El Salvador is a small country located in Central America, bordered by Guatemala to the west, Honduras to the north and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Its capital city is San Salvador.

The population of El Salvador is around 6.5 million people, and the official language is Spanish. The country's currency is the U.S. dollar.

El Salvador has a rich history and culture, with a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and other influences. It is known for its vibrant music, dance, and art scenes. The country also has several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site and the San Salvador Cathedral.

The economy of El Salvador is heavily dependent on remittances from Salvadorans living abroad, which make up around 20% of the country's GDP. The country also has a growing tourism industry, with visitors attracted to its beautiful beaches, tropical forests, and historic sites.

El Salvador has faced many challenges in recent years, including high levels of poverty and violence, political instability, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. However, the country is working to address these issues and is making progress towards a more stable and prosperous future.

Telephone Code
503

Local Emergency Phone
911

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands

Currency (Code)
US $ (USD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages
Spanish, Nawat

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 36%, other 2%, none 12%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in El Salvador, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Suchitoto; Ruta de las Flores; Lake Ilopango; Montecristo National Park; Puerta del Diablo; Joya de Ceren Archaeological Site

Major Sports
Soccer, beach soccer, cycling, basketball, boxing

Cultural Practices
After eating, it is considered polite to spend at least an hour conversing with your hosts instead of leaving right away.

Tipping Guidelines
At most upscale restaurants, the tip will be included in the bill. If you do leave a tip, 10% is appropriate. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. Hotel staff, such as bellhops or porters would appreciate a $1 (USD) per bag tip.

Souvenirs
Sorpresa ceramic figurines, silk bahia band bracelets, wooden toys, wicker furniture, hammocks, native clothing, painted-wood household and decorative items

Traditional Cuisine
Pupusa — a thick griddle cake made with cornmeal or rice flour usually stuffed with ingredients such as cheese, chicharrón (fried pork skin), squash, or refried beans; typically served with curtido (spicy fermented cabbage slaw) and tomato salsa

Geography
Area
total: 21,041 sq km
land: 20,721 sq km
water: 320 sq km

Climate
tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands

Natural resources
hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land

People and Society
Population
6,602,370 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Mestizo 86.3%, White 12.7%, Amerindian 0.2% (includes Lenca, Kakawira, Nahua-Pipil), Black 0.1%, other 0.6% (2007 est.)

Languages
Spanish (official), Nawat (among some Amerindians)

Religions
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 36%, other 2%, none 12% (2014 est.)

Population growth rate
0.46% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: San Salvador

Economy
Economic overview
growth-challenged Central American economy buttressed via remittances; dense labor force; fairly aggressive COVID-19 stimulus plan; new and lower banking reserve requirements; earthquake, tropical storm, and crime disruptions; widespread corruption

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$57.371 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$9,100 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
sugar cane, maize, milk, poultry, sorghum, beans, coconuts, eggs, apples, oranges

Industries
food processing, beverages, petroleum, chemicals, fertilizer, textiles, furniture, light metals

Exports
$8.491 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
United States 40%, Guatemala 15%, Honduras 15%, Nicaragua 6% (2019)

Exports - commodities
textiles and apparel, electrical capacitors, plastic lids, raw sugar, toilet paper (2019)

Imports
$15.754 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
United States 30%, China 14%, Guatemala 13%, Mexico 8%, Honduras 6% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, packaged medicines, clothing, broadcasting equipment, natural gas (2019)