El Salvador facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Republic of El Salvador
República de El Salvador (Spanish)
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 Coat of arms
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Motto: Dios, Unión, Libertad
"God, Union, Liberty" |
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 Show globe Show map of El Salvador |
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| Capital and largest city
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San Salvador 13°42′N 89°12′W / 13.700°N 89.200°W |
| Official languages | Spanish |
| Recognized languages | Nawat |
| Ethnic groups
(2007)
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| Religion
(2022)
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| Demonym(s) | Salvadoran |
| Government | Unitary presidential republic |
| Nayib Bukele | |
| Félix Ulloa | |
| Legislature | Legislative Assembly |
| Independence | |
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• Declared from Spain
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15 September 1821 |
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• Declared from the First Mexican Empire
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1 July 1823 |
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• Declared from the
Federal Republic of Central America |
30 January 1841 |
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• International recognition
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18 February 1841 |
| Area | |
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• Total
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21,041 km2 (8,124 sq mi) (149th) |
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• Water (%)
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1.5 |
| Population | |
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• 2024 census
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 6,029,976 (114th) |
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• Density
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286.6/km2 (742.3/sq mi) (46th) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2025 estimate |
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• Total
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 $88.323 billion (107th) |
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• Per capita
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$13,753 (114th) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2025 estimate |
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• Total
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$37.843 billion (104th) |
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• Per capita
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$5,893 (108th) |
| Gini (2022) |  38.8medium |
| HDI (2023) | 0.678 medium · 132nd |
| Currency |
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| Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +503 |
| ISO 3166 code | SV |
| Internet TLD | .sv |
El Salvador (Spanish: República de El Salvador) is the smallest country in Central America. It is also the most densely populated. The capital and largest city is San Salvador. Other important cities include Santa Ana and San Miguel. El Salvador is located on the Pacific Ocean to the south. It shares borders with Guatemala to the west and Honduras to the north and east.
In 2010, El Salvador was among the top 10 Latin American countries for its Human Development Index. This index measures things like life expectancy, education, and income. It was also one of the few countries where tropical forests grew by almost 20% between 1992 and 2010. This means it's a place where reforestation is happening!
El Salvador has two main seasons. The dry season, called summer, lasts from mid-October to mid-May. It hardly ever rains then. The wet season, called winter, is from mid-May to mid-October. It rains every day during this time. Most people in El Salvador are mestizo, meaning they have a mix of European and Indigenous American heritage.
Contents
- History of El Salvador
- Ancient Times: Prehistoric Life
- Early Civilizations: Before Europeans Arrived
- European Explorers Arrive (1522)
- Colonial Period (1525–1821)
- Gaining Independence (1821)
- The 20th Century: Changes and Challenges
- The Salvadoran Civil War (1979–1992)
- After the War (1992–2019)
- El Salvador Today (2019–Present)
- Geography
- Economy
- People and Culture
- Culture
- Images for kids
- See also
History of El Salvador
Ancient Times: Prehistoric Life
Long, long ago, during the Pleistocene era, El Salvador was home to huge animals. These included giant ground sloths and elephant-like creatures. Humans have lived in El Salvador since very early times.
Early Civilizations: Before Europeans Arrived
Not much is known about the earliest civilizations in El Salvador. This is because many old sites are covered by volcanic ash or modern cities.
One important ancient town was Chalchuapa. It was settled around 1200 BC. Chalchuapa was a trading center for things like pottery and cacao. A big volcanic eruption around 430 AD damaged it greatly. Another old town was Cara Sucia, which grew into a major city before being destroyed in the 10th century.
The Pipil people arrived around 800 AD. They spoke a language called Nahua. They named their land Kuskatan, meaning "The Place of Precious Jewels." Many Salvadorans today have roots from the Pipil or the Lenca people.
European Explorers Arrive (1522)
In 1521, a sickness called smallpox spread through the region. The first Spanish explorers came to El Salvador in 1522. Admiral Andrés Niño landed on an island and explored the coast. The Lenca people were the first to meet the Spanish.
