last edited Dec 11, 2019
Overview of El Salvador
Quick Overview
El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, with the highest population density, and the only one without access to the Caribbean. Beyond a narrow coastal plain, the country is mountainous and highly volcanic. The fertile slopes of the volcanoes host the main urban areas, including the capital San Salvador, situated on high plateaus generally ranging between 500 and 1,200 metres.
Unlike neighbouring Guatemala, Indigenous populations make up only a very small part of Salvadoran society (1%). Apart from a few agricultural products, primarily coffee, and a small petrochemical industry, the country relies mainly on American aid and its diaspora. It has also suffered from a turbulent history, including a thirteen-year civil war that ended in the early 1990s, and endemic crime caused by rival gangs that plague Salvadoran society.
Key Facts
- Latitude/longitude: 13°50' N, 88°55' W.
- Local time:
- Capital: San Salvador
- Type of state: parliamentary republic.
- Official language: Spanish.
- Currency: US dollar.
- Population: 6,187,271 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 21,041 km².
- Density: 294 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Cerro El Pital (2,730 m).
- Lowest point: sea level.
- Coastline: 307 km.
- Driving side: right.
- Flag: [drapeau: El Salvador]
Tourism
With over 1.5 million visitors annually (1.677 million in 2018), El Salvador is now emerging as a tourist destination in Central America. This is despite tourism never being a major priority for governments (though this is starting to change) and the country’s image not being the best, particularly regarding safety.
Nevertheless, this visitation is less "international" and fewer Europeans come here compared to other regional destinations like Costa Rica. Most visitors come from neighbouring countries and, above all, the United States, where half of the 3 million Salvadorans living abroad reside. Beyond this affinity-based tourism, the main attractions are the excellent surfing opportunities and, to a lesser extent, ecotourism, which is gradually developing in the country.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for slightly experienced travellers.
- By air: France-San Salvador round trip from 580 to 900 €.
- Entry requirements: passport.
- Currency to bring: US dollars.
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget: 25 to 35 € per person.
- Best for accommodation: small hotels and guesthouses.
- Best for getting around: buses.
- Risks: low health risks and medium to locally high security risks.
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices: from November to April, though the Christmas-early January period attracts more visitors.
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/holidays .
Addresses in France
- Tourist Office: online only.
- Latin America House: 217 bd Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris. Tel.: +33 1 49 54 75 00.
Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 121/188 (2018 ranking)
- GDP per capita: $8,000 (2017)
- Average monthly income: $330 (2014)
- Inflation: 1% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 7% (2017)
- Population below poverty line: 32.7% (2016)
- Life expectancy: 74.7 years (2016)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -8 (2017)
- Population growth: +0.25% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 88% (2015)
- Urban population: 72% (2018)
- Press freedom: 66/180 (2018 ranking)
- Political regime: hybrid regime (77/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook