El Salvador: Overview and Key Facts

Introduction

• El Salvador is a Central American country, the smallest and most densely populated in the region.
• Traditionally reliant on agriculture, particularly coffee exports.
• The capital city is San Salvador.

Historical Context

• El Salvador was heavily involved in a civil war from the late 1970s to early 1990s.
• Post-civil war recovery was challenged by natural disasters like Hurricane Mitch (1998) and a major earthquake (2001).
• The 1992 UN-mediated peace accords played a crucial role in democratizing and stabilizing the country.

Geography

• Bounded by Honduras, the Pacific Ocean, and Guatemala.
• Entirely located on the Central American volcanic axis.
• Major geographic regions shaped by volcanic activity.

Relief and Drainage

• Central highlands dominated by active and dormant volcanoes.
• Two principal river systems: the Lempa River and the Rio Grande de San Miguel.
• Major lakes include Coatepeque, Ilopango, and Olomega.

Climate

• Tropical climate moderated by elevation.
• Distinct wet (May to October) and dry (November to April) seasons.

Demographics

• Population (2025 estimate): 6,366,000.
• Language: Official language is Spanish.
• Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic with a significant Protestant minority.

Ethnic Composition

• Predominantly mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European ancestry).

Urbanization

• Urban population: around 76% as of 2024.

Economy

• Transitioned from agriculture to service-dominated economy.
• Currency: U.S. dollar used as legal tender since 2001.

Government

• Republic with one legislative house (Legislative Assembly).

Culture

• Rich cultural milieu influenced by Indigenous and European heritage.
• National symbols include the maquilishuat tree and the izote flower.

Challenges

• Struggles with high crime rates, economic growth issues, and social inequality.
• Overcrowding and environmental degradation in highland regions.

Environmental Features

• Diverse plant and animal life, though less abundant due to extensive cultivation.
• Notable tree species: Balsa, maquilishuat.

Key Figures

• Current President: Nayib Bukele.

These notes provide an overview of El Salvador’s key historical, geographical, and cultural facts, along with current challenges and demographic trends. This information is essential for understanding the country's current socio-political environment and its historical context.