WorldSumma

🇸🇻El Salvador

About El Salvador

El Salvador, the smallest yet most densely populated nation in Central America, packs a vibrant mix of volcanic landscapes, colonial heritage, and a warm, resilient people into a compact 21,000‑square‑kilometer canvas.

Dominated by a chain of volcanoes, the country’s dramatic topography includes the towering San Salvador volcano, a rugged coastal plain along the Pacific, and lush highland valleys that give way to fertile coffee‑growing lands. Its numerous rivers, such as the Lempa, carve deep canyons that enrich the terrain’s diversity.

El Salvador’s culture pulses with vivid colors and rhythmic beats: traditional folk dances like the ‘La Danza de los Diablitos,’ a cuisine of pupusas stuffed with cheese, beans, and chicharrón, and festivals that blend Catholic traditions with indigenous customs. Street markets buzz with handcrafted textiles and the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, reflecting a proud culinary and artistic legacy.

A pivotal moment came in 1992 when the Chapultepec Peace Accords ended a 12‑year civil war, ushering in a new era of democratic governance and social reconstruction that reshaped the nation’s trajectory toward stability and growth.

Key Facts

  • • El Salvador is the world’s leading producer of pupusas, a national dish that has earned UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage status.
  • • Population: approximately 6.5 million people; Area: about 21,041 km², making it the smallest country in Central America.
  • • The country boasts the world’s youngest average age, with about 27% of its citizens under 15, reflecting a youthful, dynamic society.

Country Details

Capital

San Salvador

Region / Subregion

Americas / Central America

Native Name

El Salvador

Nationality

Salvadoran

Currency

United States dollar (USD - $)

Phone Code

503

Top-Level Domain

.sv

ISO Codes

ISO2: SV / ISO3: SLV

Coordinates

Lat: 13.8333, Lng: -88.9167

El Salvador: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of El Salvador?

The capital of El Salvador is San Salvador.

What currency is used in El Salvador?

El Salvador uses the United States dollar (USD), with the symbol $.

Where is El Salvador located?

El Salvador is located in Central America, Americas.

What are people from El Salvador called?

People from El Salvador are referred to as Salvadoran.

What is the phone calling code for El Salvador?

The international dialing code for El Salvador is +503.