Spanish Conquest and Resistance
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In 1524, a Spanish leader named Pedro de Alvarado entered the Pipil lands. The Spanish hoped to find gold. They soon realized the land's rich soil was more valuable. The Pipil people strongly resisted the Spanish. They fought bravely to protect their land. Alvarado was even wounded in battle.
The Pipil and their neighbors, the Maya, pushed the Spanish back to Guatemala. But the Spanish returned with more soldiers. The Pipil were also weakened by the smallpox sickness. By 1525, the Spanish had taken control of the Pipil lands. They founded the city of San Salvador.
The Spanish also tried to conquer the Lenca people in eastern El Salvador. A Lenca princess, Antu Silan Ulap I, united many Lenca towns to fight back. They drove the Spanish out of their settlement in San Miguel. For ten years, the Lencas kept the Spanish from building a permanent town. Later, another Lenca leader named Lempira continued the fight for six more years. The Spanish eventually rebuilt San Miguel in 1537.
Colonial Period (1525–1821)
During this time, El Salvador was part of a larger Spanish territory called the Captaincy General of Guatemala. Local leaders in El Salvador wanted more control over their own affairs. They were also inspired by revolutions in other parts of the world.
In 1811, a priest named José Matías Delgado called for an uprising in San Salvador. This movement for independence was stopped. Another attempt in 1814 also failed.
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Gaining Independence (1821)
In 1821, the Central American provinces, including El Salvador, declared independence from Spain. El Salvador then joined a union called the Federal Republic of Central America.
For a short time, some leaders wanted to join the Mexican Empire. El Salvador resisted this idea. After the Mexican Empire fell, the Central American provinces formed their own federation. El Salvador officially became an independent country in 1841. It later joined a short-lived union with Honduras and Nicaragua from 1896 to 1898.
In the mid-1800s, coffee growing became very important for the economy. The country's wealth depended on coffee prices. This led to a few powerful families owning most of the land. Laws were made to ensure enough workers for the coffee farms. In 1912, the national guard was created to help keep order in rural areas.
The 20th Century: Changes and Challenges
From 1913 to 1927, the Meléndez–Quiñónez family had a strong influence on the government. In 1931, Arturo Araujo became president in what was seen as a fair election. However, his government lasted only nine months. Junior military officers overthrew him, partly because of unpaid wages to the army. General Maximiliano Hernández Martínez then became president.
In January 1932, there was a period of severe unrest and violence known as La Matanza. Many people, especially farmers, were involved in a rebellion against the government. This happened because of economic hardship and political problems. The government responded with great force, and many people lost their lives. Leaders of the rebellion, like Farabundo Martí, were captured.
Historically, many Salvadorans moved to neighboring Honduras to find land. This led to tensions between the two countries. These tensions were a major cause of the Football War in 1969. After the war, many Salvadorans returned from Honduras.
Political parties like the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) and the National Conciliation Party (PCN) were important. José Napoleón Duarte was a popular leader who served as mayor of San Salvador. He later ran for president but faced election problems.
The Salvadoran Civil War (1979–1992)
In 1979, a new government group, the Revolutionary Government Junta, came to power. They tried to make changes, but the country faced growing unrest. Many people wanted better rights and living conditions. Different groups formed, including the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN).
Óscar Romero, the Archbishop of San Salvador, spoke out against unfairness and violence. He was a voice for those who felt unheard. Sadly, he was killed in March 1980. Many people see this as the start of the full Salvadoran Civil War, which lasted until 1992. During this time, many people were harmed or lost their lives.
On January 16, 1992, the government and the FMLN signed peace agreements. This event, held in Mexico, officially ended the 12-year civil war. It was a big step towards healing the country.
After the War (1992–2019)
The peace agreements led to many changes. The army was made smaller, and new police forces were created.
For many years, the Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) party won presidential elections. Then, in 2009, Mauricio Funes became the first president from the FMLN party. He focused on looking into past government actions.
