited rural services.
• Emergency number: 911.
• Plug type: A/B; Voltage: 120V.
• Internet: widely available; excellent in urban areas.
• Best time to visit: November–April.
• Budget: affordable to mid-range for most travelers.

Sports, Entertainment & Notable People

• Popular sports: football, basketball, surfing.
• Famous athletes: Jorge “El Mágico” González (football legend).
• Artists: Fernando Llort, Noé Canjura.
• Writers: Claudia Lars, Manlio Argueta.
• Entertainment figures: Álvaro Torres (singer).

Neighboring Countries of El Salvador

El Salvador shares land borders with the following countries:

• 203 km with Guatemala
• 342 km with Honduras

Famous For

• Pupusas.
• Surf City — world-class surfing.
• Volcanoes and natural landscapes.
• Mayan ruins like Joya de Cerén.
• Colorful festivals and traditions.
• Warm, welcoming culture.

Sources

• World Bank
• United Nations (UN Data)
• IMF
• CIA World Factbook
• El Salvador Ministry of Economy
• Government of El Salvador