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The Republic of El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. It is composed of many natural riches, such as majestic beaches, beautiful forests, gorgeous lakes, and wondrous volcanoes. In 2022, its population reached 6.3 million, making it the most densely populated of all seven Central American countries.
- Overview
- Land
- Relief
- Drainage
- Soils
- Climate
El Salvador, country of Central America. El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated of the seven Central American countries. Despite having little level land, it traditionally was an agricultural country, heavily dependent upon coffee exports. By the end of the 20th century, however, the service sector had come to dominate the economy. The capital is San Salvador.
From the late 1970s to the early 1990s, El Salvador was the focus of international attention, owing to its civil war and to external involvement in its internal conflicts. The war, which pitted a militarily and politically capable left-wing insurgency against the U.S.-backed Salvadoran Armed Forces, was caused by decades of repressive, military-dominated rule and profound social inequality. Following the United Nations-mediated 1992 peace accords, which contained fundamental provisions for El Salvador’s democratization (including the removal of the military from political affairs), the country began to recover from years of political and economic turmoil, only to be devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and by a major earthquake in 2001. Skyrocketing crime, faltering economic growth, and persistent social inequality have further hampered full postwar reconstruction.
El Salvador is bounded by Honduras to the north and east, by the Pacific Ocean to the south, and by Guatemala to the northwest. Its territory is situated wholly on the western side of the isthmus, and it is therefore the only Central American country that lacks a Caribbean coast. The entire territory of El Salvador is located on the Central American volcanic axis, which determines the major geographic regions of the country.
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Relief in El Salvador is dominated by the central highlands, consisting largely of a west-east line of volcanoes (some of which are still active) crossing the center of the country. This volcanic range includes 20 cones, from the westernmost Izalco Volcano (6,447 feet [1,965 meters]), through those of San Salvador (6,430 feet [1,960 meters]) and San Miguel (6,988 feet [2,130 meters]), to that of Conchagua (4,078 feet [1,243 meters]) in the extreme east. These volcanoes are separated by a series of basins (commonly referred to as El Salvador’s central plain), lying at elevations of between 3,500 and 5,000 feet (1,000 and 1,500 meters), whose fertile soils, derived from volcanic ash, lava, and alluvium, have for centuries supported the cultivation of crops. To the south, where the central highlands give way to the Pacific coast, is a narrow coastal plain with average elevations of between 100 and 500 feet (30 and 150 meters).
North of the central highlands, and parallel to them, a broad interior plain drained by the Lempa River is situated at elevations between 1,300 and 2,000 feet (400 and 610 meters). Intermittently broken by ancient dormant volcanic structures and adversely affected by poor drainage and high soil acidities, this interior plain has provided a less-attractive environment for human habitation.
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Two principal river systems and their associated tributaries drain the major part of the country. Most important is the Lempa, which enters El Salvador from Guatemala in the northwestern corner of the country and flows eastward for 80 miles (130 km) across the interior plain to form part of the border with Honduras before turning sharply south to r...
Less than one-fifth of El Salvador’s soils are suitable for agriculture. The central plain and interior valleys have mostly volcanic soils that are relatively fertile but that are also vulnerable to erosion. The southern coast has level, fertile alluvial soils, deposited by the numerous small rivers draining from the central highlands. Combined wit...
The climate of El Salvador is tropical but is moderated by elevation in the interior; in general it is warm rather than hot, varying between the high 50s and low 70s F (about 15 and 23 °C). Heavy rains, known as the temporales, fall in the winter season, from May to October. The dry summer season lasts from November to April. There is considerable ...
- Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec) Standing as the highest volcano in El Salvador, the Santa Ana Volcano, or Ilamatepec as it is locally known, is an iconic part of the country’s skyline.
- Coatepeque Lake. One of the most beautiful natural wonders of El Salvador, Lake Coatepeque, is a large crater lake nestled in the volcanic highlands in the west of the country.
- El Imposible National Park. The El Imposible National Park, named after a perilous mountain pass, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Declared a national park in 1989, it spans approximately 5,000 acres and is home to an incredible array of biodiversity, with many endemic and endangered species.
- Tazumal. As the country’s most famous Mayan ruin, Tazumal offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time. Located in the town of Chalchuapa, this archaeological site dates back to around 100 AD and was occupied until the Spanish Conquest in the 16th century.
El Salvador, officially the Republic of El Salvador, is a country in Central America. It is bordered on the northeast by Honduras, on the northwest by Guatemala, and on the south by the Pacific Ocean. El Salvador's capital and largest city is San Salvador. The country's population in 2023 was estimated to be 6.5 million.
- Enjoy both a city and beach vacation. El Salvador is about 8000 sq miles (21,000 sq km) – roughly the same size as fellow Central American country Belize – yet highly ecologically diverse.
- But don’t miss out on volcanoes, forests and ruins. A national park with three volcanoes (El Boquerón), a forest reserve that’s a former battleground (Cinquera), a cobblestoned town (Suchitoto) and “the Pompeii of America” (Joya de Cerén) might get you to extend your trip to El Salvador to a whole week…or longer.
- Brace for higher prices during peak periods. Domestic travel spikes during the winter holidays, through the New Year, Holy Week (Easter) and the first week of August.
- Plan around the rainy season. Your best bet for clear skies and mud-free hiking is a visit during the dry season, from November through April. If you decide to throw caution to the wind (and drizzle) by visiting during the rainy season (May to October), pack a rain jacket, quick-drying layers and extra pairs of socks.
Oct 15, 2022 · El Salvador is a Central American country with a rich culture, long history and plenty of things to learn. With these 61 interesting facts about El Salvador, let’s explore more about its history, economy, people, tourism, volcanoes, culture and more…
Jan 12, 2024 · Worldwide, El Salvador is known for the tasty Pupusas, the excellent surf spots, President Nayib Bukele, the volcanoes, the warm beaches, Bitcoin, and safety. Regrettably, El Salvador is also famous worldwide for the controversial State of Exception, gangs, and violence.