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Economic changes helped improve living conditions and trade. However, crime remained a challenge. In 2014, former FMLN leader Salvador Sánchez Cerén became president. In 2018, former president Antonio Saca was sentenced to prison for misusing government money.
El Salvador Today (2019–Present)
On June 1, 2019, Nayib Bukele became the new president. He won the election representing the Grand Alliance for National Unity (GANA) party. His new party, Nuevas Ideas, later won a large majority in the Legislative Assembly in 2021. This allowed for many new laws and changes.
In June 2021, El Salvador made bitcoin a legal tender currency. This was a new step for the country's economy. In September 2021, the Supreme Court allowed President Bukele to run for a second term in 2024.
In November 2023, President Bukele took a leave of absence to campaign for re-election. Claudia Rodríguez de Guevara became the first female acting president. In February 2024, President Bukele won re-election with a large majority. His party also won most seats in parliament. In February 2025, El Salvador's Congress agreed to remove Bitcoin's legal tender status. In late July 2025, the Legislative Assembly approved changes to the country's constitution. These changes would remove presidential term limits and extend terms to six years. The next presidential election was moved to 2027.
Geography
El Salvador is in Central America. It stretches about 270 kilometers (168 miles) from west to east. It is about 140 kilometers (88 miles) from north to south. Its total area is 21,041 square kilometers (8,124 square miles). Because it's the smallest country in continental America, people sometimes call it Pulgarcito de America, which means "Tom Thumb of the Americas." The highest point is Cerro El Pital, which is 2,730 meters (8,957 feet) tall. It sits on the border with Honduras.
El Salvador has a long history of earthquakes and volcanoes. The capital, San Salvador, has been damaged many times by earthquakes. El Salvador has over twenty volcanoes. Two of them, San Miguel and Izalco, have been active recently. For many years, Izalco volcano erupted so regularly that it was called the "Lighthouse of the Pacific." Its bright flares could be seen far out at sea.
The country has over 300 rivers. The most important one is the Rio Lempa. It starts in Guatemala and flows through El Salvador, emptying into the Pacific Ocean. It is the only river in El Salvador that boats can travel on. Other rivers are usually short and flow into the Pacific.
There are several lakes in El Salvador that formed in volcanic craters. The most important ones are Lake Ilopango (70 square kilometers or 27 square miles) and Lake Coatepeque (26 square kilometers or 10 square miles). Lake Güija is the largest natural lake, covering 44 square kilometers (17 square miles). There are also artificial lakes created by dams on the Lempa River, like Embalse Cerrón Grande.
El Salvador shares borders with Guatemala and Honduras. The total length of its borders is 546 kilometers (339 miles). It is the only Central American country that does not have a coastline on the Caribbean Sea. Its Pacific coastline is 307 kilometers (191 miles) long.
Two mountain ranges run across El Salvador from west to east. Between them is a central plateau. A narrow plain runs along the Pacific coast. These features divide the country into two main areas: the interior highlands (mountains and plateau) and the Pacific lowlands (coastal plains).
Climate and Weather
El Salvador has a Tropical climate with clear wet and dry seasons. Temperatures mostly depend on how high up a place is, not on the time of year. The Pacific lowlands are always hot. The central plateau and mountain areas have more moderate temperatures.
The rainy season is from May to October, called invierno (winter). Most of the yearly rain falls during this time. Some mountain slopes facing south can get as much as 2,170 millimeters (85 inches) of rain. Rain usually comes from low-pressure systems over the Pacific. It often falls as heavy afternoon thunderstorms.
From November to April, it's the dry season, called verano (summer). During these months, air from the Caribbean becomes dry as it passes over mountains in Honduras. When this dry air reaches El Salvador, it brings hot, hazy weather. However, in the high northern mountains, like near Cerro El Pital, temperatures are cool. Snow can even fall there sometimes because of the high elevation.
Natural Events
El Salvador's location on the Pacific Ocean means it can experience severe weather. This includes heavy rainstorms and droughts. These can be made worse by El Niño and La Niña weather patterns. Because many trees have been cut down, the land is more likely to have landslides and forest fires.
