El Salvador
Central America
El Salvador is a country in Central America, home to 6.4 million people, with an area of 21,041 km². Its capital is San Salvador.
- Capital
- San Salvador
- Population
- 6.4 million
- Area
- 21,041 km²
- Region
- Central America
- Density
- 302 / km²
- Status
- Sovereign state
Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.
What El Salvador is known for
El Salvador is best known for Joya de Cerén, Ruta de las Flores and Tazumal.
El Salvador is a small country located in Central America, bordered by Guatemala to the west and Honduras to the north and east. It has a coastline along the Pacific Ocean to the south. Despite its small size, El Salvador is known for its rich history and culture, including its indigenous heritage and colonial-era architecture.
El Salvador at a glance
- Language
- Spanish is the official language
- Currency
- US dollar (since 2001)
- Religion
- Christianity is the predominant religion in El Salvador, with the majority of the population being Roman Catholic
- National dish
- Pupusas (a traditional Salvadoran dish made of a thick corn tortilla stuffed with various fillings, such as cheese, beans, or meat)
- Climate
- El Salvador has a tropical climate, with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April
- Main industries
- Manufacturing, including textiles and food processing; agriculture, including coffee and sugarcane production; and tourism
- GDP
- $26.7 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
- Development
- El Salvador is considered a developing country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 123 out of 189 countries (2020)
Things to do in El Salvador
Some of the main tourist attractions in El Salvador include:
- Joya de Cerén an archaeological site located near the town of San Juan Opico that was buried by volcanic ash in AD 600, providing a rare glimpse into the daily life of the indigenous people of the time.
- Ruta de las Flores a scenic route through the western part of the country that is known for its charming towns, beautiful landscapes, and coffee plantations.
- Tazumal an archaeological site located in the town of Chalchuapa that features a complex of Mayan ruins and a museum.
- Lake Coatepeque a beautiful crater lake located in the western part of the country that is popular for swimming, boating, and hiking.
- San Salvador Cathedral a historic cathedral located in the capital city of San Salvador that was built in the 18th century and features beautiful colonial-era architecture.
- El Boquerón National Park a national park located near the capital city that features the Boquerón volcano, hiking trails, and a visitor center.
These are just a few examples of the many attractions that El Salvador has to offer. The country's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality make it a fascinating destination for tourists from around the world.
El Salvador in pictures
El Salvador on video
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El Salvador compared with its neighbours
How it sits against the other countries of Central America.
| Country | Population | Area | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
 Nicaragua | 7 million | 130,373 km² | Managua |
| El Salvador | 6.4 million | 21,041 km² | San Salvador |
 Costa Rica | 5.1 million | 51,100 km² | San José |
 Panama | 4.5 million | 75,417 km² | Panama City |
Ranked 110th of 195 countries by population and 148th by area.
Questions about El Salvador
What is the capital of El Salvador?
The capital of El Salvador is San Salvador.
How many people live in El Salvador?
About 6.4 million people. Ranked 110th of 195 countries by population and 148th by area.
How big is El Salvador?
El Salvador covers 21,041 km², in Central America.
What is El Salvador known for?
El Salvador is best known for Joya de Cerén, Ruta de las Flores and Tazumal.
What language is spoken in El Salvador?
Spanish is the official language.
What currency is used in El Salvador?
US dollar (since 2001).
Is El Salvador a country?
Yes. El Salvador is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.