In 2001, a severe drought destroyed 80% of El Salvador's crops. This caused food shortages in the countryside. In 2005, heavy rains led to dangerous flooding and landslides, causing many deaths.
El Salvador is also in the Pacific Ring of Fire. This means it has a lot of tectonic activity, like frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. For example, an earthquake in January 2001 caused a landslide that killed many people. Another earthquake a month later damaged many homes.
The San Salvador area has been hit by many earthquakes throughout history. The 1986 earthquake left many people without homes.
The most recent big volcanic eruption was in 2005 from the Santa Ana Volcano. It sent out ash, hot mud, and rocks. A much older and more powerful eruption happened around 5th century AD. The Ilopango volcano erupted, causing widespread damage to Mayan cities.
The Santa Ana Volcano is active, with recent eruptions in 1904 and 2005. Lago de Coatepeque, one of El Salvador's lakes, formed in a large volcanic crater.
Animals and Plants
El Salvador is home to many different kinds of animals and plants. There are eight types of sea turtles in the world. Four of these sea turtle species live on the coast of El Salvador. These include the leatherback turtle, the hawksbill, the Green Sea turtle, and the olive ridley. The olive ridley is the most common. The hawksbill and leatherback turtles are very rare and are critically endangered.
It is thought that El Salvador has about 500 types of birds. It also has 1,000 types of butterflies, 400 types of orchids, and 800 types of trees. There are also 800 types of marine fish in its waters.
Economy
El Salvador's economy has faced challenges from natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. The government has worked to improve its finances, focusing on taxes like the value-added tax (IVA). This tax was increased to 13% in 1995.
Antiguo Cuscatlán is a city with a high income per person. It is also a place where international companies invest.
The country's economy has grown steadily. In 2001, the U.S. dollar became legal money in El Salvador alongside the Salvadoran colón. This means that all official money matters are now done in U.S. dollars.
In the past, El Salvador's economy relied heavily on one main export. During colonial times, it was a big exporter of indigo. Later, after synthetic dyes were invented, coffee became the main export for many years.
San Miguel is an important economic center. It hosts the "Carnival of San Miguel," a huge festival with entertainment and food.
Tourism
Many tourists visit El Salvador. In 2014, about 1.4 million international tourists were expected to visit. Tourism adds a lot to El Salvador's economy. In 2013, it contributed over $855 million to the country's GDP. Tourism also supports many jobs, both directly and indirectly.
The main airport for international flights is Comalapa International Airport. It is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of San Salvador.
Most tourists from North America and Europe come to enjoy El Salvador's beaches and nightlife. Surfing has become very popular in recent years. Salvadoran beaches offer great surfing spots that are not too crowded. The use of the United States dollar and direct flights from the U.S. make it easy for American tourists to visit.
The country's culture has also been influenced by American styles. This means you can find many American-style malls, stores, and restaurants in major cities, especially around San Salvador.
Some of the top attractions in El Salvador include its coastal beaches, La Libertad, Ruta Las Flores, Suchitoto, and the Santa Ana Volcano. Other popular spots are Nahuizalco, Apaneca, Juayua, and San Ignacio.
People and Culture
The capital city, San Salvador, has about 2.1 million people. About 42% of El Salvador's population lives in rural areas. However, many people have moved to cities since the 1960s.
Ethnic Groups
El Salvador's population is mostly made up of Mestizos. These are people with mixed Indigenous and European backgrounds. About 86% of Salvadorans are of mestizo ancestry.
Many Salvadorans live outside El Salvador. The United States is a popular place for Salvadorans to move for work. By 2012, about 2 million Salvadoran immigrants lived in the U.S. This makes them the sixth largest immigrant group there. Guatemala is another common destination. Salvadorans also live in Canada, Mexico, and other countries.
Languages
Spanish is the official language and almost everyone speaks it. Some Indigenous people speak their native languages, like Nawat and Maya. However, all of them can also speak Spanish.
The local way of speaking Spanish is called Caliche. Salvadorans use "vos" instead of "tú" for "you," which is also common in Argentina and Costa Rica. Caliche is informal.
Religion
Most people in El Salvador are Christian. The two largest groups are Roman Catholics (47%) and Protestants (33%). About 17% of the population does not belong to any religious group. Other religions include Jehovah's Witnesses, Muslims, and Buddhists. The number of evangelical Christians is growing quickly.
Culture
El Salvador's culture is mostly Mestizo. It has strong influences from both Native American Indigenous and European Spanish traditions. The Catholic Church is very important in Salvadoran culture. Archbishop Óscar Romero is a national hero. He worked for peace and justice during a difficult time in El Salvador's history.
Painting, ceramics, and textiles are important art forms. Famous writers include Francisco Gavidia, Salarrué, and Roque Dalton. Notable artists include filmmaker Patricia Chica and painter Fernando Llort.
Cuisine
One of El Salvador's most famous dishes is the pupusa. These are handmade corn tortillas. They are stuffed with things like cheese, chicharrón (fried pork), or refried beans. Sometimes they are filled with queso con loroco, which is cheese mixed with a special vine flower bud called loroco.
Pupusas revueltas have beans, cheese, and pork. There are also vegetarian pupusas. The word pupusa comes from an old Indigenous word, pupushahua. Pupusas were eaten in El Salvador even before the Spanish arrived.
Other typical Salvadoran dishes include yuca frita and panes con pollo. Yuca frita is deep-fried cassava root. It's served with curtido (pickled cabbage) and pork rinds. Pan con pollo/pavo are warm sandwiches filled with marinated and roasted chicken or turkey. They are usually served with tomato, watercress, and other vegetables.
A common Salvadoran breakfast is fried plantain, often served with cream. This is a popular dish in homes and restaurants.
Alguashte is a seasoning made from ground pumpkin seeds. It is used in both savory and sweet dishes.
"Maria Luisa" is a popular dessert. It's a layered cake soaked in orange marmalade and topped with powdered sugar.
A popular drink is Horchata. It's often made from ground morro seeds mixed with milk or water and sugar. Salvadoran horchata has a unique taste and is different from Mexican horchata, which is made from rice. Coffee is also a common morning drink.
Other popular drinks include Ensalada, which is fruit chopped in fruit juice, and Kolachampan, a fizzy drink flavored with sugar cane.
Another popular dessert is Pastel de tres leches (Cake of three milks). It's a cake soaked in three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and cream.
Music
Salvadoran music mixes Indigenous Pipil and Spanish influences. It includes religious songs, especially for Christmas and other holidays. Songs often tell stories about rural life. Music from Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico, like salsa and cumbia, is also popular. Traditional Salvadoran music uses instruments like marimba, tehpe'ch, flutes, drums, and gourds. Modern music also uses guitars. The Xuc is a well-known folk dance from Cojutepeque.
Sport
Soccer is the most popular sport in El Salvador. The El Salvador national football team played in the FIFA World Cup in 1970 and 1982. Their qualification for the 1970 tournament happened during a time of tension with Honduras, which was later called the Football War.
The national football team plays at the Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador. This stadium opened in 1976 and can hold 53,400 people. It is the largest stadium in Central America and the Caribbean.
Images for kids
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Excavation of a Megatherium in the Tomayate site Apopa.
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Skull fossil of an ancient horse in the Tomayate site Apopa.
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San Miguel volcano in 2013.
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The torogoz is El Salvador's national bird.
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San Miguel is an important economic centre of El Salvador and home to the "Carnival of San Miguel".
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The largest wind park in Central America is in Metapan, El Salvador.
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Hospital El Salvador.
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Group of schoolchildren in Metapán, Santa Ana.
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Palestinian children in El Salvador.
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Dr. Prudencio Llach Observatory.
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The iconic statue of Christ on the globe sphere of planet earth is part of the Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo ('Monument to the Divine Saviour of the World') in San Salvador.
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Roque Dalton García was a Salvadoran poet and journalist.
See also
In Spanish: El Salvador para niños
